UK Wildlife

Grass Snake and Smooth Snake Conservation

Grass snake and smooth snake are UK non-venomous snake species both facing habitat loss, with smooth snake being one of the UK's rarest reptiles restricted to Dorset, Hampshire, and Surrey heathlands.

Key Facts

Grass snake is UK's largest snake reaching up to 150cm and found near water
Smooth snake is rare and restricted to lowland heathland - one of UK's rarest reptiles
Both species are protected under Wildlife and Countryside Act
Grass snakes lay eggs in compost heaps and warm organic matter
Smooth snake decline linked to heathland loss - 80% of lowland heathland lost since 1800

Welfare Considerations

Smooth snake conservation is critically dependent on the remaining lowland heathland sites. Each individual matters for this small population. Grass snake conservation benefits from garden compost heaps as egg-laying sites. Education reduces persecution of both species through fear and misidentification.

What You Can Do

Provide a garden compost heap as potential grass snake egg-laying site
Never kill any UK snake - all are legally protected
Support Natural England and Wildlife Trust heathland restoration for smooth snake