Adders

[davetee]

I was fortunate enough to photograph some Adders, Grassnakes, Slow Worms and Sand Lizards in Dorset over the weekend, under the supervision of a snake expert. I would like to photograph more. Are there any good locations in the Essex area and what is the best way to approach them (especially Adders). I'll be on my own so I want to take all necessary precautions...help and advice very welcome.

Dave

[demicav]

Hi Dave. I'm not sure of sites in the area you've mentioned but I do see and photograph Adders regularly in Wales so know quite a bit about getting close to them (see my recent thread "Adders in Pwllheli 2008"). Basically they're a shy creature that would prefer to flee than to bite. I'm able to get very close even with my children in toe. The main advice I would give is to be extremely quiet and tread very gently around them. They know you're there long before it's the other way around. Try to stay down wind and avoid your shadow covering them on a bright day once they've been spotted. I crouch quite low to avoid this happening although on overcast days I'm able to get close from above also. If you're walking in a known Adder area and you're walking through long grass it may be best to wear boots or wellies covering your lower leg but this is only a precaution as they're unlikely to bite. More likely to get out of your way instead. For this reason I advise that in an Adder area unless you're walking carefully with eyes down I would walk normally and not cut back on noise. It gives any Adders in the area chance to get out of the way which they prefer to do. Good luck with your Adders and I would love to see some piccies.

[davetee]

Thanks...hopefully someone can point me to some good areas around here. When I've processed the stuff I did in Dorset I'll post some up here.

[Ukwildlifeo]

where abouts are you in Essex Dave? Its not a good idea to post adder locations online as there are some people that may harm them about, but I know a couple of possible locations, although I havent found them there myself

[davetee]

I'm in Harlow but I'm fairly mobile and visit some of the Essex reserves when I can. Although I photographed them over the weekend I don't have any experience of actually spotting/finding them.

[marvin]

hi dave

there are reptile sites close to you. contact your local amphibian and reptile group (arg) here ARG-UK - Amphibian & Reptile Group of United Kingdom and they will help.

tim

[davetee]

Thanks Marvin that's great!

Update:

Actually there is only one posting per year on the Essex group...I don't think it's that active.