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Slow-worm Dilemma

rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
in Problem solving
I'm hoping to move house within the next two months, and would like to take my composter 'dalek' with me.
However, there is a family  of slow-worms in there, and has been, for a couple of years.
Does anyone have ideas as to what I could to do, please, other than leave the composter behind, and buying a new one? I don't wish to harm the slow-worms, but I also don't wish to spend out unnecessarily. 
I don't suppose I can box them up, and take them with me!
Thank you.
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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I would contact your local Wildlife Trust for advice. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Have you sold your current house ?  If so, perhaps it may be worth asking the new owner if they are interested in taking over your Slow worms/composter ?  Some people would be delighted whereby it would be worth leaving in situ - they may even be willing to cover the cost of a new composter.
    Otherwise you could do as suggested and contact the local wildlife trust.  
    I too have a breeding colony of Slow worms so can understand your dilemma.  Some live in the compost heap but they do wander around the garden too.
    Moving house is an expensive business but if it is more the cost of a new composter that is the main issue I believe some local councils offer composters either free or at a considerably reduced rate.
    I'd be interested to hear what you decide to do eventually and how it works out.
    Happy House Moving anyway  :)
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    I was half-tempted to box up and take garden slow-worms with me when I moved house a few years ago (I didn't; but as it happens, my new garden has slow worms too)

    You should probably check whether you might be breaking the law though. They're protected here which means you mustn't injure or kill them - I don't know if that prohibits rehoming them.  If you can do, I wouldn't worry too much about boxing them up - they're pretty robust creatures which I know because when I was a kid I used to keep them as pets, way-back-when.
  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    @philippasmith2 thank you for your reply. It's not about the cost of a new compost bin, although, I'm of that ilk that doesn't like to pay for one, if I don't have to.
    We are already paying more for the property than I would have liked - but my wife made the choice. After all, she's the one who will probably spend more time there than I will.

    If we haven't moved before the end of November, then it all falls apart anyway. We messed around trying to buy one bungalow (owner changed their mind), then a house (probate wasn't moving fast enough), and now another bungalow. Here's praying for everything to work itself out.

    Our buyers aren't interested in the garden. They want the place because we have our own garage on site, and is ideal for schools. Plus the house size and layout suits them.

    I never asked the owner of the place we're hopefully going to, whether she has slow-worms. Mind you, with the size of garden, she probably doesn't know. 

    I will try to remember to let you know what I decide. And whether the move actually happens. 

    @Dovefromabove
    Thank you for the advice. I must admit that I have no idea whether we have a local wildlife trust, or similar. I'll ask the knowledgeable one (wife) - she knows so much!!

    @borgadr
    I'm sorely tempted to, but must do what is right. But, if I boxed them up, should they go with the removal company (not happy with livestock) or in the car (wife not keen)?

    Thank you all.
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    The owner of your new place probably won't know if she's not a gardener.  For the first 3 years I didn't see any in my new garden (even though I spent most of my spare time gardening), and now I've found two in the last 3 weeks.  Maybe the previous owners used slug pellets..

    I wouldn't leave them with the removal guys..  whether you take them with you in the car is obviously up to you, but it's probably best to do some research to find out if their current protection prohibits that kind of thing.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    edited October 2023
    I know the Slow worms are more important to you, but I think you can often find very good Daleks for very little money.
    They charge £5 for them at our local recycling centre.
    There are often practically brand new ones, and they are even rinsed out or cleaned.
    I got a brand new looking one a year or so ago.

    I hope you find a happy solution for your slow worms.
    Wild life trust is a national organization so you can look them up and email or call I think.
    https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/reptiles/slow-worm

    And their contact page.
    https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/contact-us
  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    Thank you, @Rubytoo
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    I'm worried if the buyer isn't a gardener they might be one of these idiots that likes putting down plastic grass and having a fit about "snakes" in the garden. I vote check with Wildlife Trust but take them if it comes to it, don't tell your wife they're in the car 😁.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    @rowlandscastle444 … this is how you can locate your local Wildlife Trust

    https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-trusts 

    😊 



    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    @Dovefromabove
    I have emailed the Kent Wildlife Trust, and await any suggestions they might have.
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