Wildlife

Slow Worm Welfare in Garden Habitats

Slow worms are legless lizards that thrive in gardens with compost heaps, damp south-facing areas and undisturbed vegetation, and face significant welfare risks from strimmers, spades and domestic cats.

Key Facts

Slow worms are lizards, not snakes, and can shed their tail to escape predators
They are long-lived for their size, potentially reaching 30 or more years in the wild
Gardens are increasingly important refugia as natural habitats decline
Strimmer injuries and spade wounds are common causes of mortality and injury in garden slow worms

Welfare Considerations

Slow worm welfare in gardens is primarily threatened by unintentional human activity including strimming, digging and mowing during warmer months when slow worms are active. Domestic cats also cause significant predation pressure. The presence of slow worms indicates a structurally diverse, pesticide-low garden ecosystem and their welfare supports overall biodiversity.

What You Can Do

Check carefully for slow worms before strimming, mowing or digging in spring and summer
Create south-facing compost heaps and refugia boards that provide warm, sheltered habitat
Fit cat deterrents to protect garden slow worms from predation
Record slow worm sightings via Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust surveys to contribute to monitoring