Reptiles

• Don't try to touch, catch or trap it
• Use the chart and photos in the leaflet attached to identify it
• Snakes are timid and usually flee from people and pets
• Grass snakes and slow-worms, which are harmless, often visit gardens
• Adders, which are venomous but normally pose little threat, rarely occur in gardens
• It is illegal to kill or injure native snakes
• Contact the RSPCA or English Nature for more information

Reptiles and gardens

England is home to three species of snake (grass snake, adder and smooth snake) and three species of lizard (common lizard, slow-worm and sand lizard).  Reptiles should be appreciated and conserved because they are a natural part of our wildlife heritage, and play a role in natural ecosystems; reptiles also have particular cultural, historical, aesthetic and educational values.  All English reptiles have declined in numbers over the past few decades.

Reptiles sometimes live in gardens, or visit gardens during the course of their movements.  This may prove to be a positive experience for the householder, but sometimes the discovery of a reptile causes uncertainty or fear.

Why do snakes live in my garden?

Unless you have a very large garden with plenty of wildlife areas, it is unlikely that the snakes are actually resident.  It is much more likely that the snakes visit your garden in the course of their normal movements.  The more reptile habitat near to your house the more likely it is that you will have a reptilian visitor.

How can I attract reptiles to my garden?

• Leave areas of your garden to grow wild, but also retain some shorter areas of vegetation to allow basking 
• Construct log piles in sunny spots and reduce the height of shading trees, hedges or fences
• Ensure there is free entry at ground level around the edge of the garden
• Create rockeries, or banks with plenty of crevices in south-facing areas close to denser vegetation
• Maintain a grass cuttings heap or compost heap
• Dig a pond to encourage amphibians, which are an important prey source for grass snakes and leave some rough areas nearby to allow snakes to approach
• Leaving out wooden boards, roofing felt or corrugated iron sheets will help you find out if reptiles are using the garden as they will be used for basking on or taking refuge underneath

How long do reptiles live?

Many reptiles die within the first year of life, through predation or during hibernation.  Once they reach sexual maturity (generally after three to five years) a good proportion may live on up to around ten years.

When and where are reptiles active?

Reptiles generally emerge from hibernation in March and are active until October; some may be active later or earlier if weather permits.  Snakes can travel long distances, with grass snakes tracked over 2.5 miles.  Lizards seem to move much less, often occupying restricted areas.

What do reptiles eat?

Lizards feed on a range of invertebrates, including insects, spiders and molluscs.  Grass snakes feed largely on amphibians, while adders and smooth snakes prefer lizards and small mammals.  Fish and nestling birds are sometimes taken by snakes.

Related documents

Reptiles in your garden

Reptiles: guidelines for developers