Which reptiles and amphibians can be found in woods?
When compared to most other European countries, the UK has relatively few reptiles and amphibians (Indeed, Ireland has no snakes at all, a fact which many people may find pleasing). However, there are a few species which you may find there.
The slow worm and the adder snake are the reptiles one is most likely to encounter in woods but both are extremely secretive and you’d have to be lucky to actually catch sight of either, especially as both species hibernate from October to March.
Within a wood, the adder favours woodland rides and when emerging from hibernation in spring, often sunbathe in groups so this the best time to spot one. Adders are quite small snakes with grey-brown bodies and a zigzag pattern all down their back, so are usually quite easy to identify if you do come across one. (But remember, adders are protected by UK law, so please don’t disturb them.) Although adders are technical poisonous, their venom is of little danger to healthy human adults. It is however, lethal for small mammals, birds and other reptiles and amphibians.
Slow worms look superficially snake-like but in fact they are a legless lizard. Their head and neck is virtually distinguishable from the rest of their long bodies. Most are a shiny golden-buff colour, so slightly easier to spot than an adder, although they mostly frequent woodland borders.
Amphibians (newts, frogs and toads) need to be near water to survive, so they are most likely to be found in woods with rivers, ponds or other waterbodies within them.