London adders?

[tbalazs]

Does anyone know of reliable adder locations in or around London? Also, what is the best time of year for sighting them?
Thanks.
Tony.
(Corn snake-owning enthusiast).

[Deer Stalker]

Dont know any places around London but the best time of year is probaly spring time in the mornings when they have to do some sunbathing.

[eeyore]

Hampstead heath I think , according to EN adders are found at only four sites in greater london , it is thought that they have trouble crossing the M25 more info here Action Plan

[Paul mabbott]

There are plenty of adders in outer London (Epping Forest &c) but people tend not to talk about them because locals like to chop them up. For which reason I'm certainly not going to mention any sites ... I've not heard of any on Hampstead Heath.

[aeshna5]

I don't think there are any on Hampstead Heath, but believe there's a small population on Hounslow Heath, though you'd be lucky to find one there unless you knew where to look. A good place not far from London is Fingrinhoe Wick (Essex Wildlife Trust reserve), not far from Colchester, where I often see Adders in the spring, while Nightingales sing all around!

Warm spring days are good time to see them as they come out to bask + you may see males fighting or mating. Good luck for next year.

[tbalazs]

Thanks to everyone. Roll on next spring!

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by tbalazs

Thanks to everyone. Roll on next spring!

I have actually found them near Barking when surveying for the channel tunnel rail link I think..... Was a few years ago now though!!

[Adam Cheeseman]

There are only four sites in Greater London that have adders. Unfortunately not everyone is happy about them being there so I won't advertise where they are, sorry.

[demicav]

They can be spotted at any time through Spring or Summer if you know where to look BUT they are much easier to see in Spring when they are emerging from hibernation, they're more sluggish at this time and do a lot of basking to warm up. I saw a couple in Pwllheli last week which was great but in the same area in March/April I saw easily 10 or more daily. They get more elusive as the weeks go by. They are well worth the wait though.

[demicav]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

There are only four sites in Greater London that have adders. Unfortunately not everyone is happy about them being there so I won't advertise where they are, sorry.

I agree with you. I'm normally quite secretive myself about Adder sites.