Reptiles

Common lizard

You may stumble across a lizard sun bathing on one of the many logs that we have put around the edge of the meadow. As they are cold-blooded reptiles they like to warm themselves when the sun is out, so this is when you are most likely to find them. They can vary in colour and markings, but they are generally brown or grey-brown with dark blotches along their bodies. They are also able to shed their tails to prevent getting eaten by predators!

Grass snake

Don't worry, they are not poisonous and usually sense you before they're seen! Grass snakes like to live near water and are very good swimmers. They like to eat tadpoles, frogs and fish so you can often see them swimming in the pond or on the river. Grass snakes have a greenish body with dark blotches along the sides; they also have a bright yellow neck collar. They admit a nasty smell if they are handled, so don't get too near!