Common lizard Lacerta Zootoca vivipara

The best way to see reptiles in Norfolk is to join one of the special guided walks organised by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. These guided walks will take you to the best sites for reptile spotting within the county and you will have the services of an expert on hand.

Other sites that are generally rich in reptiles include the heathland areas of north and north-west Norfolk including the NWT reserve at Roydon Common, the dune systems of north-east Norfolk between Waxham and Horsey, and Broadland where NWT has nature reserves at Ranworth Broad , Hickling and Upton Fen.

Picture by Elaine Payne

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.

Picture by Duncan Westlake