Slow worms in the UK will spend autumn preparing for hibernation, foraging and feeding on slow-moving prey such as slugs. They will hibernate between November and March, but further North, slow worms will have retreated to their hibernation sites in mid-October. Keep an eye out incase you see any before they hibernate!
Slow worms are a type of legless lizard and are often mistaken for snakes. However, unlike snakes they can blink as they have eyelids! They have a flat, forked tongue alongside the ability to drop their tails if attacked by predators. Slow worms are widespread throughout Britain but are absent from Ireland.
They can grow up to 40cm in length with males having larger heads and are usually shades of light to dark brown. Females have dark flanks and they can sometimes have a dorsal line along their body.
Always remember to record your amphibian and reptile sightings on our FREE Dragon Finder app. All of the data collected is sent to the National Biodiversity Network Atlas. You can download the app here.