Tunnel of love? Cautious adders get a helping hand in Berkshire

Adders, external (Vipera berus) are shy creatures covered in a distinct zig-zag pattern. The protected species lives in woodland, on heathland and moorland and has a good sense of smell. Cold blooded, they need the sun’s heat to warm up and start hibernating in October – re-emerging in March.

A 2019 study, external found that adders could disappear from the British countryside altogether by 2032. They can currently be found in England, Scotland, Wales but not in Northern Ireland.

Elsewhere, they can be found across Europe and Asia and even within the Arctic Circle.

So, how likely are you to see one if you live in Britain?

“They don’t like people so they’re more likely to disappear,” said Mrs Lewis. “The chances of you seeing them are very slim. They can feel you approaching through the vibrations in the ground and are likely to stay away.”

Although she said the public should still be cautious in the rare instance that they do see one, “they are venomous. Admire from a distance but don’t disturb them.”

The Wildlife Trust, external says an adder bite is painful but “really only dangerous to the very young, ill or old.” It says medical attention should always be sought immediately.

The last recorded death, external from an adder bite in the UK was in 1975.