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:
World Clean Up Day
World Clean Up Day: Bringing the country together to conserve our environment National and World Cleanup Day takes place on the third Saturday of September. World Clean Up Day is a beloved event that mobilizes
Best Cycling Trails in New Forest
Best Cycling Trails in New Forest: Discover Scenic Routes for All Skill Levels Indeed, the New Forest bristles with some of the most exceptional cycling trails suitable for all skill levels. Keen cyclists and novices
Table of Contents
ToggleBrockenhurst New Forest Hotels
Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels & Accommodation Brockenhurst is a charming village located in the heart of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. Known for its picturesque natural scenery, quaint villages, free-roaming ponies, and
Best Camping Fridges UK
Best Camping Fridges UK – Reviewed for 2023 If you’re looking to enjoy your time away from the civilization, planning an outdoor camping trip requires thoughtful preparation. Nothing is more crucial than the right equipment. Portable fridges
Try a New Forest
Try a New Forest: Discovering Europe’s Top Forests Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a keen hiker or perhaps a budding photographer, a woodland retreat is always a thoroughly relaxing and restorative experience. If you
Choosing The Best Carry On Backpack UK
Choosing The Best Carry On Backpack UK I have travelled with too much stuff for many years and now know that a carry-on backpack of good quality is an investment worth making. You want your backpack