New member here (joined today, 19th May 2014). Reason for joining is that I just spotted a rather large (around 3 foot long) grass snake swiming in my garden pond. Having seen off the evil heron, I don't know whether to be overjoyed at this increasingly rare reptile choosing to make its home in our pond, or alarmed by the prospect of all my lovely fish being picked off 1 by 1.
Tips please as to what the hell I should do. (I am phobic about snakes, and our pet Weimaraner seems to be similarly tentative).
Lucky you - we used to have a grass snake visit our pond - it would catch the occasional newt - we didn't have fish so I have no idea what the risk would be to them, but grass snakes are protected by law and that means that their habitat is also protected from disturbance, so I suggest you just enjoy it and be justifiably pleased that you live in an area that provides them with the right habitat. Ours would appear once or twice about this time of year and then we'd not see it again until the following year.
As I'm sure you know they're totally harmless to you and your Weimeraner
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Me too Philippa - although if he stretched out he'd probably reach right across our little pond here - we had 3 ponds, a stream, hay meadows and huge old manure heaps at the smallholding - perfect grass snake country.
As for Oaktrees Gardening Services, I've a damn good mind to report them to Trading Standards
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Well, if they're advocating carrying out illegal acts they're certainly not fit to trade, but .................... I suppose DEFRA would be the ones with the big guns
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
They really are the most magical animals and totally harmless. You may be lucky and find a sloughed skin - like a ghost - and if you have a compost heap please be careful, it may contain eggs They are usually laid in June, but of course this year everything's happening early - and they hatch in September/October depending on weather.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Going back to the original question, grass snakes are harmless and only swim to hunt frogs and cool off in hot weather. Just leave it well alone you'll only see it occasionally.
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New member here (joined today, 19th May 2014). Reason for joining is that I just spotted a rather large (around 3 foot long) grass snake swiming in my garden pond. Having seen off the evil heron, I don't know whether to be overjoyed at this increasingly rare reptile choosing to make its home in our pond, or alarmed by the prospect of all my lovely fish being picked off 1 by 1.
Tips please as to what the hell I should do. (I am phobic about snakes, and our pet Weimaraner seems to be similarly tentative).
All native UK amphibians and reptiles are protected by law, and that includes disturbance of their habitat.
Oaktrees Gardening Services have been reported to the Moderators for unauthorised advertising and for suggesting illegal action.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Shelts hello and welcome
Lucky you - we used to have a grass snake visit our pond - it would catch the occasional newt - we didn't have fish so I have no idea what the risk would be to them, but grass snakes are protected by law and that means that their habitat is also protected from disturbance, so I suggest you just enjoy it and be justifiably pleased that you live in an area that provides them with the right habitat. Ours would appear once or twice about this time of year and then we'd not see it again until the following year.
As I'm sure you know they're totally harmless to you and your Weimeraner
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Who is this idiot?
I's defiantly (sic) get rid of oaktrees garden destruction services
In the sticks near Peterborough
Me too Philippa - although if he stretched out he'd probably reach right across our little pond here - we had 3 ponds, a stream, hay meadows and huge old manure heaps at the smallholding - perfect grass snake country.
As for Oaktrees Gardening Services, I've a damn good mind to report them to Trading Standards
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Well, if they're advocating carrying out illegal acts they're certainly not fit to trade, but .................... I suppose DEFRA would be the ones with the big guns
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks all. I have been "Googling" and am a bit reassured...
They really are the most magical animals and totally harmless. You may be lucky and find a sloughed skin - like a ghost - and if you have a compost heap please be careful, it may contain eggs
They are usually laid in June, but of course this year everything's happening early - and they hatch in September/October depending on weather.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Their eggs are also protected and deliberate disturbance is illegal.
I'm also pretty certain that a grass snake is the best judge of what is 'suitable habitat' for grass snakes..
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Going back to the original question, grass snakes are harmless and only swim to hunt frogs and cool off in hot weather. Just leave it well alone you'll only see it occasionally.