FAQs about slow-worms: encouraging

Slow-worms like to warm up under objects (Jules Howard)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... slow-worms:

How do I encourage slow-worms into my garden?

Slow-worms, like all reptiles, need places to warm themselves, places to forage for food and places to shelter and hibernate in. They can often be found on/in compost heaps or under logs or garden detritus; cover your compost heap with old carpet or tarpaulin to create ideal conditions. Slow-worms spend much of their time foraging for slugs and insects under wood piles and in compost heaps or grass cuttings. Whether you see reptiles in your garden depends largely on whether they are in the local area and can access it in the first place.

You can find more information on maintaining your garden for reptiles by visiting our Dragons in your Garden section.

It is important to report your sightings to help build up local and national records of these declining species. Get in touch with the local Biological Records Centre and you local Amphibian and Reptile Group (ARG) if you have seen slow-worms in your garden.

More information:

Identifying reptiles. >>>

Dragons in your Garden. >>>

Find my Local Records Centre. >>>

Find my Local ARG. >>>