Get Wild This June: Amphibian and Reptile Ideas for 30 Days Wild

By Owain Masters, Hop Spots Project Manager 

May 29, 2026 

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June means longer evenings, warmer weather, and more opportunities to connect with nature, which is why we are big fans of The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild campaign.

The idea is simple: do one wild thing every day throughout June. Whether that is noticing wildlife on a walk to school or work, building a habitat in your garden, or learning something new about the nature around you, every small action helps people feel more connected to nature.

Here at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, our national education programme for England, the Hop Spots project, has 3 overarching themes: to Connect with, to Learn about and to Act for amphibians and reptiles, and June is a great month all of these. Tadpoles are becoming froglets, ponds are brimming with life, and reptiles will spend the morning basking in sunshine, getting the warmth they need for the day.

If you are looking for inspiration, here are a few amphibian and reptile themed activities to try during 30 Days Wild:

Connect with Amphibians and Reptiles

Connecting with nature does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it is simply about slowing down, noticing wildlife around you, and spending time outdoors:

Visit a pond

Ponds are one of the best places to experience wildlife up close. Sit quietly for ten minutes and see what you notice: pond skaters, dragonflies, frogs, newts, and perhaps even a hunting grass snake.

Attend an amphibian and reptile event

Environmental charities, along with places like public gardens and local councils, run events across the country. These range from family-friendly pond dipping sessions to conservation volunteering focused on habitat management.

A family who attended one of our pond dipping sessions at Leeson house, Dorset. Activities like this allow everyone to explore and appreciate the important ecosystems around us. <Photo: ARC>.

Make wild art

Nature crafts are a fun way to connect with wildlife. Try making reptile collages from natural materials, sketching a frog, or simply doing some colouring in.

You can find out about ARC’s events and get hold of ARC’s colouring sheets using the links below:

Events | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Education | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Learn about Amphibians and Reptiles

Learning more about wildlife can help us better understand the species living around us and why they matter.

Learn your species

Could you tell the difference between a common frog and a common toad? Or a grass snake and an adder? June is a brilliant time to improve your wildlife identification skills.

Go on a froglet hunt

June is often the perfect time to spot tiny froglets emerging from ponds. Look carefully around pond edges, damp grass, and shady areas, look closely to see how they develop, but remember to watch where you step.

Spot a reptile

In some areas of the UK, you might be lucky enough to spot lizards basking in the sunshine. If you know they are in the area, look at raised verges, fences, rocks and other surfaces that hold warmth, see if you can work out what species it is, but keep your distance to avoid disturbing them.

Record your sightings

Every wildlife record helps build a better picture of how species are doing. If you spot an amphibian or reptile, consider recording it to help us learn more about them on a national scale.

You can learn about the UK’s amphibian and reptile species and how to record your sightings using the links below:

Training courses | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Garden Dragon Watch | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Act for Amphibians and Reptiles

Small actions can make a real difference for wildlife. Creating habitats, volunteering, and supporting conservation all help amphibians and reptiles thrive.

Build a mini wildlife pond

Even a small container pond can provide valuable habitat for frogs, toads, newts and the insects they feed on. A washing-up bowl, old planter, or half barrel can quickly become a mini wetland full of life.

Create a log pile

Log piles provide shelter for amphibians and reptiles, as well as insects and fungi. Stack logs, branches, and leaf litter in a quiet corner and let nature move in.

Make a toad shelter

Old tiles formed into a cave, or flowerpots turned on their side in long grass, can provide cool, damp hiding places for amphibians.

Let your garden be a little messy

Piles of brash, log piles and longer grass create shelter and hunting areas for amphibians and reptiles. Even a small wild corner can quickly become valuable habitat.

Volunteer for wildlife

From pond restoration to reptile surveys, there are many ways to get involved in practical conservation work. Volunteering is also a brilliant way to learn new skills and meet people who care about nature. Head to our Volunteer page for more information.

A patch of UK based heathland - This is the type of habitat you can help ARC maintain to ensure the survival of our most delicate species <Photo: Adobe Stock>.

Support a wildlife charity

Wildlife charities across the UK rely on people to volunteer, raise funds and campaign. If you would like to help spread the word about the importance of amphibians and reptiles, while supporting conservation work, there are lots of ways to help.

You can find out about making habitats at home, managing habitats at scale and fundraising to wildlife using the links below:

Gardens & ponds | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Volunteering with ARC | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Fundraising for us | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

30 Days Wild reminds us that nature does not have to be far away or complicated. Small moments outdoors can help us feel happier, calmer, and more connected to the world around us.

This June, why not join the challenge and make room for a little more wild in your everyday life?

You can find out more about 30 Days Wild on The Wildlife Trusts website.

Hop Spots 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. We are also deeply grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund, the New Forest Trust, Chapmans Trust and the Bonhomie Trust, whose valuable contributions have furthered ARC's educational programmes.