National slow-worm compost survey

The slow-worm has suffered dramatic declines in recent decades, mainly due to habitat loss and intensive land-use. So the populations remaining in allotments and gardens could be of particular importance to the survival of this species, especially in urban areas, in much the same way as common frogs do very well in garden ponds.

The Herpetological Conservation Trust think that unkempt areas of garden are the most important factor, but compost heaps could provide a key focus for slow-worm activity in the garden or allotment. In order to help us understand more about slow-worms and their use of compost heaps, the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS) is undertaking a national Slow-worm Compost Survey.

For further details and a survey form follow the link here. Your records will be of great importance.