monkey, and 56 Mollusca provide assemblages that differentiate the deposits from other interglacials.
The sites also provide a unique archaeological record of Clactonian, Acheulian and Levalloisian
flint industries in superposition. The site has international importance. The interglacial as yet has
not been named, but 'Purfleetian' is a possibility.
The social aspect of the afternoon was equally successful with many thanks due to Mary Smith and
her helpers for providing an excellent buffet and dispensing refreshments.
The following supplements the Exhibition report.
The Slow-worm Anguis fragilis and the Adder Vipera berus
Jonathan Cranfield and David Scott
Considering there are only nine species of herpetofauna within Essex, it is surprising how little we
know about each species. The last Provisional Atlas was published in 1983. Much may have
changed in the intervening years since that publication.
The Slow-worm Anguis fragilis
Quite often this legless lizard is found within gardens and allotments across the county. It is said to
be widespread and relatively common. Recently the Essex Field Club placed a Slow-worm survey
on its website. This is a good step in finding out more about this elusive and secretive reptile.
Please encourage friends and family to look out for this lizard in their gardens or allotments and
send in the details of location (grid reference), habitat, date and recorder (http://
www.essexfieldclub.org.uk/form_slowworm.html
A very limited distribution map has been produced from both of our record databases to show the
gaps in our knowledge of the species within the county. The species exists within various Nature
Reserves, Public Open Spaces and unusual habitats (railway lines, road verges, etc). Its status in
many parts of the county is not really fully understood.
The Adder or Northern Viper Vipera berus
This species is the most northern ranging snake species in the world. It is also the UK's only
venomous snake, surrounded in fear and myths which arc unjustified. The chances of getting bitten
by the snake and die from it are very limited indeed. The main reason is the species keeps away
from humans and human activity.
The species is widespread in the county, living in local colonies, in various habitats. The status of
this species is again unclear. Despite it being reported often in gardens, it rarely enters into gardens
due to human disturbance. It is often a mistaken identification of a Slow-worm or the larger Grass
Snake. It is true that the species is very timid and it is not easily spotted by the general public.
Evidence of this is clearly shown in Hadleigh where dog walkers have been unaware of the Adder's
presence on their favourite footpaths for over 15 years of visits.
Again the Essex Field Club and its members can collect information on this species. When recording,
Adders often are seen basking in the early spring and summer mornings. We need to know where
these animals are. There are also places where you would not expect to find Adders. It would
probably worry many people that they pass over colonies every morning as they commute on the
train. It is lucky for the Adder that people are not allowed onto railways sidings, so they provide a
relatively undisturbed habitat. Seawalls are another unexpected habitat.
8
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 20 (2003)