Save Our Sand Lizards is a crowdfunding campaign run by a small team of passionate university students. It is in partnership with Beach Guardian, a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Cornwall, intent on protecting UK beaches and keeping them plastic free.
The aim of Save Our Sand Lizards is to inform the public about the unique and forgotten reptile species; the Sand Lizard, who are currently losing their home due to disturbance on the sand dunes. The crowdfunding campaign aims to raise £2000 to allow for habitat management work on the sand dunes to support this charismatic species. If this goal is reached it will be match funded by Making Space For Sand, a project encouraging natural and sustainable use of the coast, resulting in £4000 being raised.
The Sand Lizard is the rarest species of lizard in England and are a ‘European Protected Species.’ They can be found on the beautiful Cornish coast of Constantine Bay, Padstow, basking on the sand dunes from spring to summer and hibernating in the winter. Sadly, they are being driven out of their home due to human disturbance and the encroachment of Sea Buckthorn and brambles which shades dune slopes.
This results in limited open sand, which is needed for them to bask, lay eggs and burrow. Due to these threats, there is evidence of a declining population which has led to the species now being endangered in the UK. The lack of suitable nesting and basking sites is what Save Our Sand Lizards is aiming to tackle.
To provide a protected space for the sand lizard, the students are looking to clear scrub to allow the lizards to bask in the Cornish sun, free from disturbance. Additionally fencing will be installed to provide space for the species and limit the amount of people encroaching on their nesting sites. Signs will be installed to inform the public that Sand Lizards need limited disturbance to thrive in the sand dunes. Protecting this species is also protecting the sand dunes which are vital for minimising coastal flooding, ensuring Cornwall’s beautiful coastal towns are protected.
Planning permission granted for the UK’s first commercial geothermal lithium production facility based in Cornwall
Simply Mustangs UK Gears Up for Nationwide Charity Drive ending Here in Cornwall
Golf club raises over £11,000 for Cornwall child bereavement support charity
Brand new Cornwall Air Ambulance shop to open in Launceston
Class 175 trains to help Great Western Railway improve reliability across the network
Is your medicine cabinet more like a museum?
Final push to fund medical fit of second lifesaving helicopter
Tech Cornwall invites entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas at inclusive new Demo Night event
