Grass snake  (Natrix natrix)

The grass snake is a much maligned species, and is often an unwelcome visitor to gardens. In some habitats, basking and egg-laying sites have been reduced in numbers (5).

This species is fully protected against being sold, injured or killed in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (3). One main aim of the conservation strategy for this species is to educate people about the grass snake, and to encourage them to tolerate its presence (6).