UK Wildlife

UK Lizard Conservation

UK has three native lizard species - common lizard, slow worm, and sand lizard - all dependent on warm, sunny habitats that are disappearing with land use change.

Key Facts

Common lizard is UK's most widespread reptile, found on heathland, grassland, and moorland
Slow worm is a legless lizard often mistaken for a snake, found in gardens and rough grassland
Sand lizard is rare and restricted to lowland heathland and coastal dunes in southern England
All UK reptiles are protected under Wildlife and Countryside Act
Garden habitat management including log piles and south-facing banks supports lizards

Welfare Considerations

UK lizard welfare and conservation requires protection of warm, sunny habitat with appropriate structural diversity. Garden habitats can make meaningful contributions for common lizards and slow worms. Sand lizard conservation requires specific heathland management at designated sites.

What You Can Do

Create south-facing rock and log pile habitats for lizards in gardens
Avoid using slug pellets which reduce prey availability for lizards
Record lizard sightings through the ARG UK reptile and amphibian survey