eDNA for water frogs around Lynford Lakes, Norfolk

In 2025, putative marsh frogs have been sighted in water bodies near Ickburgh, Norfolk. This

species poses a significant threat to the Critically Endangered native northern pool frog through

disease transmission, competition, and hybridisation. Ickburgh is some 12km from the known

native pool frog population at Thompson Common.

The northern pool frog became extinct in the UK by the 1990s but has been successfully

reintroduced through a collaborative project led by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and

Natural England. Reintroductions began in Norfolk in 2005, with a second release at Thompson

Common from 2015-2021. Protecting these populations is critical to securing the future of this

rare amphibian.

A national contingency plan is in place to respond to an incursion of invasive non-native animal in England. Natural England is the lead agency responsible for the management response.

The proposed activity will use eDNA sampling to determine the extent of marsh frog

presence/absence across selected water bodies, starting near native pool frog habitats and

moving east to west to minimise disease risk. Outputs will include a spatial distribution map to

inform Natural England and partners on management control options.