How can I attract reptiles to my garden?
Of the four species of reptile occurring in Norfolk only two,the grass snake and slow worm are likely visitors to your garden.
The other two species, the adder and common lizard, are creatures of more open and undisturbed habitat such as heathland and only rarely visit gardens. Even then it is likely that the garden in question adjoins an area of suitable countryside.
If you wish to attract slow worms or grass snakes you will need to keep some areas of your garden undisturbed and uncultivated. Unkempt areas of long grass, wild areas of scrub and hedgerow with plenty of undergrowth and other nooks and crannies, such as provided by log piles, would be ideal. A compost heap is particularly useful since both slow worms and grass snakes will inhabit these either to feed on the abundant slugs and worms or to lay their eggs. A garden pond is also of great value to grass snakes because it provides ideal habitat for them to hunt frogs and newts.
If you are lucky enough to see any reptiles in your garden you should report sightings to
the National Amphibian and Reptile Records Scheme (NARRS) so that distribution and population trends can be monitored.
What reptiles can I see in Norfolk?
Four of the six UK reptiles occur in Norfolk the exceptions being the smooth snake and the sand lizard which are largely confined to the heathlands of southern Britain.
The reptiles you can see are:
Adder. The adder is a quite common species in Norfolk and can sometimes be disturbed from areas of heathland, dune systems or woodland glades especially during early spring when they are reviving from their winter hibernation or are engaged in courtship.
Grass Snake. These are quite common, especially on or near wetlands where they will hunt for frogs, newts and other such prey. Broadland has a large population and the best time to see them is on warm early spring days.
Slow-worm. These ‘legless lizards’ are not very common in Norfolk. They do occupy a variety of habitats but prefer grassy meadows, woodland margins and open fields. They can also sometimes be found in gardens.
Common (or Viviparous) Lizard. These reptiles are very common and widespread in Norfolk. They are best looked for on sunny days basking on fenceposts and other exposed objects.
What is the difference between an adder a grass snake and a slow worm?
THE ADDER
The adder is found on heathland, dry commons and in sunny clearings in woodland. The basic colour is variable, ranging from off white through to brown, but whatever the colour the distinguishing feature is the wide, dark zigzag stripe running along the back. This stripe is usually flanked by a row of spots running along each side.
The adder has a distinct "V" or "X" shaped marking on the head and the eye has a pupil with a vertical slit. Adders appear quite chunky and males can reach a length of up to 60cm, females up to 75cm.
GRASS SNAKE
Grass snakes are usually found in wetland habitats. The basic colour is olive green and there is a distinct yellowish/off-white and black collar around the neck. There are dark side markings along the whole length of the snake.
The grass snake has an eye with a round pupil. The grass snake has a quite slim appearance and is the largest indigenous UK reptile. Males can reach a length of up to 100cm and females up to 130cm.
SLOW WORM
Slow worms are very secretive creatures but can be found in a variety of habitats including gardens.
The slow worm has a colour which varies from light or dark brown through to brick red but they are far less well marked than the adder or the grass snake.
Males and females show marked differences when fully grown. Females very often have a thin dark stripe running along the length of the back and the flanks are speckled and striped with dark brown or black. Adult males are more uniform in colour and occasionally have very distinct blue spots. Length of both sexes is between 40 - 45cm.
Are snakes harmful?
The adder is the only venomous snake that can be found in Norfolk. It mainly inhabits areas of open heath and sand-dunes but can be found in woodland and is particularly active in spring and early summer.
Adders are very shy and retiring creatures that will readily move away from any human presence well before potential contact. Adders will usually only bite if an attempt is made to pick them up but their bite is rarely fatal. If you or somebody with you is bitten it is very important that you stay calm and seek immediate medical attention. If possible the affected body part should be immobilized. Symptoms that may occur include dizziness, vomiting and swelling.
Adder bites can sometimes, though rarely, be fatal to pets and care should be taken when walking dogs through likely habitat particularly in March and April when the snakes are recently emerged from hibernation and may be slower to move out of harms way.
It should be stressed that you are very unlikely to encounter an adder and that if you do you should not try to handle or provoke them in any way. Adders are protected under the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to kill, harm or injure them or to sell or trade them in any way.
Surveying amphibians and reptiles - How do we find out what amphibians are present in a wider area?
