England is home to native snake species, although encounters with them are not a common occurrence for most people. These reptiles are generally reclusive, preferring to avoid human interaction. While they exist in various natural environments across the country, their shy nature means they often go unnoticed.
England’s Native Snake Species
England has three native snake species: the adder (Vipera berus), the grass snake (Natrix helvetica), and the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). The adder, the country’s only venomous snake, is a stocky reptile typically growing to about 60-75 cm in length, identifiable by a distinctive dark zigzag pattern along its back and red eyes with vertical pupils. Male adders are often grey, while females can be brown or reddish. Adders are found across England, though their populations are declining in some areas.
The grass snake, Britain’s longest native snake, can exceed one meter in length. It is typically grey-green with a prominent yellow and black collar around its neck and black markings along its body, and is widespread throughout England and Wales. The smooth snake is the rarest of England’s native species, generally measuring 50-70 cm. It is usually grey or brownish, with two rows of dark spots down its back and a dark line running through its eye. Unlike adders and grass snakes, smooth snakes have smooth, flat scales and are primarily found in the heathlands of Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, and West Sussex.
Understanding Snake Behavior and Safety
Native snakes in England are typically shy and avoid human contact. The grass snake and smooth snake are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. Grass snakes, if threatened, may feign death or release a foul-smelling substance rather than biting. Smooth snakes are also non-aggressive, often freezing or secreting a foul-smelling substance if disturbed.
The adder is England’s only venomous snake, but bites are rare, usually occurring if the snake feels threatened or is handled. Adder venom is designed for small prey and is rarely fatal to humans, with no recorded deaths in the UK for over 30 years. If an adder is encountered, observe it from a distance, without approaching or provoking it. If a bite does occur, remain calm, keep the bitten limb still, and seek prompt medical attention.
Habitat and Conservation Efforts
England’s native snakes inhabit various environments suited to their needs. Adders prefer woodland, heathland, and moorland, often basking in sunny glades or on south-facing slopes. Grass snakes are frequently found near water, such as ponds, marshes, and canals, as their diet includes amphibians and fish; they may also be present in gardens with ponds or compost heaps, which they use for egg-laying. Smooth snakes are highly specialized, inhabiting dense, mature heather on dry, sandy or gravely heathland sites, often hiding under objects or within heather and rarely basking in the open.
All native snake species in England are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This legislation makes it an offense to intentionally kill, injure, or sell these animals. Smooth snakes receive additional protection due to their rarity, making it illegal to disturb them or damage their habitats. Habitat loss, particularly of heathlands, poses a significant threat to these species, especially the smooth snake. Conservation efforts focus on managing and restoring their specific habitats to support their populations.