Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2015 | Page 61

COUNTRY LIFE

Our six British reptiles
Gift to Nature is responsible for a variety of conservation sites
around the Island, it is their mission to not only care for the
Island’s wildlife but encourage everyone to get out and explore
our fantastic countryside.

T

here are six native species of reptile
in the UK but on the Island there
are only adders, slow worms, grass
snakes and the common lizard.
This is the time of year when reptiles
emerge from hibernation having spent
the winter months tucked safely in
frost-free places. Slow worms are
the reptile most people are likely to
encounter as these are often found
in gardens and allotments, tucked
under compost heaps or log piles. These
fascinating creatures are totally harmless
to humans and are legless lizards, not
snakes.
Common lizards feed on insects and
small snails and can be found in a range of
habitats including heathland, downland,
derelict sites or large gardens. Grass snakes

are non-venomous and can be found in
pastures, rough grassland, etc but will pay

occasional visits to gardens particularly if
they know a fish pond is there!
Adders are Britain’s only venomous
snake but they will only decide to bite as a
last means of defence if they feel under
threat and would much rather quietly
disappear if humans are present. Their
‘zigzag’ pattern is very distin 7F