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Slow-worms
Avoid turning / using
compost in winter and late summer.
Slow-worms are commonly found in compost heaps as they're a good
place to both shelter and forage; slow-worms prefer to warm up
underneath objects rather than basking out in the open.
Whilst this is great for slow-worms it can be tricky for you
when it comes to using your compost. Try to avoid disturbing the
heap during the winter, when the slow-worms will be hibernating,
and during late summer when females could be giving birth. At
other times of year it's just a case of being careful when using
the heap so as not to injure any potential residents - frogs,
toads and grass snakes may all make use of compost heaps as
well. Remember, all native reptiles are protected by law against
deliberate killing and injury.
If you have a substantial reptile and/or amphibian population
using the compost heap it may be worth considering creating a
separate one for you to use that they can't access.
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