ADDER (VIPERA BERUS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

OBJECTIVES

To plot the distribution within the county and investigate possible avenues regarding the conservation of this species, and to educate regarding the threats and misconceptions associated with the only British venomous snake.

LOCAL TARGETS

Targets awaited

CURRENT STATUS

The adder or Northern viper (Vipera berus) has been recorded at five sites in Cheshire since 1995. It is considered to be of rare occurrence in the county although this may be due, in part, to a limited survey. Adders were recorded in the Cheshire region in the 1950s, although there seem to be only two records documented, neither of which make up any part of the post 1995 picture. Local unofficial sightings are commonplace but given that most turn out to be grass snakes (Natrix natrix), it is essential that these are looked into and the correct identification carried out. A Presence/Absence survey is required and results documented. Numbers and frequency can then be investigated in the future based on such results.

The most important records from Risley Moss LNR and National Trust properties on the Mid-Cheshire Ridge suggest that populations have survived in these areas for some time, and are relatively stable.

The adder is found in a variety and may crop up virtually anywhere, but dry grassland, scrub, heathland, moorland and open woodland are favourite. The vegetation cover and elevated nature of railway embankments may make this habitat the most important in terms of the widespread distribution of this species locally. Prey animals include viviparous lizard (Lacerta vivipara), slow worm (Anguis fragilis), various small mammals and the chicks of ground nesting birds. Therefore it is reasonable to expect two or more of the above at localities favoured by this species.

Adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedule 5, Section 9, against intentional killing or injury. Trade in adders is also prohibited.

THREATS

Disturbance and possible persecution by man.
Loss of food animals further down the food chain.
Loss of habitat due to human impact on recreational areas.
Loss of habitat due to constructional development, agriculture and pollution.

CURRENT ACTION

Cheshire and Wirral Amphibian and Reptile Group along with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, conduct recorder training events to encourage awareness of reptiles in the county, training on survey, identification and recording method for the more secretive species.
The Risley Moss staff are aware of the group's activities, as are the National Trust staff responsible for the management of sites containing adders. Some survey work has been carried out and more work of this nature is planned.
The Local Records centre, rECOrd, is producing a Provisional Atlas of Amphibian and Reptile sightings. Please send all sightings to rECOrd.

ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+

Form a Local BAP Action Group for the adder.
Survey, monitor and assess the status of the species in the Cheshire region.
This being a venomous species, it enjoys something of a public relations problem. People living near to, or visiting adder sites must be educated regarding the timid, inoffensive nature of this animal, dispelling fears and prejudice where these exist.
Staff at known sites to be liaised with and possible training and management discussed.
Identify sites with populations at present unknown and investigate the habitat in which non-heathland adders are to be found.
Survey in detail the known sites, gaining vital insight into the breeding habits of this species.
Raise the profile of reptiles generally, for these are a group often to be found together and they are an indicator of a high biodiversity due to the wide range of prey items.
Form links with the Heathland BAP.

ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY

None

ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS

None

OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS

3C Waste	English Nature	Railtrack
British Herpetological Society	HCIL	rECOrd
Cheshire and Wirral Amphibian and Reptile Group	ICI	Wirral Borough Council
Cheshire County Council	Landowners and estate managers
Cheshire Wildlife Trust	Manchester Metropolitan University

CONTACT

Kat Walsh, Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Phone: 01270 610180
Fax: 01270 610430

RELEVANT WEBSITES

www.adder.org.uk

REFERENCES

HCIL (1995): The Herpetofauna Guide.
Langton et al. (1993): A review of British Herpetofauna populations in a wider context, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
English Nature (1994): Species Conservation handbook.
HMSO (1981): The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2.

Date compiled - 1998
Date reviewed - 1999, 2001