We set off from the Wilverley Pit car park on a bright but
chilly morning to look, mainly, for smooth snakes on Wilverley Plain. We were
led by Ben Limburn from Amphibian and
Reptile Conservation (ARC). He and his associate Owen explained how these rare
reptiles were being monitored on the plain. The volunteers use ‘refugia’
(basically a piece of corrugated material, in this case non-metallic roofing
material) which the local reptiles use to shelter under. The refugia are black
in colour which absorbs solar heat making them attractive to reptiles. All the
refugia are labelled, but if you come across one in the forest it is advisable
to leave them alone – the temptation is to lift them to see what is hiding
underneath is great, but Adders also like them so be wary!
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| Smooth Snake |
Smooth Snakes are
under many threats in this country, not least the weather. Britain is at the
northern limits of these beautiful reptiles and our population is very
important. In Europe they breed every year, but here it can be between 2 and 4
years between broods. They carry the eggs inside them, giving birth to live
young. This means that gravid females must bask extensively to incubate the
eggs inside them. This is a strategy adopted by the majority of native reptiles
(Common Lizard, Slowworm and Adders all do the same). The main prey species of Smooth
Snakes are other reptiles, they are not constrictors but just overpower their
prey with their weight and strength.
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| Smooth Snake |
Ben had all the refugia entered in a GPS handset, so he was
able to lead us to them, though that is easier said than done and the chances
of randomly finding them is quite slight! At the third refugium we found the
snake pictured. A youngish female who seemed very relaxed at being handled,
though we put her back as soon as we had all seen her so as not to cause too
much stress. ARC always need volunteers, so if you fancy being one check out
their website at www.arc-trust.org
On the Plain itself we also saw Wheatears and Stonechats,
and we found Autumn Lady’s Tresses (a beautiful, but easily overlooked orchid)
and Field Gentians.
The biscuits were provided by Mike and Mary, and I had a
couple of Hobnobs. (Lucky you! – editor) (CR)
Photographs © Chris Robinson