A quick recap of this year’s hunt to see all our native reptiles whilst waiting for my arm to heal (using binoculars and cameras whilst suffering from a broken arm isn’t advisable.)
The Lizards
 Sand Lizard (male) at Higher Hyde Heath |
 Sand Lizard (male) at Higher Hyde Heath |
 Sand Lizard (female) at Higher Hyde Heath |
 Common Lizard at Higher Hyde Heath |
 Slow Worm (or Legless Lizard) at Arne |
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The Snakes
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 Grass Snake discovered whilst on a reptile ramble at Arne (RSPB) |
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Unless you’re extremely lucky the chances of finding a Smooth Snake entwined in some heather whilst walking across the Dorset Heaths is about the same as winning the lottery. Fortunately the RSPB have around 50 corrugated steel sheets lying around. These heat up in the early morning sunshine and attract the Smooth Snakes. The other 5 reptiles can be found relatively easily, assuming you’re patient and know where to look – likewise the introduced Wall Lizard. Although human deaths from Adder bites are rare it’s probably wise not to get too close. Likewise allowing Muttley to stick his nose into the vegetation growing alongside paths isn’t clever. |
Adder, Langton Matravers