Adders in County Durham

Robbie2711 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 06:54 PM

Hi

Am a newcomer to this site but am looking for a bit of help!

Living in County Durham, i'm thinking of travelling up to nearby Middleton-In-Teesdale in a week or two to try and take a few photos of snakes, mainly Adders. This area is predominantly heathland but there is also nearby Hamsterley Forest.

I'm wondering whether anyone has any local knowledge of good spots to see Adders around and about the Teesdale area?

Any advice on how much distance i should put between myself and Adders. I have long lenses so this shouldn't be a problem but obviously don't want to end up being bitten by a poisonous snake!!!

Regards

Rob

Ozrics · #2 (**permalink**) 28-04-2011, 04:34 PM

Hi mate, there some right next to you!. Im from sunderland but me and my girlfriend went looking for adders In XXXXXXXXXX, Go down by the river follow it along past an old cottage, after the cottage you will see a large Rock over hanging the river. Seen 1 last week basking on the rock.

Mark_b · #3 (**permalink**) 28-04-2011, 05:05 PM

It's not really a good idea to advertise where adders are located in case the wrong type of people get hold of the info and disturb or kill the individuals in that location (I know it's unlikely but better to be safe).

I advise you send this info in a personal message and edit your post of the location details please

ViperaBerus · #4 (**permalink**) 28-04-2011, 06:33 PM

Plus there are no poisonous snakes in the UK

Ozrics · #5 (**permalink**) 29-04-2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_b

It's not really a good idea to advertise where adders are located in case the wrong type of people get hold of the info and disturb or kill the individuals in that location (I know it's unlikely but better to be safe).

I advise you send this info in a personal message and edit your post of the location details please

I didnt think of it that way but you right, theres some nasty people out there. Thanks for editing it for me

Ozrics

dampflippers · #6 (**permalink**) 29-04-2011, 09:22 AM

If you are interested in amphibians and reptiles you could join your local ARG group.
The local one here operates via an email list.
Local Groups - ARGUK | ARG UK
Send an email to the one you want to join, with your name, location and level of interest eg personal interest, training or working in the field.

I know of one place, but further north than Teesdale- PM me if you wish.

When looking for them, creep along, avoiding startling them or standing on them. I have only seen one when out with an expert, but know an expert who was bitten and it affected him really badly and he ended up in hostpital, so take care.