Adders In South East Kent

Twizzle · #1 (**permalink**) 18-12-2006, 08:57 PM

Hi all
I gues im just the newest member on here. Can anyone give me any good locations in South East Kent to find Adders. I have been doing a lot of study and if my homework is right its just a point of putting in the effort to get to see these fanatastic snakes. I can find plenty of Slowworms and grasss snakes but no Adders. Waiting patiently for the spring.
Thanks in advacne and Happy Xmas to all
Regards
Twizzle

yellowhammer · #2 (**permalink**) 18-12-2006, 09:06 PM

Hello Twizzle & welcome to WAB!

As for adder sites, don't be insulted if people don't give out site details on an open forum like this. Your best bet would be to get hold of the lovely people at KRAG - Kent Reptile & Amphibian Group -

at About Kent Reptile & Amphibian Group

Join up with them and Bob's your uncle.

If you want to look on your own, find a south-facing bank with cover and a few basking spots either on downland or at a woodland edge at have a look. I wouldn't bother this week though...

Hope this helps

cheers,

Ian

Twizzle · #3 (**permalink**) 18-12-2006, 09:22 PM

Thanks Ian

I thought that like minded people would be willing to help others to find wildlife but i do agree there is a bad element that would possibly destroy their habitat. I did send an e mail to KRAG. I think they work a bit further afield where all the best sites are. I have a couple of sites listed but thought i could possibly get some confirmation. I have downloaded Google Earth to view a couple of places and that has given me a lot of info about the area. I guess i am just going to have to try for myself. I did this with Badgers and found them, all be it a little too late in the year. I am interested to see the snakes, photograph them and take note of numbers seen to compile records for future years. The quest is on. Roll on March.
Cheers
Twizzle

yellowhammer · #4 (**permalink**) 19-12-2006, 07:32 PM

Good stuff. I'd start trying on nice days at the end of February down your way and try this:

National Biodiversity Network Gateway

for site data. Let us know how you get on

cheers,

Ian

Twizzle · #5 (**permalink**) 19-12-2006, 08:09 PM

Hi Ian

Thanks for that link. I will see what it comes up with the sites that i have located already.
Thanks again.

Twizzle (Malc)

Twizzle · #6 (**permalink**) 27-12-2006, 03:43 PM

HI Ian
I have tried all sorts with that webb site you gave me - National Biodiversity Network Gateway. Some very old records on there and as i suspected as soon as the species started to become endangered no records were posted. I have been out for a full day inspecting two sites which look very promising and from that had spoken to a farmer and located a third site to investigate. Obviously not looking for the Adders at this time of year but looking at access and terrain for when the hunt is on. The farmer we spoke to does not like Adders but invited us back in late Spring and he will show us where they are. It just goes to show if put the effort in and take the time to speak to local people you can build a good picture.
Regards
Twizzle

yellowhammer · #7 (**permalink**) 27-12-2006, 07:11 PM

Nice one Twiz. Sounds like you're on the right track - if they're about I should think you'll find 'em. It's worth remembering that adders have discrete summer areas separate from the hibernacula so if someone tells you they're present in a certain area find out the time of year they were seen. On my main site a perfect-looking bank (with tins on it) is heaving with adders from March until July then they're never in site. All I've got to do now is find out why...

Equally, another spot in a woodland clearing about half a mile away has adders all through the season but the individuals change as the summer goes on. I photograph their head markings & scale patterns to ID the little wrigglers so that may be something to think about.

Also please don't take this the wrong way but don't handle them. I'm not judging your abilities or your motives for finding them but I've seen it before - as an adder can give you a nasty nip inexperienced handlers are often nervous and can hurt the snake, by gripping it too hard or whipping their hands about if they think the adder's even looking at them funny. If you want to pick up a snake go out with KRAG or get yourself a pet - something quick & bitey.

A texas rat snake or black racer should do the trick

If you can handle that with out getting tagged, you're ready!

Please take this in the spirit with which it was intended. I don't want to see a snake hurt, an hysterical local newspaper article or you getting bitten, that's all

cheers,

Ian

Twizzle · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 03:56 PM

Hi Ian

Thanks for the reply. Hope you had a good xmas and Happy New Year to you.
I certainly won't be handling the Adders thats for sure. My philosophy with photographing wildlife is as follows. If i can get the shot without disturbing the animal or its habitat then that shot was not meant to be. If not, there is always another day and another good excuse to visit that site again. I am the same when i go Badger watching, only ound the set last yar so haven't attempted photos yet as i wanted to see what the animals behaviour was like first. An incredible sight that i want to repeat many times.
I too am puzzled by the adders being in one spot for so long and then disappearing and also the individual snakes either taking on different morphes or being replaced by others.
I managed to get a confirmation of Adder sightings within 25 miles of my location. I looked on a webbsite and the person who took the shot had left the location in the description. Not the sort of thing i would expect form a wildlife photographer of protected species these days. Anyway that is one site i will be going to very shortly to survey the area before we go looking at the appropriate time.
Thanks for all the info Ian.

Regards
Malc (Twiz)

calumma · #9 (**permalink**) 23-01-2007, 04:47 PM

Twiz,

I am the chairman of the Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group (KRAG). If you are interested in going out with experienced recorders to observe adders, I strongly suggest that you consider joining KRAG. Membership details are on this page. There will be several field-trips this year to sites in SE Kent that support adder. We also have keen surveyors who undertake lots of survey work around Folkestone and Dover.

Please note that we do not usually give out site information to people who contact us by email.

Lee

Twizzle · #10 (**permalink**) 23-01-2007, 10:11 PM

Hi Lee

Thats a great help many thanks. I will get on to that right away. I can understand not giving out sites but it is a shame and i guess not everyone has the same interest at heart. Its a bad world we live in but i soon find the good out in the wild. Looking forward to a very busy Spring and summer.
Cheers
Malc