single adder. It shows how timid this snake is and dispels the myth that it is an aggressive
snake ready to kill.
We have stumbled over what we believe to be a hibernation area for these fascinating
animals. In March/April 2001 during our Great Crested newt survey visits we had
regularly found several snakes basking together amongst the grass and bramble. This is
an indication of the 'laying out' period after emergence from hibernation. We have counted
up to 7 individual snakes in one visit. We have also recorded large numbers of Viviparous
Lizards Lacerta vivipara (around 10 to 14 per visit) probably a component of the adder's
diet alongside small rodents.
I have this year been capturing individual snakes to photograph their head markings.
Combined with the record of weight and length it is hoped that these animals can be
tracked within their habitats. An individual female Adder has frequently been spotted on
a grass pile, created by the rangers, over the course of several months. She is rather large
and is vary of human beings. This is clearly shown by how difficult it is to catch her.
When she is disturbed from her sunning position she will dart into cover (bramble usually).
Often, if you just stand still, she will reappear after about 5 to 10 minutes. I have managed
to capture her only once this year using a snake hook and bag. She weighed in at over
100g. The snake has now disappeared from her 'hang out'. A few younger individuals
in June/July joined her on the grass pile but now none of them have been seen since. I
hope to meet up with her next spring (fingers crossed).
A recent visit on the 30"' September 2002 revealed a potential hibernation spot. A adult
female snake was found basking at the base of a bramble bush. I watched her for a while
until she moved off from her coiled position and moved into a coppiced tree stump. I
moved on from here to check the other sites. I found no animals. When I returned to the
tree stump, the adder had returned. This time she was coiled at the base of the tree
stump. She moved off under the bramble out of sight. I have marked down this area as a
potential small hibernation area. Adders sometimes hibernate singly or in large numbers
and I think that this may be a single occupancy.
The location of hibernation, feeding, and courtship areas should be included into
conservation plans to help conserve and protect the species. The hibernation areas are
easier to find than the courtship and feeding areas.
We have now made a start at the Hadleigh Castle Country Park. We have found a
hibernation area. There are reports of the courtship battles around the marsh. As my
studies carry onto next year and beyond we hope to have a better picture of the ecology
of the snake in Hadleigh Castle Country Park.
References
Stebbings R. E. (2000) Reptile hibernacula - providing a winter refuge Enact 8 (2): 4-
7. English Nature Peterborough.
Prestt, I. (1971) An ecological study of the viper, Vipera berus, in Southern Britain.
Journal of Zoology. 164: 373-418. London
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 40, January 2003
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