Grass snakes and adders in cornwall

Matt1977 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 04:52 PM

Hi all. I was wondering if any of you guys knew anywhere in cornwall thats a hot spot for grass snakes and or adders i would love the opotunity to spots some in the wild i know it might be a tad early but it would be good to start looking somwhere now. Many thanks in advance

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 05:41 PM

Hi Matt have you tried asking your local Wildlife Trusts or visiting their sites
I personally am reluctant to give away sites and others may be to,

Matt1977 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 05:49 PM

no i will try that would love to see them in the wild. Do you have any tips of the type of places to look and best sort of times?

demicav · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt1977

no i will try that would love to see them in the wild. Do you have any tips of the type of places to look and best sort of times?

Heathland is a good place for Adders. I know there are plenty in the Newquay area. There is also perfect habitat for them at Lands End. In fact Cornwall has a very healthy population of Adders. I agree with nightshade in that people may be reluctant to give away sites due to the persecution of snakes by some. I'm very careful myself. I would contact your local wildlife trust about it definately. Adders will be emerging now, in fact some will bask even on sunny days in Winter. You must remember though that they know you're there before it's the other way around. They are very sensitive and will flee into a bush or the undergrowth before you have a chance to see them. I've seen them basking at all hours of the day but sometimes in the morning through to mid day is a good time.

As for Grass Snakes. I'm not as knowledgable about them but as far as I know they live and hunt usually around water, being that they're quite partial to a frog or two. They can also climb trees. Again I would contact your wildlife trust. Sometimes they ask for volunteers to take part in counts and such. Good luck.

Matt1977 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 06:21 PM

Thank you for your replys i can well understand people not wanting to give away the locations of sites, i keep a few pet snakes (not that id ever consider keeping any wild caught snake forign or british) and i know how hated they can be by some illinformed people, a real shame!! i shall contact some local wild life groups and see what happens i'll also try pot luck localy.

thanks again!!

Hare Krishna