Feared by many, even loathed by some, snakes have an undeserved reputation, and of all our wild animals they have suffered negative anthropomorphism more than most. They are often portrayed, even in modern Western culture, as malicious, untrustworthy, devious, even evil creatures. This has been continually reinforced over millennia by children’s stories, myths and religious prejudice.  

Hostility to snakes goes way back as demonstrated in this depiction from 'history of St.Patrick'.

Although I’m a big fan of snakes, I understand that their unblinking eyes, flicking forked tongues and weird legless bodies, makes them strange beings; and for some people this is a little unnerving. Coupled with the way they effortlessly glide over the ground, they can appear almost unnatural—otherworldly, even. There is also no getting away from the fact that some species are venomous, fatally so in a few cases. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors, particularly those in warmer climates, had an understandable wariness of them, and this inherited instinct has been hard to shake-off.  However, I believe we should value snakes more and understand the important part they play in all our precious ecosystems.  

Apart from Antarctica, snakes are found on every continent, taking advantage of every kind of habitat, from the sun-blasted Saharan desert to the frozen Siberian tundra. They can be found in some surprising niches too, with fish-eating snakes on the high seas and bat-eating snakes in deep dark caves. With over 4,000 species, less than 500 are venomous, and of these only a handful are dangerous to humans. However, it appears snakes are in far more danger from humanity, with habitat loss, exotic pet trade, and ‘human-wildlife’ conflicts.   

In the UK we have three native species, although escapees are not uncommon, and a colony of European Aesculapian snakes has established itself in North Wales. Although, unlike our native snakes this species climbs trees!  

On the heathlands of England’s south-west counties, the smooth snake can still be found, but it is rare and difficult to see. The other two species are found throughout the UK mainland, and even a non-naturalist is likely to be familiar with the names grass snake and adder. Snakes never arrived in Ireland after the last ice age, being denied access by the defrosted Celtic Sea – or so some of us believe. Of course, a longer-standing theory has persisted, and it’s that Saint Patrick banished them. Animal evictions must have kept him very busy, as, along with numerous insect species, voles, moles, water shrews, common toads, tawny owls, and weasels are also absent from the Emerald Isle. 

Our most common species in Norfolk is the grass snake. They are typically greenish in colour, although they can also be quite brown. They all have a prominent yellow and black collar around the neck, and dark markings along their sides. Although found in meadows, rough-ground and woodland edges, their favourite habitat is near freshwater. In fact, they would be better named ‘water snake’. A large garden with a compost heap, some long grass and a pond makes an ideal home for a grass snake. They will eat snails, large insects, newts and frogs; but will happily tackle a mouse or young rat.     

The adder, or alternatively known by its Old English name, viper, is the UK’s only venomous snake. They are shy and retiring creatures that will readily move away from any human presence well before potential contact. Adders will only bite if they feel threatened or an attempt is made to pick them up. Like most things, however, common-sense needs to prevail, and it’s not wise to walk through heathland or woodland vegetation in open-toed sandals. Keeping your dog on the path, and on a lead will also lessen any risk. With ever-increasing human (and canine) pressure on our dwindling wild spaces, this is generally sound advice for lessening disturbance to other wildlife too. All UK native snakes are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

Although adders are less common than grass snakes, they can be found in a variety of habitats, although they tend towards dryer places, such as Norfolk’s dunes, heaths and woodlands. Most people see adders in the morning, as they bask in the warming sun, particularly pregnant females. They are quite a striking animal, with dark zig-zag patterning along their body, and an X or V marking on their head. The name viper, is derived from viviparous, meaning to ‘bear live young’ – and this accounts for the internal incubation in the warm sun. The female grass snake, some of which can grow to be four feet in length, lay a clutch of leathery-shelled eggs in a warm pile of vegetation, hence their liking for compost heaps.      

Snakes play a vital role in controlling populations of rodents, they contribute to biodiversity and help maintain an ecological balance. However, they are in serious and continuing decline, so whether it’s the Government’s proposed changes to planning rules, or the casual way some are willing to toss nature aside for ‘progress’, or even the unfounded and historical hostility towards snakes, the truth is, their loss is our loss.  

There is a lack of information about overall populations of adders in East Anglia, which is why Norfolk Wildlife Trust is currently working alongside Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Natural England and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation to find out more about adders, where they are and how we can help them to thrive. What is clearly understood is that maintaining and creating healthy habitats for wildlife, including snakes, enriches our lives and improves the natural environment for us all. Snakes, in some cultures, are associated with wisdom and intuition, so perhaps, just as a snake sheds its skin as it grows and develops, we can shed old habits and beliefs and start embracing the natural world.