Corn snakes in NE UK?

[Africa]

My daughter found a 1 m long snake skin on a large Holly trunk/branches in the local park yesterday (Pearson Park, Hull). The skin looks very fresh and I was quite impressed a snake could be out and about in the current arctic conditions we are suffering. A local ranger said it is not the first time members of the public have brought to their attention snake skins from the park and that the skin could be from a Corn Snake. Would it be possible for it to survive our climate?

[Dogghound]

In their native range they hibernate (brumate) in winter, and like adders they can become active on warm winters days, especially in sheltered areas. Could it not also be a Grass snake? although these tend to be far less active in colder spells.

[RED]

Many years ago my dad 'lost' a small corn snake.
I think it was about 6 months or so later it was found still alive, on the path outside his house having survived a winter.
However, being small (Maybe 30cm) it probably 'hibernated' under the house through an airbrick. It wouldn't be such an easy task for a 1m snake, but i'd imagine it is possible.

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

Wild Corn Snakes prefer habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, palmetto flatwoods and abandoned or seldom-used buildings and farms