Reptile Survey at Blewbury Nature Reserve 2026

Last year was the first year of a systematic reptile survey on the site. It took place between March and October when reptiles are not hibernating, and weekly between April and September. This year is our second summer monitoring reptile presence at the nature reserve. Last year we saw many grass snakes and common lizards. This year we have yet to record a sighting. James Morgan has consulted Herpetology experts, and we have recently changed our survey times. We were doing them at 10 am and 4 pm, but we are now doing them earlier to reflect the hot weather.

Disturbance may also be an issue. Please do not lift the mats (see photo). We have had several new volunteers join the team. One of them, Ben Hamilton, who is 16 years old, says: “I am currently studying Animal Management Level 2 and will be starting T levels in September. I am also studying on the OATA (Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association) Course as aquatic life and reptiles and birds are my main passions. I have really enjoyed being part of the Blewbury Reptile Survey, and although we haven’t had a huge amount of success so far this season, it is always exciting to pull back one of the refugia’s to see what might be under it. It is also a great chance to meet like-minded people: James the co-ordinator is a fountain of knowledge and hugely supportive.

All the volunteers are very kind, and I enjoy chatting to Sarah and the rest of the team each week. I am hoping it isn’t too long before we discover a snake or a lizard or two! “ Special thanks to Ben Hamilton for his huge commitment, only missing one or two weeks all season so far. I really hope he sees a snake soon!

Sarah Bennie and Ben Hamilton, Reptile Survey Volunteers