FROGS, toads and newts — people of all ages with a passion for ponds will get the chance to go in search of these amphibians and other pond life when The Garden House at Buckland Monachorum hosts a special free event on Saturday.

Held in partnership with the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC), families and enthusiasts of all ages can join expert Nicky Green for the pond life experience.

The event is part of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 'Helping Hands for Heritage' Project, which aims to increase opportunities for volunteering across a whole range of events it has commissioned the DBRC to organise until April 2016 – thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Organisers say the survey represents a great chance for people to learn about the importance of ponds and how to identify the many amphibians that make them their home.

But more importantly it will also equip them with the skills they will need to carry out other pond surveys across the Tamar Valley AONB and help in the collation of valuable data that will be used by DBRC for an up to date record of pond life — and to assist in future pond management.

Nick Haworth, head gardener at The Garden House, said: 'The DBRC plays a pivotal role in monitoring and maintaining the incredible landscape of Devon that we at The Garden House are so proud to be a part of.

'We have an amazing array of amphibians and other pond life and this survey will make for a very enjoyable, as well as hugely important, event in terms of helping to contribute to the DBRC's vital work.'  

Events like these play a crucial part in the DBRC's role to collect, manage and make available comprehensive wildlife records from across the county, via a database of more than three million records.

Hosted by Devon Wildlife Trust, it is one of a national network of Local Environmental Records Centres in the UK which has been providing invaluable information about wildlife for more than 15 years, updating 2,000 to 5,000 records every month!

But as the organisation is run on a 'not for profit' basis, it relies on both funding and the enthusiasm of volunteers to take part in surveys that will help to safeguard the future of the environment and the rich and diverse wildlife that make it their habitat.

The pond life survey will be carried out between 9.30am and 3pm and a free lunch will be provided.

Numbers are limited, so people wishing to take part must register by calling 01822 835030 or alternatively, email [email protected]">[email protected].

Anyone wishing to take part is advised to dress for the weather and wear wellies.