Adders at Allerthorpe Common

[scholesy]

Not knowing much about adders, other than their heath land habitat I read the interesting article in March BBC wildlife magazine.

I was surprised and delighted to read that one of the 'top ten places to see adders' was quite close to me, at Allerthorpe Common, nr York.

I was under the illusion that adders were a distinctly southern occurrence.

Considering a trip to Allerthorpe in April to try spot some adders.

Has anyone any experience of Allerthorpe Common?
Any success in spotting basking adders there?

Also what’s the reserve like for other wildlife?

Thanks

Allerthorpe Common

[yellowhammer]

Adders are the most widespread snake in Britain - there is a good-sized population just outside Edinburgh. It is actually the only snake species whose range extends into the Arctic circle.

There is a very good article about the adders at Allerthorpe here

Allerthorpe Common

and you should be able to find out more about the reserve from there too. Your local Amphibian & Reptile Group will be able to help as well. Details here

ARG-UK - Amphibian & Reptile Group of United Kingdom

Good luck!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by scholesy

Not knowing much about adders, other than their heath land habitat I read the interesting article in March BBC wildlife magazine.

I was surprised and delighted to read that one of the 'top ten places to see adders' was quite close to me, at Allerthorpe Common, nr York.

I was under the illusion that adders were a distinctly southern occurrence.

Considering a trip to Allerthorpe in April to try spot some adders.

Has anyone any experience of Allerthorpe Common?
Any success in spotting basking adders there?

Also what’s the reserve like for other wildlife?

Thanks

Allerthorpe Common

As Yellowhammer says it's the only snake to reach the arctic circle + occurs to the most north-easterly part of mainland Scotland, though there are large areas where they are absent.