There are only six species of reptile in Britain - three lizards and three snakes.

The Common Lizard and the rare Sand Lizard are obvious lizards, then there is the slow worm which is often confused as being a snake. Slow worms are very mis-named, as they are neither slow or a worm, but a legless lizard. Lizards have eye-lids, but snakes do not.

Our little friend Andy Lizard on the right has been identified by the experts as follows:

" viviparous lizard - Zootoca vivipara which is protected under the Wildlife Countryside Act 1981 and is also listed in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2010 (or possibly 2006). The species is a material consideration for any planning authority. It is a local species which is declining but is not considered a rare species. However there is a requirement for this species to be considered by the developers".... and in response as to its identity as a "rare palin moroh":

In this case rare just means “you don’t see them very often” rather than “a priority for conservation”.

 

In the snake department the rare Smooth Snake is really only found in the Dorset region, which leaves the Adder and Grass Snake being common throughout Britain. The photograph I took middle right shows the distinct difference between the Grass Snake, (olive green, minimal markings and yellow headband), Adder (distinctive dark zig-zag pattern and inverted "V" where the grass snake has the yellow band) and the silver Slow Worm.

 

The adder is the only venomous snake native to Britain. Adders have the most highly developed venom injecting mechanism of all snakes, but they are not aggressive animals. Adders will only use their venom as a last means of defence, usually if caught or trodden on. No one has died from adder bite in Britain for over 20 years. With proper treatment, the worst effects are nausea and drowsiness, followed by severe swelling and bruising in the area of the bite. Most people who are bitten were handling the snake. Treat adders with respect and leave them alone.

Andy Lizard photographed on "Glyders", others on Benfleet Downs.