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Advice and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about...

Snakes

I've seen a snake in my garden, what do I do?

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

Further information
Grass snakes (and slow-worms) are quite commonly seen in gardens. Grass snakes may pass through gardens or revisit if there are suitable habitats. Try to identify the areas where you see the snake/s and simply maintain them as they are. If these features disappear the snakes might do too.

Like all reptiles, grass snakes 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 in log or stone piles. They primarily feed on amphibians and fish so are commonly seen in or around ponds. Grass snake visits are often fleeting but maintaining the right kind of habitats can encourage them to return.

Most snakes seen in gardens are grass snakes (or slow-worms), but if you need help with identification please see our pages on native snakes.

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 on...
O I think I've seen an adder in my garden.
O Make your garden reptile-friendly.
O Snakes in the Grass.