Wildlife

Wild Adder Conservation and Welfare

Adders are Britain's only venomous snake, in serious decline and requiring habitat management and protection from persecution.

Key Facts

Adder populations have declined significantly across England with many local extinctions
Adders require a mosaic of heathland, scrub, and rough grassland for all life activities
Persecution remains a significant threat despite full legal protection since 1981
Adder bites cause localised swelling and systemic illness but are rarely fatal
Grazing management and scrub control maintain suitable adder habitat

Welfare Considerations

Adder welfare is threatened by habitat loss and deliberate killing fuelled by fear. As ectotherms, adders depend on basking sites for thermoregulation - loss of south-facing openings compromises their ability to maintain body temperature for digestion and reproduction.

What You Can Do

Never kill or disturb adders, which are legally protected
Support heathland management organisations maintaining adder habitat
Educate others about the importance and low risk of adder encounters