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A sunny, south-facing compost
heap makes an excellent reptile habitat. Slow-worms, in
particular, are often found buried within them, feeding on the
numerous slugs and ants. Frogs, toads and newts may also forage
or hibernate in a compost heap.
Pre-formed compost bins can be less accessible but if there are
holes or gaps then they may also be used. You can construct your
own compost heap out of old pallets - these will provide plenty
of access points for wildlife. If you leave piles of grass or
leaves around the garden, these will also attract amphibians and
reptiles.
Cover your compost heap or grass pile with an old carpet or
tarpaulin for extra protection and basking opportunities.
Checking under this cover can be a great way to get a closer
look at the creatures living in your garden.
Grass snakes sometimes use compost heaps to lay their eggs in.
There is a good, constant temperature within the heap, allowing
the eggs to incubate whilst being well-protected from predators.
Grass snake eggs are white and leathery in texture and measure
around 2.5cm. There are usually 10-15 eggs in a clutch, though
there can be up to 40. Several females may use the same site to
incubate their eggs. If you have seen a grass snake visiting
your compost heap, be careful not to disturb it in late summer
when there may be eggs present. |