13 Years Gone - Herpetofauna Workers Meeting, 31st January and 1st of February, 2026

It has been13 long years since a meeting of herpetile-related workers was hosted by a Scottish venue. Glasgow was the destination for like-minded participants to discuss current, UK and wider, herpetile conservation topics.

Amphibian and reptile conservation (ARC) and Amphibian and Reptile Group (ARG) put on a fantastic event over a short couple of days. Informative and entertaining talks and workshops filled the ever-busy Crowne Plaza Hotel suites. Social meetings were also in attendance before, during and after each day.

The presentation regarding rewilding, of certain 'native' herpetile species to the UK, could definitely spark some heated debates. Efforts to put herpetofauna first was the main aim of each talk. Updates of heroic endeavours and projects, to build awareness and protection of the current status of UK native and UK overseas territory species, was another explored area.

Building UK herpetile-friendly habitats was also high up in the agenda with clear communication made to contract officials and local authorities. Outside of the UK, concerns over the common lizard in Wallonia, Belgium were also presented.

Various workshops were held to form further conversation around certain matters. These were genetics in herpetile conservation, importance of young voices within herpetology, developing amphibian-friendly landscapes and modernising the Great Crested Newt Habitat. Groups were formed and cooperation took place to provide solutions to problems that these wonderful animals face. It also provided empowerment to the workers that strive to make a greater change of their environment.

Any other time was spent socialising and rejuvenating through food and beverage. A lavish buffet was unfurled with free cups of coffee and tea available to all. Contacts were made in-between sips and friendly banter was had.

Jonathan Cranfield (director of Herpetological Ltd) stated on LinkedIn: "It was a great meeting all round. I am thinking of putting together some info graphics of the first day of talks and workshops. I have been going to HWM for over 25 years. Things have changed for sure and some remain the same."

There are positive signs to say advances are being made each year to build a better community for herpetiles to thrive. Whether this can be felt equally by others, in the wider public, is another story. Does society even care about the 6 native species of herpetiles as much as we do? Even with recent wildlife conservation legislation being put in place? Have they ever seen them or even know that they exist? Questions raised may provide stumbling blocks but meetings like the above, will garner support by attendance and word-of-mouth.