Published: 21st January 2025

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) is starting the New Year with a prestigious award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The 18-month development grant* of £212,496 will support ARC to progress their plans to create education programmes centred around amphibian and reptile species, connecting young people to native wildlife and creating educational resources available for use across the UK.

The ambitious initiative, known as Hop Spots, will focus on regions with significant amphibian and reptile populations and habitats, including Merseyside, East Anglia and Dorset. The project is designed to address the growing disconnect between young people and nature, cultivating the next generation of conservation stewards, while raising awareness of the UK’s underrepresented and endangered native species.

Through a range of innovative activities, Hop Spots will:

• Provide Conservation Training: Empower young people with skills and resources to engage in species conservation and explore employment opportunities in the green sector.
• Reduce Barriers to Participation: Offer accessible volunteering opportunities, task days, and events to inspire action for nature, combat eco-anxiety, and enhance mental wellbeing.
• Promote Environmental Education: Deliver workshops, lessons, and resources to schools, colleges, and universities, ensuring every child in England has the opportunity to learn about the importance of native amphibians and reptiles.
• Create Networking Platforms: Connect young people with like-minded peers and professionals to foster collaboration and engagement in conservation efforts.

The initial phase will establish educational resources for under 26 year-olds in Merseyside, East Anglia, and Dorset, in partnership with key collaborators which include Green Sefton, Zoological Society of East Anglia, BCP Council and Forestry England.

"We are thrilled to launch this transformative project," said Owain Masters, Hop Spots Project Manager at ARC. "Hop Spots will empower children and young people to take meaningful action for nature, bridging the gap between conservation and education while inspiring a lifelong connection to the natural world."

For more information visit the Hots Spots! project page

This landmark initiative is made possible thanks to National Lottery Players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which continues to champion heritage and environmental projects across the UK. National Lottery Heritage Grants

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*Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. HopSpots has initially been granted round one development funding of £ £212,496 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £1,145,278