CGO Ecology is currently carrying out a reptile capture and translocation exercise in a large china clay quarry complex on the edge of Dartmoor. For centuries, china clay has been quarried in this corner of Devon, within a few miles of Plymouth, and the modern excavations are on a huge scale. China clay from Headon Quarry and neighbouring sites in the Cornwood area is renown for its quality, and has entered products as diverse as paper and protective tiles for NASA space shuttles.

Being on the edge of Dartmoor, the Headon/Hemerdon Quarry complex is set within a semi-natural landscape, with a 'wild' feel to it. Farmers graze the surrounding moorland and quarry tips with sheep and horses, a vista comprising wide expanses of acid grassland mottled with gorse and heather. Among the wildlife occupying these habitats are our four widespread reptile species (common lizard, slow-worm, grass snake, adder), and extant china clay permissions mean that any future extraction must be appropriately mitigated.

CGO Ecology has worked on several quarry extensions at Hemerdon/Headon since 2008, each one involving capture and translocation of several hundred reptiles - mainly common lizards, with a few grass snakes and adders, and surprisingly few slow-worms. The current capture/translocation programme is on an area of six hectares, which will see china clay extraction extend westwards. This area was mostly covered with gorse and short-sward grass until recent scrub clearance prior to reptile capture.

Meanwhile, former tipping activities elsewhere on site have become well-established with acid grassland, heather and gorse scrub - thus providing receptor opportunities. Work on reptile capture and translocation is currently taking place (weather-permitting), and will continue throughout April and May 2013.