Dr. Julia Wycherley MBE

It is with deep sadness that we inform friends of SARG that Julia Wycherley died with her family by her side on 9th September 2009, as a result of complications associated with the myasthenia gravis against which she had battled for many years. Julia was the bright spark and energy behind SARG since it was founded by her in 1987 and she was the major force behind the group. Her achievements were immense and broad-ranging, despite extreme illness in latter years.

She helped to create the County ARG-network, Pond Conservation charity, set-up over 30 toad-crossings in Surrey, dug numerous ponds (with help of Ralph, SARG and excavator drivers), conducted numerous surveys and was a mentor to so many.

Julia achieved a doctorate (D.Phil.) from the University of Sussex for distinguishing regional accents in green frogs, which lead to an instrumental role in the re-introduction of the Pool Frog in the UK; and last year received an MBE from the Queen and an honorary award from ARG(UK) in recognition of her work.

Julia will be missed by all - Rest In Peace.

The SARG Committee

"Earlier this month [September 2009] the herpetological community lost Julia Wycherley, who died in hospital. Her family was with her. Julia was a founder member of Surrey ARG, which with Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group, lays claim to be the first of the ARGs, established over twenty years ago. Surrey ARG continues to be a model group, always pushing ahead with herp recording, making the best use of amphibian and reptile records. Julia was co-author of Amphibians and Reptiles of Surrey, published by Surrey Wildlife Trust in 2001.

Julia’s particular interest in water frogs, led into her to research of green frog calls, for which she achieved a doctorate from the University of Sussex. Her research into bioacoustics contributed towards establishing native status of pool frog and Julia has been one of the key movers behind the pool frog reintroduction programme.

Julia has been a vigorous supporter of herps conservation. Her work was acknowledged with an MBE, and by an award from ARG UK, received at the HWM in 2008. This was the first time that ARG UK recognised the efforts of an individual in this way. Though perhaps not as widely recognised as an MBE, Julia said that it meant a lot to her as it was "from her peers".

Over the years Julia has been a friend and mentor to many other herp workers. She will remain with us through them."

John Baker - ARG UK