Could This Be the End for Cornwall’s Sand Lizards? Students Race Against Time to Save Them

University students at Newquay University Centre Cornwall College have successfully surpassed their £2,000 crowdfunding target to help protect one of England’s rarest reptiles – the Sand Lizard. With just 20 hours left, their Save Our Sand Lizards campaign has raised £2,080, but the fight to safeguard these creatures is far from over.

🔗 Find out more and donate here: Save Our Sand Lizards

A Fight to Protect an Endangered Species

The Sand Lizard, a small reptile found at Constantine Bay, is under threat due to habitat loss. Listed as an Annex IV European Protected Species, its population is in decline, and conservation efforts have struggled without proper habitat management.

Constantine Bay, a popular spot for surfers, dog walkers, and visitors, is home to a fragile dune system that is rapidly deteriorating. The encroachment of Sea Buckthorn and Brambles, along with increased human activity, is disturbing the lizard’s nesting sites, putting them at serious risk.

What the Students Plan to Do

Working in partnership with Beach Guardian, the student-led project aims to raise awareness and implement practical measures to safeguard the lizard’s habitat. Their plan includes:

• Fencing off part of the dunes to create a protected basking and nesting area.
• Transplanting Marram grass from protected zones to areas where the grass is declining, helping stabilise the dunes and promote new growth.

With the crowdfunding deadline fast approaching, further donations could provide additional support to secure the future of the Sand Lizard in Cornwall.

🔗 Support the campaign here: Save Our Sand Lizards