21 August 2008
Spot a snake on Hampstead Heath
Visitors to Hampstead Heath are being asked to go on a snake
spotting spree to help experts compile important data.
From now until early October staff want to know of any sightings
of grass snakes in and around the famous north London open space to
help build up a picture of the population and habits of these shy,
harmless reptiles.
Once relatively common in the UK, the grass snake population has
been in decline for years as its usual rural habitat has been
eroded. It is rare for the snakes to live in urban environments but
experts believe that there could be a sizeable population of the
snakes on the Heath, thanks to its “countryside in the heart of the
city” environment. This would make the Heath population one of the
closest to central London.
The London, Essex & Hertfordshire Amphibian and Reptile
Trust (LEHART) is working with Heath staff to run a survey of the
snakes, looking in public and non-public areas across the Heath for
signs of grass snakes. The reptiles are best spotted during warmish
and showery weather, as they come out to bask in the heat. Experts
will lay artificial refugia – areas of corrugated roof sheeting at
appropriate points across the Heath to encourage the snakes to
nestle under for warmth – and will check them regularly.
They would also like to hear from any members of the public
about any sightings of the snakes – although warn that because of
their shyness, these are likely to be fleeting glimpses. Popular
places for grass snakes to be seen are in or around the ponds,
streams, damp long grass, bushes and undisturbed fenced areas where
they can feed off frogs and fish. The presence of grass snakes is a
good indicator of the healthy biodiversity of Hampstead Heath.
Will Atkins, Chair of Trustees of LEHART, said: “Grass snakes
are very shy and difficult to spot, but with a bit of patience and
luck there’s every chance you could see one on the Heath. We need
visitors to help us compile this survey which will give us a much
fuller picture of the extent of the grass snake population, which
will be a vital sign of the health of Hampstead Heath.”
Any information on the number of snakes seen, their appearance
and their habits should be logged on the survey sheets
(downloadable from the City Corporation’s website) and returned.
Please don’t try to catch a snake as it may be an escaped pet from
another species.
The experts are also interested in receiving any information
from residents whose gardens run adjacent to the Heath, who may
spot grass snakes in their garden ponds or compost heaps.
Julie Brownbridge, Heath ecologist, said: “This is the first
time there has been such a survey done on the Heath. While grass
snakes wouldn’t usually venture this close to the centre of a city,
we believe the Heath has the ideal conditions to help their
population to thrive. But we want to check that the conservation
management for this fantastic but sadly threatened species is just
right.”
Loss of suitable habitat and persecution out of ignorance have
led to the grass snake, protected under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act, 1981, becoming an uncommon creature. With
continued good management by the City of London and help from Heath
visitors the conservation of one of London’s most important snake
populations can be assured.
To report a sighting, follow the link below to download a
reptile form, fill it in and submit online or print it out and
return to: Ponds Ecologist, City of London, 432 Archway Road,
London N6 4JH.
Find out more and download the form
Ends
Notes to editors
Grass snake facts:
- Size: females up to 180 cm, males up to 80cm.
- Identification: olive green to brown above, with a row of black
bars along the flanks, two rows of alternate black spots on the
back, two black crescent shaped marks and a yellow collar behind
the head are characteristic.
- World snakes: of the 3,000 species of snake in the world only
three are found in Britain: grass snake, adder and smooth
snake.
- Cool creatures: like other reptiles, grass snakes are
cold-blooded. They must bask to raise their body temperature in the
summer and must hibernate in winter.
- Folklore: grass snakes were mistakenly thought to suck the milk
from cow’s udders. It is more likely that the snakes occasionally
seek shelter and warmth beside sleeping cows.
- Adders, the only poisonous British snake, were last recorded on
Hampstead Heath in the 1920s.