Reptilia

Our lists include three species of reptile: slow worm (Anguis fragilis), grass snake (Natrix helvetia) and adder (Vipera berus).

Grass snakes

All British reptiles hibernate, triggered by the declining temperatures and daylight hours some time in October. They leave hibernation around now, in March and April, as the temperature rises and the daylight hours lengthen.

Slow worms

We know that both slow worms and grass snakes breed in the reserve but we have no evidence yet that adders breed here although we live in hope. Being cold blooded, all three species bask in the sunshine on cold mornings. A south facing, sunny bank is the best place to see them.

Adder

If you spot any of these reptiles in the reserve, do let us know and, if you have your phone with you, please record its GPS coordinates.