Wildlife

Wild Grass Snake Swimming and Waterside Welfare

Grass snakes are Britain's largest native snake, closely associated with water and wetland habitats. Their welfare depends on warm basking sites, prey availability and undisturbed compost heaps.

Key Facts

Grass snakes lay eggs in warm, decomposing vegetation like compost heaps
They are excellent swimmers and feed primarily on amphibians
Populations have declined with pond loss and garden management intensification
Grass snakes are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act

Welfare Considerations

Grass snake welfare benefits from retaining warm microhabitats like compost heaps and log piles. Disturbance of nesting sites in summer can cause egg clutch abandonment and nest failure.

What You Can Do

Avoid disturbing compost heaps between May and August during nesting season
Create artificial reptile hibernacula using logs and corrugated iron sheets
Report grass snake sightings to local amphibian and reptile groups