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  you are in: ADVICE > FAQs > SLOW-WORMS > IN MY GARDEN



Advice and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about...

Slow-worms

I think I've got slow-worms in my garden, what do I do?

Submit records to local groups and make sure you keep your garden reptile-friendly.

Slow-worms may pass through gardens or revisit if there are suitable habitats. Try to identify the areas where you see the slow-worm/s and simply maintain them as they are. If these features disappear the slow-worms might do too.

Like all reptiles, slow-worms need places to bask, places to forage for food and places to shelter and hibernate in. They can often be found on / in compost heaps or amongst dead wood. They primarily feed on slugs and insects and can be found in areas supporting lots of prey. Slow-worms don't bask in the sun, as other reptiles do - they prefer to hide under objects which will absorb warmth, such as flat stones, artificial 'refugia' (e.g. squares of corrugated tin or slate) or simply carpet / tarpaulin covering the compost heap.

It's important to report your sightings to help build up local and national records of these declining species. Get in touch with your local Biological Records Centre and your local Amphibian and Reptile Group (ARG).

More information: 
O Native reptiles. >>>
O Make your garden reptile-friendly. >>>
O
Find my Local Records Centre. >>>
O
Find my local ARG. >>>