Slow worm

[HappyCatz]

Saw a huge slow worm when I was down the lottie on Monday [26/03/07].  I love their bronze, metallic sheen but don't know much about them, am thinking that this is quite early, what does everyone else think?

[HappyCatz]

[Barnowl]

Haven't seen one in nearly thirty years. Only thing I think I can remember is that slow worms are technically lizards not snakes.

[HappyCatz]

We saw lots last year, but not this early.  They are under a carpet which we have used to cover up some of the weeds and rubbish we have taken off the plot. Had never seen one until moved to Cornwall.

[coznbob]

Did see one last week at the plot, but think I disturbed it as was moving pots out of a clump of brambles. Did think it was a bit early then too.

[Robert_Brenchley]

It's the end of March, so it's not really that early. They'll be active on warm sunny days.

[Tin Shed]

I see quite a few on my plot in Essex, usually under a piece of carpet or flat piece of wood during the summer, but found a couple on an old compost heap in the autumn. I think they are wonderful and are amazingly strong if you pick them up.

[Old bird]

Hi

I have the complete horrors of hurting them.  Last year I had a nest of them and they lived in my black plastic compost bin (probably still do I haven't dared to poke around there yet!) When I opened the bin the older ones move slowly out of the way  but the babies they really wiz (a bit like the wiggly compost worms) but these really hurtle into their holes they gave me quite a fright!

One of the other ladies on the plots said that she killed anything like that as she thinks they are snakes.  Luckily she isn't near my allotment or my slow worms!

:o

[Barnowl]

One of the other ladies on the plots said that she killed anything like that as she thinks they are snakes.  Luckily she isn't near my allotment or my slow worms!

:o

Slow worms are a protected species : "The slow worm is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Under this act, it is illegal to kill, injure, and sell this species"

[ellkebe]

And they'll get through a barrel load of slugs - they deserve protection just for that  ;D

[Heldi]

I've never seen one.   :(

Go on Old Bird have a look in your compost bin and have a camera ready!

[Eristic]

Here you go Heidi

[HappyCatz]

Great Picture, the one I saw was huge.  I am always glad to see them as they do help with the slugs.  They are also going to be my secret weapon in fighting the proposed relocation of my allotment to make way for local housing!!!

[Heldi]

Thanks! What a great picture  ;D

[Trixiebelle]

Do they have teeth? I think if I saw one I'd pass out  ;D

[Tin Shed]

What a wonderful photo. I think they are wonderful, but showed one to my daughter, who ran away screaming!!!!

[Robert_Brenchley]

They have small teeth, but they don't bite, and couldn't hurt you anyway.

[missie]

what a great piccy. looks like you have an older slow worm there.
I have loads in my garden.
A little bit of info for you. They hibernate in burrows during the winter and they like to live in compost heaps and long grass during the summer, they are great at eating slugs and attracting hedgehogs who like to eat them. They don't bite.They can be copper, silver and sometimes you may get larger dark or black ones.

and yes they are lizards who will shed their tale if frightened/attacked.

I am a sad slow worm nerd, I wrote to London zoo when I was 5 and asked them if they had any spare ones that I could have. They wrote back and said they were all out of slow worms, I was gutted but alas I now have a garden full so I am happy. I still have the letter!

from missie

[HappyCatz]

Beautiful day on the lottie for us and the slow worms.......saw 5 of them all taking up the rays 8)

[Old bird]

Hi back from my Easter Holiday break on the "lottie".  Yep I had 4 adult slow worms in my bin!  They are getting quite used to being gawped at now and rarely move away when the lid is opened! ::)