Wildlife

UK Slow Worm Conservation: Reptile Welfare

The slow worm, a legless lizard often mistaken for a snake, faces welfare threats from garden disturbance, habitat loss, and domestic cat predation.

Key Facts

Slow worms are legally protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
They are frequently killed by lawnmowers and garden tools when resting under debris
Domestic cats are a significant predator of slow worms in garden settings
Slow worm populations are indicators of garden biodiversity and soil health

Welfare Considerations

Individual slow worm welfare is affected by garden management practices, predation, and habitat loss. Creating wildlife-friendly garden habitats including log piles, compost heaps, and dense vegetation supports slow worm populations and reduces mortality from human disturbance.

What You Can Do

Check under debris and in compost heaps before gardening to avoid harming slow worms
Create reptile hibernation and basking habitats in gardens including log piles and south-facing banks
Manage domestic cats appropriately in areas with known slow worm populations