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Everything growing so fast - June blog



We have checked several times for the grass snakes now but still no luck.

We googled to find out possible reasons why.


Grass snake populations have declined in some areas of the UK, leading to fewer sightings. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and changes in prey availability are key factors contributing to this decline. While grass snakes are still found in many parts of England and Wales, they are more likely to be absent from areas where suitable habitats have been lost or degraded.

Here's a more detailed look at the reasons:

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

Grass snakes rely on a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and areas with access to water for hunting amphibians and fish. Many of these habitats have been lost or fragmented due to development, agricultural intensification, and other land-use changes. For example, farm ponds have been filled in, and natural areas have been converted to other uses.

Prey Availability:

Grass snakes primarily eat amphibians (frogs, toads, newts) and fish, but also consume small mammals and birds. Declines in amphibian populations due to habitat loss and other factors can reduce the availability of food for grass snakes.

Climate Change:

Climate change can indirectly impact grass snakes by affecting their prey and potentially their hibernation patterns. Hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters can disrupt breeding cycles and potentially impact hibernation success.

Perception and Management:

Some people mistakenly perceive grass snakes as pests, or may not be aware of their conservation status. This can lead to actions that negatively impact grass snakes, such as habitat destruction or persecution.

Monitoring Challenges:

Grass snakes are shy and can be difficult to monitor, making it challenging to track their population trends accurately. This can lead to a lack of awareness about the extent of population declines.

What you can do:

Create a reptile-friendly garden: Providing a pond, a compost heap, and areas of long grass can attract grass snakes and other reptiles.

Report sightings: Report any grass snake sightings to your local Wildlife Trust or Amphibian and Reptile Conservation group.

Support conservation efforts: Support organizations working to protect and restore reptile habitats.

Raise awareness: Educate others about the importance of grass snakes and other reptiles.

We think it is probably the lack of rain which could be the problem. The dykes are certainly very low. We think a scrape or pingo in the midst of the Fen meadow could make a difference.

A lovely memory.


 
 
 

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