Adder Watch

Tony Knowles

Have You Spotted an Adder in Nidderdale National Landscape? We Want to Hear from You!

Adders are becoming a rare sight in our countryside. According to a study by Make the Adder Count, 90% of surveyed sites report declining adder populations.

How You Can Help:

Report Your Sightings: If you see an adder while out on a walk, let us know! Your reports help us understand their habitats and protect this vulnerable species.
Respect Their Space: If you spot an adder, leave it undisturbed. Keep children and dogs at a safe distance and avoid sharing its location on social media.
Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about how amazing adders are and their importance to our local wildlife.

Remember, adders are shy creatures and will only bite as a last resort. If bitten, seek medical help immediately. Let’s work together to ensure these fascinating animals continue to thrive in our countryside!

Quick links

Tell us what you’ve spotted

Fill in the form below to let us know about the reptile you’ve seen while in Nidderdale National Landscape. You can also email us at [email protected]

Please don’t share the location of any sightings with us on social media. It’s really important that any adders, slow-worms or common lizards aren’t disturbed by people going to look for them.

Adder Spotting Form For Nidderdale National Landscape

Reptile Seen(Required)

Adder

Slow-worm

Common Lizard

Other

Other Reptile

Date(Required)

Time

Hour

Minute

Address

Post Code

Grid Reference

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Name

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All About Adders

The shy adder is the UK’s only venomous snake, typically 60-80cm in length. Males are often grey with black zigzags on their backs. Females are usually brown with dark brown zigzags on their backs.

They like to live in moorland, heathland, open woodland glades, near old stone walls and on rocky slopes.

Adders are an excellent indicator of a healthy environment. If they are in decline it suggests that other species who share the same habitat may also be in trouble.

You are mostly likely to see an adder between March and October. They hibernate over winter, often in groups. If their hibernation sites are destroyed it can have a devastating effect of the ability of the adders to survive.

Adders sunbathe to build up strength and flatten themselves to catch as many rays as possible. It’s really important not to disturb one if you see one sunning itself.

What about slow worms and lizards?

We’d also love to know if you spot any slow-worms or common lizards in Nidderdale National Landscape.

Slow-worms are a legless lizard and are smooth and shiny in appearance, with golden-grey skin. They can sometimes be found in gardens underneath objects or compost heaps. They typically range from 40 to 50cm in length.

Common lizards are usually brownish-grey in colour, often with rows of darker spots or stripes down the back and sides. They are often found sitting in the sunshine and will move very quickly if disturbed. They typically range from 10 to 15cm in length.

Please, for your own safety, don’t handle any of the reptiles!