19.
THE SLOW WORM IN ESSEX.
It would be interesting to know the current
distribution of the Slow Worm in Essex. Recently I
caught six specimens in a Compost Heap at Peldon
near Colchester. They creep up to the top of the
heap where the heat rises, I presume, and they may
be found by lightly raking over the top of the
heap to a depth of three inches or so.
They are common in this district and I remember
collecting them here as a small boy. My son also
found one in West Mersea Churchyard. I never found
them in Epping Forest Myself but my father reports
having seen them at Buckhurst Hill in the Early 1940's.
I would like to know if they occur in the outer
London area now and how near London they extend.
Experiences in East Essex have always led me to
believe that slow worms occur in damp ditch bottoms
and grass areas-such as rough grass on sea walls etc.
Compost heaps also seem good places to look and as
said above, I imagine they are attracted by the heat
of decomposition, especially of grass mowings.
Any records would be most welcome.
D.R.Scott; Court Hill,
Church Lane,
Little Leighs,
Chelmsford, Essex.
During the Club wildlife display at the Ingatestone
Show in 1973, slow worms were reported from a log on
the Ingatestone bypass (A12) and were said to occur
widely in the gardens in the southern part of the town.
At the Dagenham Town Show in 1974 Slow worms
were reported as having formerly occured on Waste Ground
near the May and Baker factory.
Ron Allen.