In the UK there are six native reptile species. Most commonly encountered are common lizard, grass snake, slow worm and adder, with the much rarer sand lizard and smooth snake having a more restricted distribution.
Key habitat used by reptiles includes rough grassland, woodland, heathland, sand dunes, railway embankments, hedgerows and even overgrown urban sites. Within these habitats, reptiles can be found basking in the sun in areas of exposed ground, and on logs, vegetation heaps and brick piles which they will also use to hide from predators (and surveyors!).
Timing Constraints
To determine whether a site supports reptiles, surveys are completed between April to September when the reptiles are active. Their activity levels are highly dependant on weather conditions, and surveys are carefully timed to avoid periods of very hot weather, strong wind and rain, with key survey months usually being April, May and September.
The Legal Bit
| The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) protects all six native UK reptile species, with the four common species receiving protection making it illegal to intentionally kill or injure a reptile. The two rarer reptiles (smooth snake and sand lizard) receive additional protection under this Act as well as through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, which make it illegal to deliberately or recklessly injure, kill, capture or disturb a rare reptile, or to damage or obstruct any place used for shelter or protection. |
Gray Ecology 