Introduction

The YHC is run by the Education Committee of the BHS. This Committee includes several teachers and herpetologists from a range of disciplines. Their combined talents offer an outstanding service to YHC members. Liaison with the other specialist Committees within the BHS has led to unrivalled opportunities for our membership, particularly in the fields of Conservation and Herpetoculture.

Many captive species have been bred by the YHC members and advice on captive husbandry is available by telephone and e-mail. Several members have appeared on television with their animals in recent years.

The YHC is regarded as more than 'just a hobby club' for young people. An increasing number of members have taken their interests into further education by studying zoology and environmental science related subjects. As well as offering some careers advice, the BHS Education Committee has been able to use its contacts to arrange 'work experience' for members at reptile establishments around the UK.

The Education Committee members have found working with the YHC extremely rewarding, as they guide members through their metamorphosis into tomorrows' caring herpetologists.

What do YHC members receive?

All Y.H.C. members are sent 4 copies of their own Newsletter a year. It is a 26 page, A5 size, colour magazine containing Y.H.C. news together with items of interest to both "Field" and "Home" herpetologists. Regular columns include "Media Watch", which reviews some of the latest T.V. programmes and stories in the press, and "Famous Herpetologists" which gives interesting information on those who have made outstanding contributions to herpetology. Y.H.C. members are encouraged to send in letters, articles and artwork to their magazine and to participate in regular competitions to win either £10.00 book tokens or copies of books reviewed in the Newsletter.

This is a smaller monthly publication sent to all members of both the Y.H.C. and the B.H.S. It contains the latest news together with letters and other items of general interest. The B.H.S. is not itself involved in the selling of animals however since many of its members do breed herps the Natterjack does provide a service whereby members only can list free of charge any animals or equipment that they may wish to sell on privately to other members.

Other events include field trips and regular meetings arranged around live animal presentations by experienced herpetologists.YHC members are also entitled to attend all BHS & other Affiliated Society meetings on production of their membership card.

By phone or e-mail you can get professional advice on conservation issues and herpetocultural problems any evening.

YHC members are entitled to free copies of all the information leaflets, produced by the BHS Conservation Officer.

This is a glossy, A4 size, colour publication sent out quarterly to all B.H.S. members. Y.H.C. members can subscribe to the Bulletin by paying an extra £10 on top of their basic Y.H.C. subscription. Although produced for the adult membership, much of the content is of interest and relevance to older YHC members. The Bulletin is published four times a year.

In the past, YHC members have:

Taken part in public displays and lectures.

Appeared in national newspapers and magazines.

Visited zoos for 'behind the scenes' guided tours.

Helped toads across roads.

Carried out conservation work to help rare reptiles and amphibians.

Taken part in survey work.

Raised money for conservation.

Appeared in childrens' BBC TV programmes.

Been interviewed on national radio and TV.

Bred reptiles and amphibians in captivity.

Found new friends with similar interests.

Been on field trips around the UK.

Met some of the country's leading herpetologists and internationally famous TV animal film producers.

Taken herpetological studies into their schools.

To join the YHC, please print this membership form, fill in your details, and send (with appropriate payment) to:

Mr. Trevor Rose

11, Strathmore Place

Montrose

Angus

DD10 8LQ