snakes and adders

I’m fortunate to spend my working life is the wonderful North Devon countryside with its great array of wildlife. Whilst most of what I see during the working week is not particularly rare, it still brings a sense of awe. Gannets are frequently to be seen diving off the cliffs of Morte point, Seals are a common sight and the Grass hopper warblers calling from the scub-land bring a sultry feeling to summers days.

Another summer regular on Morte point is not often seen by walkers and if it was might well bring a some apprehension. The coastal heathland is an ideal habitat for the UK’s only venomous snake, the Adder. If you know where to look they are quite numerous along the cliffs and sand dunes of North Devon, lying on rocky ledges, or in the top of heather bushes catching the warmth of the summer sun. The picture below shows a beautiful brown (female I think) at a spot that I call adder rock. She was to be seen here most sunny mornings throughout May and June, but has recently disappeared, She might have moved on, although the presence of a Raven close by one morning leads me to suspect that she might have met a different fate.

Adders come in an array of colorings, this year I’ve seen black, brown and green. Usually only a couple of feet long although many years ago there was an adder to be seen regularly on the end of the point which seemed to be twice that size!

They are shy creatures for the most part and usually slither away into the rocks or undergrowth when disturbed, but I’m always a little wary of the dogs being bitten, An adder bite is potentially fatal to a sheepdog, but I’m assured by the vets that with prompt treatment recovery rates are pretty good.