Topic: Slow worms

[Tatty]

Got a bit of a shock today when pulling back covering on compost (carpet which I am aiming to remove and use something else)to see 4 slow worms were laying there.

Weren't sure if they were grass snakes or slow worms but have googled and they were slow worms - they are protected which I didn't know - but that is fine as I wouldn't hurt them!
They can also live a long time like 50 years!

Growing ovn veg and an educational too!

[gwynleg]

I am very jealous! Havent seen them since I was a child and would love to.
Does this mean you cant fill up the compost any more?!

[gp.girl]

Protected?????

The things are almost as common as muck......

[Tatty]

Mmmm not sure - I was thinking that as long as I am careful to not hurt them then could still use the compost bins - it is the nice warm compost that they like so that should be O.K.

Also want to grow my squash over compost as well!

[1066]

If you disturbed them they have probably moved on elsewhere on your plot. They'll be fine  :)

Lovely creatures aren't they!

1066

[reddyreddy]

I'm always finding them on my plot, if they are in the way - ie under a cover I have lifted to dig a bed - then I pick them up and gently place them under the water trough, it's nice and dark there. I think they're sweet!