Adders

[vinnychameleon]

Does anyone know the best way to see Adders?

[Boddie]

On the TV, and even then I get the willies

[fezly]

I would say that the best time of year to see adders is in the spring, summer and early autumn, at the moment they will all be tucked up in their holes resting for the winter. Where I live in Surrey I've always found that the best place to spot them is on heathland as it provides a good habitat for them. One thing to note is that you must be exceptionally quiet as you approach them otherwise they will slither off into the undergrowth, possibly the best time would be early morning when they are sunning themselves.

[cherrybee]

Originally Posted by Boddie

On the TV, and even then I get the willies

yes I think I would rather see them on TV Andrew
A very warm welcome to WAB fezly

[fezly]

cheers cherrybee, at last somewhere to discuss my interest in the natural world.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

Does anyone know the best way to see Adders?

Late March/early April is the best time to see them as they have only just emerged from hibernation and take a wjile to warm up. They can be found on a particular spot that enables them to do this. Heathlands are the easiest and most reliable sites generally. Later on in the year and they are normally too active to appreciate their markings.

Cheesr,

Adam

[GuyF]

If you're not having any luck the New Forest Reptile Centre is a very nice place to visit. It has all the native reptiles in very life like enclosures. Otherwise most heathland is good, New Forest, Dorset Heathland, Surrey.
GuyF

[Gue Jam Fowsid]

Early in the spring is good as fezly said. Also later late summer when the gravid females are sunning themselves to keep their young warm.

I have found that when looking for these maginificent beasties you should tread carefully. If you do scare one off you can wait in the same area quietly for maybe around 15-20 minutes and they usually return to the same spot. I remember scaring off about four juveniles that were basking together and they all eventually came back. I kept very still! That was on Anglesey, North Wales.

I now see them often in Surrey. Chobham Common, Bagmoor Common, Nower Wood..... mainly heathland. A sunny and wind free day would be best. Good luck.