Wildlife

Wild Slow Worm Conservation UK

Slow worms are legless lizards frequently mistaken for snakes. Understanding their welfare and conservation needs supports garden and countryside management.

Key Facts

Slow worms are the UK's most common reptile in some habitats
They are protected from killing and sale under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
Cats are significant predators - slow worms are common cat prey
They shelter under objects including corrugated tin and roofing felt
Slow worms are important predators of slugs and have significant garden value

Welfare Considerations

Slow worms injured by cats frequently require wildlife rehabilitation. Cat predation is a significant source of slow worm welfare harm in gardens. Providing appropriate refugia - tin sheets, log piles - concentrates slow worms where they can be monitored. Managing cat access to gardens with slow worm populations reduces predation.

What You Can Do

Place corrugated roofing tin or reptile refugia squares in suitable south-facing garden areas
Protect slow worm refugia from cats using appropriate deterrents
Record slow worm presence through reptile monitoring citizen science schemes