Grass Snake breeding compost heap spec.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Hi Folks,

Does anyone know of a suggested specification for a purpose built Grass Snake breeding 'heap' i.e minimum size etc.

Cheers,

Adam

[Dorts]

In my early days in Horticulture, one of my jobs was to make compost. Vast heaps of the stuff! But it did show me what sort of compost heaps Grass snakes prefer, for every year Grass snakes eggs were found.

Any good mix of compost will do, but ideally grass cuttings, leaves, weeds etc . The larger the heap, the better, as it will retain heat for longer. The compost should be well mixed and must include quite coarse material such as twigs, old flower stems etc. to keep it 'open' and not become a thick mush. It may help if you make a 'compost-bin'. That is a three sided box; three pallettes will do, but six even better.

The best time to create this heap is in the autum, and it should be 'turned', that is thouroughly re-mixed in early spring,lightly treading it down as you go, this will ensure the heap, heats-up. Then leave un-disturbed until the following autumn.

You will soon discover if eggs have been laid as they will be very noticable when you come to use the compost.
Such heaps should be made 'as new' every year for best results. Grass snakes much prefer compost which has retained some heat. This will not be the case with older compost.
Best of luck.
Dorts.

[JaySteel]

Sounds like good advice for anyone wishing to encourage grass snakes into their garden. Well done Dorts!

Jason

[Mark_b]

Great info Dorts!

Reptile Habitat Management Handbook

At the end of the page you can look at the chapters separately, check out chapter nine........

Reptile Habitat Management Handbook

[Adam Cheeseman]

Thanks All.

Cheers,

Adam

[Dogghound]

In addition to what has been said, covering the heap with a tarpaulin or sacking will help retain heat and humidity and can be used at slightly more exposed sites. Just make sure it doesn't cover the whole heap and position the heap in sunlight.

As Dorts says bigger heaps are better you want to be looking at 3-4m2 or larger ideally. It is a good may of getting rid of waste from other management work, but be careful not to start disturbing it when they are breeding or hibernating, autumn/late spring are the best times for this. Its better to create several medium sized ones than a huge one too, as you offer more options and micro-climates.

These are fantastic for surveying grass snake numbers too, as you often find gravid females hang around and bask close to egg laying sites prior to ovipositing, sometimes in good numbers. Also the young snakes will be around when they hatch. These piles are great for newts and toads, slow worms and invertebrates too.

It is also beneficial to link them to other habitats such as hedgerows, ditches and ponds through retaining rank/dense vegetation around them, hich grows easily in the enriched run-off. Do not place them in sensitive areas or on the banks of ponds though, as eutrophication of the soil or water occurs due the the decaying organic material.