Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders

by

Rob Read

The Grass Snake is an impressive and beautiful animal, and the UK’s most common snake. ©David Tipling

A funny thing happened this week. The wildflower meadow I planted in the garden as part of the rewilded area is mostly going to seed now and will need cutting in a couple of weeks in preparation for the winter. Rather than disposing of the ‘waste’, I plan to make a small compost heap next to the pond dug in the spring, and which is already full of life. The aim is to provide yet another habitat for invertebrates and other wildlife. My main hope is that it will attract Grass Snakes into the garden which personally I would find totally captivating, and would be thrilled if they decided to lay their eggs in the warmth of the compost heap.

I’m lucky enough to live in the countryside and be able to open the back gate onto a footpath that takes me up to 100 acres of semi-ancient woodland. The dog and I escape up there are least twice a day for 40 minutes or so – she gets her exercise and I get my injection of nature’s Prozac. As we headed out of the gate for our afternoon walk on Monday, I pondered my composting plan and the fact that I hadn’t seen a Grass Snake this year. We hadn’t gone more than 80 yards from the gate when Skye stopped and then leapt two feet into the air. The cause of her alarm turned out to be a magnificent Grass Snake which had evidently been sunning itself on the footpath before being accosted by my canine companion. It slithered quickly past me and disappeared into the grassy bank that hugs the footpath, the usual Houdini act of these reptiles. She was a beauty, a least two and a half feet long – I only wish she hadn’t disappeared so quickly so I could have admired her for longer.

Elated by this bizarrely coincidental encounter, I thought what a good subject for my next post for A Wild Read. But then I realised that I’d never photographed this amazing animal despite having had a few opportunities to do so in the past, including hatching babies (a sight which is totally mind-blowing to witness). So, as you will see, the accompanying image isn’t mine sadly (my thanks to fellow contributor David Tipling), but perhaps I will have the opportunity to photograph one in the garden next year – they are certainly in the area!

When I did a bit of research on the Grass Snake, I found that the UK population has recently been reclassified and has received its own species status, separate from those found throughout continental Europe and North Africa (Natrix natrix). Formerly, those found in the UK were a subspecies Natrix natrix helvetica, but is now a distinct species Natrix helvetica, or Barred Grass Snake to give it its common name.

One of only three species of snake found in the UK, the Barred Grass Snake is the most widespread and commonly occurring snake in England and Wales, although it is absent in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is found in a variety of habitats but favours wetlands and areas close to still water where it can find its favourite prey items of amphibians and fish, although it will also consume small mammals and birds. It is also commonly found in gardens, particularly those with ponds and compost heaps, the latter providing perfect conditions within which to lay its eggs.

It is the largest species of snake found in the UK and can grow up to 150cm long; take it from me, an animal of this size cuts an impressive dash! It is a harmless snake which is green in colour and is adorned with a distinctive yellow and black collar.

Like most snakes, it is extremely shy and will quickly evaporate at the first sign of human presence. The most common sightings are as they swim across open water or are found basking in the summer sun. Please don’t be tempted to handle them, apart from stressing a wild animal, they release a scent as a defence mechanism – although harmless, it’s very unpleasant and will linger for days! Another of their defence tactics is to play dead, lying completely still with their mouths gaping. They are very convincing and can make you jump when they eventually give the game away and make a quick exit.

This is a species of beauty which should be cherished. I shall definitely construct that compost heap this autumn in the hope that I’m lucky enough to see them in my garden next year.

Rob Read. August 2021.