Written by Andrew Smart, Head of Science & Research
The Secret Life of the Grass Snake: Spring into Summer
As the chill of winter fades and the days begin to warm, one of Britain’s most fascinating reptiles stirs from its slumber. The grass snake, our largest native snake species, typically emerges from hibernation around March or April, ready to begin a new season of activity.
By late spring, these snakes have left their hibernation sites and are actively basking in the sun, feeding, and preparing to breed, usually during April and May. If you’re lucky, you might spot a tell-tale sign of their presence: a circular patch of flattened grass where a snake has coiled itself to soak up the warmth.
Once they’ve gathered enough heat, grass snakes begin to explore, often moving along hedgerows and ditches for cover. They’re especially drawn to ponds, where they hunt amphibians, small fish, and even moorhen chicks. Their movement is stealthy, and they make the most of natural features to remain hidden from predators and prey alike.
Interestingly, grass snakes don’t all roam the same distances. Some may stick to small areas of just half a hectare, while others have been recorded covering territories as large as 33 hectares. Females tend to be larger than males and take on the important task of egg-laying in early summer.
Between June and July, female grass snakes lay clutches of 10 to 40 eggs, often choosing warm, damp spots such as rotting vegetation piles or garden compost heaps, especially those rich in grass clippings. These warm environments act as natural incubators. By late summer, the eggs hatch, and tiny juvenile snakes begin their journey into the wild.
So next time you’re near a sunny hedgerow or a quiet pond, keep an eye out, you might just catch a glimpse of this remarkable, secretive reptile going about its seasonal rituals.
Remember to record your amphibian and reptile sightings on our free Dragon Finder App.