Snakes (but no adders) alive on Hampstead Heath

Published: 13 May, 2010
by DAN CARRIER

THE largest colony of reptiles in London can be found on Hampstead Heath, a new study has found, writes Dan Carrier.
Ecologists plan to create special areas to make life even more comfortable for them. Miniature ponds and cosy woodpiles will be built. Currently, it is estimated the Heath has about 30 breeding pairs of non-venomous grass snakes, but ecologist Adrian Brooker wants to increase the numbers.
He said: “To have a breeding population – even a small one – so close to the centre of London is very special and gives an indication of the health of the Heath’s ecosystem because it tells us about the wellbeing of the snake’s main prey,    such as frogs and newts.”
A number of the snakes live in the enclosed bird sanctuary by the Ladies Pond, but Mr Brooker hopes they will fan out once the new ponds and logs are in place.
But a return to the Heath for Britain’s only venomous snake, the adder, is unlikely, he said. They were last seen there about 100 years ago.
“It is possible they could return, but it won’t be in this century,” Mr Brooker said.
Studies show that the cold winter had not affected the numbers of terrapins living in the Highgate ponds.