Conservation & Ecology


Adder (Vipera beris) ©Benny Trapp


basking, foraging and hibernation (about 15% of adults and 40% of juveniles die during hibernation) - as well as to offer some protection from predators and human harassment. Adders are found in various habitats;


complexity being essential for the different aspects of its behaviour, including chalky downs, rocky hillsides, moors, sandy heaths, meadows, rough commons, edges of woods, sunny glades and clearings, bushy slopes and hedgerows, rubbish dumps, dunes and stone quarries. It will venture into wetlands if dry ground is available nearby and can, therefore, be found on the banks of streams, lakes and ponds. Their range extends across England, Wales


and Scotland, but are absent from Ireland. Indeed, there are no snakes to be found in


the Emerald Isle, apparently because St. Patrick chased them out!


Grass snake (Natrix natrix)


Grass snakes are similar in size to adders, but with a more slender body. They vary in colour from green to brown with a characteristic yellow collar behind the head that makes then easily distinguishable. They are non-venomous. Their diet consists almost exclusively of


amphibians, especially the common toad and the common frog, although they may also occasionally eat ants and larvae. Grass snakes are strong swimmers and


may be found close to fresh water, although they do not need bodies of water throughout the entire season. Their preferred habitat is open woodland and fringes such as field


margins and woodland borders, as these offer adequate refuge while still affording ample opportunity for thermoregulation through basking. Pond edges are also favoured and the relatively high chance of observing this secretive species in such areas may account for their perceived association with ponds and water and gives rise to their alternative name of Water snake. As spring approaches, the males emerge


first and spend much of the day basking in an effort to raise body temperature and thereby metabolism. This may be a tactic to maximise sperm production, as the males mate with the females as soon as they emerge, which is generally two weeks later. The females lay leathery-skinned eggs in


batches of eight to forty in June and July and these hatch after about ten weeks. To


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