Slow-worm LBAP


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SLOW-WORM (ANGUIS FRAGILIS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

Links to associated HAPs

Heathland

Current Status

The slow-worm is somewhat enigmatic. Although it is a true lizard, the slow-worm has no legs and is commonly mistaken for a snake. This species is very secretive and is not often seen.

Slow-worms prey on small slugs, earthworms and soft bodied invertebrates. They live beneath rubbish, compost, scrap metal and other suitable debris. Most slow-worms are found by turning over such debris and are rarely seen in the open.

Slow-worms exhibit the widest habitat preference of Britain's reptiles. However, there have been only four records in the Cheshire region since 1995. It is possible that more sites will be discovered as the profile of the slow-worm is raised. Slow-worms were known to occur everywhere in the UK during the 1950's and, although very few records exist, this may be due to the animal's then ubiquitous occurrence. Allotment sites are one of the slow-worms major strongholds in the Cheshire region.

Slow-worms are protected under schedule 5, Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, against intentional injury or killing. Trade in slow-worms is also prohibited.

Threats

Loss of habitat due to constructional development.
Loss of habitat due to unsympathetic management.

How are we helping to conserve Slow-worms in the Cheshire region?

Cheshire and Wirral Amphibian and Reptile Group's Reptiles coordinator has monitored slow-worm populations over a number of years and has contributed to a national publication supported by British Herpetological Society.
The Local Records centre, rECOrd, is producing a Provisional Atlas of Amphibian and Reptile sightings. Please send all sightings to rECOrd.

Objectives, Targets and Actions

OBJECTIVES	LOCAL TARGETS
To establish the current distribution of slow-worms in the Cheshire region and promote slow-worm conservation.	Targets awaited
ACTIONS REQUIRED
Form a local BAP Action Group for the slow-worm. Organise more reptile training events. Undertake a comprehensible survey to assess the status of this species in the Cheshire region. Monitoring existing slow-worm sites. Raise the profile of slow-worms and reptiles in general.

Progress so far

1997 - 2006 Action Completed

Reptile recorder training events have been organised by CWARG in conjunction with CWT where familiarisation with all Cheshire reptile species, survey methodology and recording where practised.
An allotment site in Helsby, known to support slow-worms, is being run in a manner of sympathetic to the species.
Extensive survey work has been done at Helsby Allotments to ascertain the population size of slow worms in 2003.

How to find out more about Slow-worms

BBC Wildfacts website - www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/281.shtml
Herpetological Consrevation Trust - www.herpconstrust.org.uk/

How can you get involved?

Join the Cheshire and Wirral Amphibian and Reptile Group, ask Julian Whitehurst (phone 01829 770797) for details.

Contact details

LBAP Chair

Kat Walsh, Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Phone: 01948 820728

References & Glossary

Jinks, S.A. (1997): The end of the line for the slow-worm? The slow-worm. Kent reptile and amphibian group, British Herpetological Society.
HCIL (1995) The Herpetofauna Workers Guide.
Langton et. al. (1993) A review of British Herpetofauna populations in a wider context, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
HMSO (1981): The Wildlife Countryside Act (1981).
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the Rio Challenge, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2:Action Plans, London.