Not only have we seen a fully grown grass snake at Repentance this year, but we’ve also had the delight of spotting baby grass snakes — a sure sign they may be breeding nearby. Inspired by their presence, we’re planning to build a special shelter for them — often called a ‘grass snake hibernaculum’ or simply a grass snake refuge.
Grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) are the UK’s longest native snake, growing up to 1.5 metres. Harmless and non-venomous, they’re completely protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it’s illegal to harm or disturb them. They are strong swimmers and often found near ponds, where they hunt frogs, toads, and newts — all of which we’re lucky to have here.
One of the most magical sights is when the pond surface is covered in a fine layer of pollen — we can actually trace the graceful S-shaped trails where the grass snakes have swum, silently gliding just below the surface.
Interestingly, grass snakes lay eggs, unlike the UK’s other two native snake species. They rely on warm, damp environments like compost heaps or piles of rotting vegetation to incubate their eggs — which is why we’re planning to construct a custom refuge using layered grass cuttings, logs, and leaf litter. This will give them a warm, safe space to shelter, bask, and potentially lay eggs in future years.
It’s a privilege to host these shy, beautiful reptiles, and we’re doing what we can to encourage their continued presence — both for their conservation and the quiet joy they bring when glimpsed slipping through the undergrowth or leaving ghostly ripples on a pollen-dusted pond.