Grass Snake Fact File
The
Grass snake fact file
- Common name – grass snake.
- Scientific name – natrix natrix helvetica.
- Size – adult grass snakes can grow to lengths of 120cm, but 80-100cm is average.
- Identification tips – the body is an olive-green colour with subtle black spots or lines regularly spaced along the back and flanks. The snake’s most distinguishing feature is its pale yellow collar immediately behind the head.
- Preferred habitat – dense undergrowth and as close to fresh water as possible, such as ponds and streams.
- Diet – grass snakes feed mainly on frogs and small fish if available. Newts will also be readily eaten. Land food includes bird eggs and small mammals such as mice.
- Breeding – mating happens between late April to May, soon after the snakes emerge from their winter hibernation. Between 5 and 40 eggs are laid in August / September and hatch after around 10 weeks.
Small patches of rotting vegetation make ideal grass snake nests, as the decomposition of the vegetation provides the required heat for the eggs to develop properly. - Other points – the grass snake is Britain’s largest reptile and the most common snake. Widespread throughout the New Forest and surrounding countryside, especially around fresh water. They are very strong swimmers and are equally at home in the water as on land.
Grass snakes are non-venomous; under threat they may release a pungent odour or, on occasion, remain motionless in an attempt to play dead.
Related Pages:
A Guide to Trails and Park Terrain
There is a specific smell that hits you the moment you step out of the car in the New Forest. It is a mix of damp oak leaves, ancient soil, and honestly, a little bit
New Forest Activities for Single-Parent Families
The New Forest offers a wealth of year-round experiences perfect for single-parent families looking to create lasting memories. From spring woodland walks surrounded by bluebells to summer picnics by gentle streams, the national park provides
Practical Equipment for Life on the Road
More people choose mobile living every year, from weekend caravanners to full-time digital nomads. Homes on wheels promise freedom, changing scenery, and a lifestyle that breaks away from traditional routines. That lifestyle only feels comfortable
How to Enjoy the New Forest’s Nature and Wildlife Without Breaking the Bank
The New Forest is one of the UK’s most cherished landscapes, a place where ancient woodlands, open heathlands, free-roaming ponies, and peaceful villages come together to create an unforgettable outdoor escape. And while many people
Why Time in Nature Complements Daily Astrological Guidance
Many of us start the morning with a quick look at our horoscope. A few lines can help name our mood, highlight a tension, or point out an opening in the day. What often gets
UK’s best natural spots
Wilderness escapes are not for everyone, that’s for sure. Some people simply prefer holidays where they can lounge all day and take it easy instead of being active, going hiking, swimming, or cycling. But there