Britain has six native reptile species. These are the Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara), Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis), Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis), Adder (Vipera berus), Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) and Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca). Many of these species have patchy or restricted distributions but, as a group, they are widespread and can be found throughout England, Scotland and Wales. They all require undisturbed habitats with access to sunny patches as well as good ground cover. Invertebrates form the bulk of the lizard species’ diets, whilst the Grass Snake favours amphibians and the Smooth Snake and Adder prefer lizards and small mammals. Reptile activity generally peaks in late spring and late summer, with individuals emerging from hibernation in March and April and returning in the autumn months.

All of our native reptile species are declining to a greater or lesser degree. Whilst the Grass Snake, Slow-worm, Adder and Common Lizard might not be regarded as currently under threat, they are nonetheless at risk. The Sand Lizard and Smooth Snake on the other hand have both undergone significant declines within the UK over recent decades. This has been a result of habitat fragmentation and the dramatic loss of heathlands to agriculture, development and forestry.


The four common reptile species are listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), in respect of Section 9(5) and part of 9(1). This protection was extended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The legislation makes it an offence to:

intentionally, or recklessly, kill or injure any of the above species, and/or;

sell, or attempt to sell, any part of the species, alive or dead.

The Sand Lizard and Smooth Snake receive greater protection under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act and from the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994 which gives them full protection under Regulation 39.

The legislation protects these species from:

deliberately or intentionally killing and capturing (taking) or intentional injuring;

deliberately disturbing;

deliberately taking or destroying eggs;

damaging or destroying a breeding site or resting place, or intentionally damaging a place used for shelter and protection;

intentionally obstructing access to a place used for shelter; and

keeping, transporting, selling or exchanging; offering for sale or advertising.

When considering planning applications, the authorities are required by law to take account of protected species and the conservation of habitats. A detailed ecological survey is usually required before planning permission can be granted.




Surveying reptiles is difficult, and if undertaken in areas that might support the two rarer species, could involve the disturbance of individuals which, under normal circumstances, would contravene protective legislation. Hence surveys should be carried out by experienced ecologists, where necessary holding relevant species licences. Survey techniques include careful observation amongst suitable habitat positions with a sunny aspect where individuals are likely to be found basking. Alternatively, the presence of some species may be more easily detected with the use of artificial ‘refuges’. These are small pieces of heat absorbent materials, such as corrugated iron, on or under which individuals may bask to thermoregulate. Surveys of artificial refugia are commonly carried out in suitably warm conditions on early mornings or late afternoons from March to October but optimally April, May and September, when the chances of sightings are greatest.


Any activity likely to contravene legislation in regard to the two rarer reptile species will require a licence if committing an offence is to be avoided.

Applications for licences must be submitted to Natural England by a competent ecologist, i.e. a person able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of natural England that they have the relevant skills and knowledge of the species concerned.

Should one or more reptile species be present at a site, mitigation and compensation procedures can be designed to facilitate the proposed development whilst minimising impact on the protected species involved.