ACD Ecology discovered that reptiles were living in the area where the new development will be built, so they approached countryside services to see if Barford Road Pocket Park could help. Wildlife surveys were carried out and common lizards and grass snakes were found to be using the park. Luxury wildlife homes called hibernaculas have now been built which are ideal for these species.
Ranger Matt Hall said: “Hibernaculars are structures built out of rotting hardwood logs, rubble and soil. They provide a fantastic dark, damp site for reptile species to breed, feed and hibernate. The chance to have these structures and a larger population of harmless reptiles in the park is fantastic news and will really increase the parks biodiversity. Common Lizards are quite a rare species in this area, but we have established that there are small colonies in the park which, as a result of this project, will hopefully be increased. These hibernaculas will also be good hibernating ground for frogs and toads.”