Which reptiles do you find up North?

[Tranced]

Hello,

I was just wondering which reptiles are seen up North in the UK? I thought that the majority of Snakes/Lizards were found down South, so was surprised to see this photo from Druridge Bay, a beach/nature reserve some miles North of Newcastle and not too far from the Scottish boarder.

What type of lizard is this? and how far North do reptiles usually go in the UK? I had no idea this could be at all common up North, but there are obviously a population of said lizard.

Lizard at Druridge Bay on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Lizard at Druridge Bay on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Lizard at Druridge Bay on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[marvin]

hi

that is a common lizard. it does seem surprising doesn't it, but slowworms, common lizards and adders are widespread even in scotland. grass snakes struggle that far north though and there are no confirmed recent reports of any in scotland that i am aware of.

adders can be found north of the arctic circle and they can tolerate pretty low temperatures. male adders are reliably out of hibernation by the middle of february in most parts of england and i have seen them this spring in air temps of around 7/8 deg c. in england common lizards have been sighted in every month of the year although it is rare for them to be out in november, december and january.

sept is usually a good time to see reptiles. temps are cooler in the middle of the day and there are more reptiles around because most of the new borns are still alive and not always as cautious as the adults. so you've got a chance of seeing some this year if you know where to look.

hope this helps.

tim

[Jonners]

I would say that's a Common Lizard. We found one on the North Yorks Moors back in August, and I was quite surprised.
They can be quite variable in their colouration - this one was quite green.

[The Woodman]

Young Common Lizards seen in Northumberland two weeks ago.

We have them, Slow Worms, Adders and Grass Snakes in Cumbria, pretty much widespread where the habitats right for them.

[Dogghound]

Stacks and stacks of Reptiles on the North York Moors. Adder, Slow worm and Common lizard. Grass snakes are more localised but still present.