STUDENTS had a glimpse into the world of amphibian and reptile conservation during a visit by the area officer of a national charity.

Mandy Cartwright visited Ysgol Treffynnon to talk to year 10 students about the wildlife that exists in the local area and the fascinating work of conservationists.

A former student of Holywell High School (as it was previously called) in the nineties, Mandy began volunteering for a variety of conservation organisations about ten years ago and has since held various roles within conservation organisations in North East Wales.

To develop her knowledge in environmental conservation, she has studied for a variety of qualifications, from the use of machinery in undertaking habitat management to conducting ecological surveys.

For the past four and a half years she has worked for the North Wales arm of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) Trust.

A major part of her role has involved co-ordinating the project to re-introduce the rare natterjack toads into the sand dunes at Talacre.

Mandy brought a selection of slow worms, toads, frogs, and palmate newts to show the students and spoke to them about a number of re-introduction programmes, the different species that are present in the UK and how to identify them.

She said: “I have always had an appreciation for amphibians from an early age when I would be out playing and trying to find tadpoles, toads and frogs.

"I find amphibians and reptiles fascinating to study and every day we learn new things about them.

"It’s great to be able to come back to school and share with students the work I am so passionate about.

"Hopefully it will inspire them to get outdoors into the natural environment and discover more about the incredible wildlife around them, in all its forms.”

Matthew Warwick, biology teacher, organised the visit after signing up as a volunteer himself.

He said: “It was great for the students to meet Mandy.

"As someone from the local area, she was able to tell them when and where to spot different species and I think she has really helped to develop their interest in conservation.

"Her talk also highlighted to the students that the area they live in is very important to biodiversity here in the UK.

“The students are all keen to find out more and I’m hoping this visit will encourage some of them to volunteer too.”