The best times to survey reptiles are in the morning (between 8.30 – 11am) and in the late afternoon/early evening (between 4 – 6.30pm), when they will most likely be basking in favoured locations. In peak summer, when temperatures are high, the period during which reptiles will bask is likely to be shorter than in the cooler spring months because they will take less time to warm up.
Surveying dry habitats requires stealth and patience. Reptiles are well camouflaged and secretive, so to catch sight of them is not easy. A key to success will be familiarity with your survey area and prior identification of the likely hot-spots.
For maximum success and efficiency your visits should coincide with the most suitable conditions. Move slowly and quietly using light steps over the terrain, stopping frequently to scan the ground in front and to the side of you. Try to position yourself in relation to the sun to ensure your movements do not throw shadows onto hot-spots, which could alarm the creatures before you are able to see them. Do not lose heart if you fail to see anything to begin with – your success rate will improve over time as you gain experience and ‘get your eye in’.
Safety first
Adders are venomous, but will usually only bite if an attempt is made to pick them up. Their bite is rarely fatal but symptoms that may occur include dizziness, vomiting and swelling. If you or somebody with you is bitten whilst surveying reptiles you should:
· Stay calm.
· Seek immediate medical attention.
· If possible, immobilise the affected body part.
You can find a survey form here.
Surveying amphibians and reptiles - How do we find out what reptiles are present in a wider area?
Use survey form f.
The best times to survey reptiles are in the morning (between 8.30 – 11am) and in the late afternoon/early evening (between 4 – 6.30pm), when they will most likely be basking in favoured locations. In peak summer, when temperatures are high, the period during which reptiles will bask is likely to be shorter than in the cooler spring months because they will take less time to warm up.
Surveying dry habitats requires stealth and patience. Reptiles are well camouflaged and secretive, so to catch sight of them is not easy. A key to success will be familiarity with your survey area and prior identification of the likely hot-spots.
For maximum success and efficiency your visits should coincide with the most suitable conditions. Move slowly and quietly using light steps over the terrain, stopping frequently to scan the ground in front and to the side of you. Try to position yourself in relation to the sun to ensure your movements do not throw shadows onto hot-spots, which could alarm the creatures before you are able to see them. Do not lose heart if you fail to see anything to begin with – your success rate will improve over time as you gain experience and ‘get your eye in’.
Safety first
Adders are venomous, but will usually only bite if an attempt is made to pick them up. Their bite is rarely fatal but symptoms that may occur include dizziness, vomiting and swelling. If you or somebody with you is bitten whilst surveying amphibians and reptiles you should:
- Stay calm.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- If possible, immobilise the affected body part.
(Surveying amphibians and reptiles)
Surveying amphibians and reptiles - How do I make an artificial refuge for carrying out a survey?
Different methods should be used for surveying amphibians and reptiles. Perhaps the best method of surveying reptiles is to provide a number of artificial refuges; pieces of corrugated iron, roofing felt, plywood, roofing tiles (Norfolk pantiles will work well) or squares of old carpet can be place in the areas you judge most likely to attract basking reptiles, such as woodland edges or grassy banks. The refuges work by providing a safe, predator-free shelter which absorbs heat and allows the animals to warm up quickly.
Refuges should be placed about 100 metres apart and left for a couple of weeks before they are checked so that the reptiles can get used to using them without disturbance. When checking for reptiles it is recommended you wear a thick pair of gloves (in case adders are present) or even use a stout stick or cane. Carefully lift up the cover to a vertical position, being alert for any movements beneath. Always replace the refuge in exactly the same position.
Top tips for using refuges:
- When on private land be sure to obtain prior permission from the landowner to use refuges.
- Avoid using refuges in areas which are likely to be frequented by lots of people.
- Give each refuge a number to clearly record its location.
- Place refuges in sunny locations.
- Do not comstruct your refuge from brightly coloured or shiny materials; they may attract undesirable attention.
- Ensure that you remove the refuges at the end of the survey period.
Use Survey Form F to record your findings.
Safety first
Adders are venomous but will usually only bit if an attempt is made to pick them up. Their bite is rarely fatal but symptoms that may occur include dizziness, vomiting and swelling. If you or somebody with you is bitten you should:
- Stay calm.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- If possible, immobilise the affected body part.
What are the best reptile hot-spots?
- Sand dunes
- Forest rides and glades
- Woodland edges
- Brash piles
- Manure/compost heaps
- Railway cuttings and embankments
- Rough grass, for example as found in churchyards and allotments
- Commons and heaths
- Marshy ground and bogs
- Dykes, tracks and path edges