Reduce trees, create firebreaks and sand traces

Generally open habitat created by removal of trees and scrub.  Low levels of tree cover can benefit reptiles by providing a greater variety of ground temperatures (and increased shading on hot days) and providing shelter from the wind.  Tree roots provide hibernation areas.  Shading can be caused by trees both on a site or adjacent to it.

Tracks created by mowing or by removing vegetation (e.g. with a bulldozer/rotovator) can be valuable fire-breaks in grassland and heath habitats but may cause increased access.  Sandy traces on heaths or in dune habitats will provide egg-laying areas for sand lizards where this species occurs. 

Small sites can be valuable for reptiles. 

Gardens, allotments and school grounds can all be managed to benefit reptiles.  Connections between these areas with nearby ‘countryside’ or with other gardens are important for encouraging colonisation and for sustaining populations.

Species specific needs for grass snakes include aquatic habitats (their prey species include amphibians and fish) and egg-laying sites, e.g. compost/ dung heaps.

A leaflet outlining what can be done to promote amphibian and reptile conservation in gardens or other small areas, such as allotments or school grounds, is available in our downloads section here.

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