Reptile sites in Hampshire

Yashca · #1 (**permalink**) 22-09-2011, 10:51 AM

Would appreciate any information on the best sites in Hampshire for Wall Lizard, Sand Lizard and Smooth Snake, as well as decent sites for Slow Worm.

Not sure if Midwife toad or Alpine Newt is found in Hampshire, but if they are, please let me know where. Private Message would probably be the best way to let me know.

Thanks for any help.

JaySteel · #2 (**permalink**) 22-09-2011, 02:56 PM

Hi Yashca,
Not that I know of any sites in Hampshire myself, but I know reluctant people are to share their knowledge of such sites with other people on here. You may get a better response if you state your exact interests and reasons behind your request.

Best regards,
Jason

Mark_b · #3 (**permalink**) 22-09-2011, 04:49 PM

I would agree with Jason, I hope you can appreciate that there is great conservation concern for our declining amphibians and reptiles. So mentioning specific sites online or even to generally unknown people is unadvisable.

Consider joining Hampshire Amphibian & Reptile Group (HART) - Hampshire Amphibian & Reptile Group Species Groups and Records HWT - to get the opportunity to go out with local experts to see and learn about these species.

Please don't take this the wrong way but encase you didn't know smooth snakes and sand lizards are protected by law against many threats including disturbance, i.e. handling and even intentionally seeking them out which may disturb their basking behaviour when trying to photograph them etc. Therefore going out with a licenced expert would be the best way to observe these species.

Yashca · #4 (**permalink**) 22-09-2011, 08:30 PM

Completely understand what you're both saying. I have a two day trip to Hampshire next tuesday & wednesday and I'm trying to make the best of it, nature-wise.

Didn't realise about all the legislation around Smooth Snakes and Sand Lizards, I'm used to just walking near where I live and seeing adders and slow worms and common lizards. In my ignorance just thought it would be the same with these species.

How about wall lizards then

?

JaySteel · #5 (**permalink**) 23-09-2011, 05:09 PM

If you're interested in doing a little reading regarding the laws around our native reptiles and amphibians then they can be found here:

Naturenet: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

As far as I'm aware wall lizards are different altogether. Because they are not classed as a native species in the UK they are afforded little or no protection under 'The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981'. You could probably only be prosecuted under the 'cruelty to animals act' regarding this species.

But I still can't tell you where you'd find them in Hampshire I'm afraid as I have no knowledge of that area I'm afraid.

Best regards,
Jason

aeshna5 · #6 (**permalink**) 23-09-2011, 05:22 PM

If you're willing to go just outside Hants there's a well known colony of Wall Lizards at the coastal walk at Poole. I saw quite a lot when I was there in a warm + sunny April.

Dorts · #7 (**permalink**) 23-09-2011, 05:47 PM

There are Sand Lizards and Smooth Snakes on Frensham Common, (Hants-Surrey border), which has open public access. However it is a very large area of several square miles and they are by no means common there. You never know you're luck, but do remember, as has been said, smooth snakes and sand lizards are protected by law.

It is also very good for birds with the two ponds. When numbers are high, there is a chance of seeing Dartford Warblers.
Dorts.

arvensis · #8 (**permalink**) 24-09-2011, 07:16 PM

If you fancy a little trip down to Bournemouth to look for Wall Lizards then I suggest you visit Portman Ravine in Boscombe. There's a zig-zag path down to the beach and there are loads of Wall Lizards there. Also at the top of the cliff, amongst the gorse bushes, you may get to see a Green Lizard or 2.

Mark