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  • Grass snake

    Grass snake

    Where to find grass snakes, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status. Read more

  • Adder

    Adder

    where to find adders, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status. Read more

  • Smooth snake

    Smooth snake

    Where to find the smooth snake, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status. Read more

  • Report your sightings!

    Report your sightings!

    Let us know which amphibians and reptiles you've seen Read more

  • Grass snake
  • Adder
  • Smooth snake
  • Report your sightings!
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  1. Reptiles & Amphibians
  2. Snakes

Snakes

There are three native snake species in the UK as well as several non-native species. Take a look at the pages below to find out more about where to find them, how to identify them, their lifecycles and protection. There are also frequently asked question pages that should answer any other queries!

Download our reptile identification guide!

Download our Identifying Britain’s snakes poster!

Read more about snakes in gardens!

And don't forget to REPORT YOUR SIGHTINGS!

Grass snake

Grass snake

Where to find grass snakes, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status. Read more

Published: 1st August, 2016

Updated: 15th April, 2025

Author:

Adder

Adder

where to find adders, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status. Read more

Published: 31st July, 2016

Updated: 5th September, 2025

Author: Anonymised User

Smooth snake

Smooth snake

Where to find the smooth snake, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status. Read more

Published: 30th July, 2016

Updated: 9th February, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Non-native reptiles

Non-native reptiles

Information about non-native reptiles Read more

Published: 1st July, 2016

Updated: 10th March, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

Garden Dragon Watch

Garden Dragon Watch

Help record amphibians and reptiles in your garden Read more

Published: 21st June, 2016

Updated: 20th January, 2022

Author: Rob Ward

Snakes in gardens

Snakes in gardens

Advice on what to do if you find a snake in your garden. Read more

Published: 21st June, 2016

Updated: 4th March, 2024

Author: Anonymised User

Facts and advice on adder bites

Facts and advice on adder bites

Facts about adder bites and answers to frequently asked questions about prevention and treatment. This text is based on ARC’s research and experience, published evidence, and authoritative sources. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2016

Updated: 8th April, 2024

Author: Anonymised User

Escaped pet snakes

Escaped pet snakes

Is the snake I've found an escaped pet? What to do if you find a non-native snake. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2016

Updated: 11th May, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Snake FAQs

Snake FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about... snakes! Read more

Published: 19th June, 2016

Updated: 5th October, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Reptile Genebank

Reptile Genebank

Send in snake sloughs (shed skins) and help to build up a ‘Reptile Genebank' Read more

Published: 7th June, 2016

Updated: 16th October, 2024

Author: Anonymised User

Dragons in your Garden

Dragons in your Garden

Take simple steps to encourage frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards into your garden! Read more

Published: 1st April, 2016

Updated: 20th January, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

Report your sightings!

Report your sightings!

Let us know which amphibians and reptiles you've seen Read more

Published: 1st March, 2016

Updated: 31st March, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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Latest

  • New winter homes built for Scotland’s rarest amphibian on the Solway Coast

    New winter homes built for Scotland’s rarest amphibian on the Solway Coast

    The Species on the Edge partnership has created new winter shelters for Scotland’s rarest amphibian, the natterjack toad, in a significant effort to support one of the country’s most threatened species.

  • Heath Week Reptile Ramble -  Pebblebed Heaths, Devon

    Heath Week Reptile Ramble - Pebblebed Heaths, Devon

    Join Dr Rob Ward from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation for a walk on the Pebblebed Heaths to look for and learn about our native reptiles.

  • Get Wild This June: Amphibian and Reptile Ideas for 30 Days Wild

    Get Wild This June: Amphibian and Reptile Ideas for 30 Days Wild

    The idea is simple: do one wild thing every day throughout June. Whether that is noticing wildlife on a walk to school or work, building a habitat in your garden, or learning something new about the nature around you, every small action helps people feel more connected to nature.

  • Blackmoor Estate Apple Tasting Day 2026

    Blackmoor Estate Apple Tasting Day 2026

    Bring together families, food & craft lovers and, of course, apple enthusiasts from across the region. This years Apple Tasting Day will be the 55th and a truly memorable day out.

Most read

  • Facts and advice on adder bites

    Facts and advice on adder bites

    Facts about adder bites and answers to frequently asked questions about prevention and treatment. This text is based on ARC’s research and experience, published evidence, and authoritative sources.

  • Vacancies

    Vacancies

    Come and work for us! See our current vacancies.

  • Spawn & tadpoles FAQs

    Spawn & tadpoles FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions about... spawn and tadpoles!

  • newts FAQs

    newts FAQs

    Answers to some frequently asked questions about... newts!

  • Frogs & toads FAQs

    Frogs & toads FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions about... frogs and toads!

  • Where do frogs go in winter?

    Where do frogs go in winter?

    Answers to some frequently asked questions about common frog hibernation

  • Adder

    Adder

    where to find adders, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Smooth newt

    Smooth newt

    Where to find the smooth newt, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Slow-worm

    Slow-worm

    Where to find slow-worms (legless lizard), how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Report your sightings!

    Report your sightings!

    Let us know which amphibians and reptiles you've seen

Tag cloud

amphibian conservation amphibian ladders amphibians biological recording citizen science conservation England gullypot introduction to surveying Scotland's amphibians monitoring monitoring app reptile conservation reptiles Scotland surveying Wales
ARC eNews

ARC eNews

Sign up and receive our e-Newsletter Read more

Published: 27th April, 2017

Updated: 28th April, 2025

Author: Anonymised User

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