Reptiles and Amphibians
During the last century many ponds and wetlands were lost, but a lot still remain, particularly in woods, and garden ponds are now common. Most of the latter support frogs, some in very large numbers, and many also hold smooth newts. Toads on the whole prefer larger ponds where they breed in their thousands.
Frogs and toads are still widespread throughout the county. Palmate newts and Great Crested Newts occur in considerable numbers in many woodland ponds. The Great Crested Newt also lives in ponds on Salisbury Plain and indeed Wiltshire is a national stronghold for this rare and highly protected amphibian.
Slow Worms and Grass Snakes are widespread and locally common. The Slow Worm, a leg-less lizard, is a secretive creature which spends a good deal of it's time underground or in low, thick vegetation, so it is often overlooked even though it readily lives in gardens. Where there is water the Grass Snake is widespread, including in gardens with both ponds and compost heaps. The latter are used for warmth for the adults and, all importantly, for incubating eggs.
The Adder, Britain's only venemous snake, prefers dry ground, particularly open areas in or near woods. The Viviparous Lizard is particularly common in the south of the county though not confined there. It requires well-drained areas with open spots where it can sunbathe near plenty of cover. That said, it likes to be near humid areas with plenty of insects. It can even be seen at Landford Bog Nature Reserve, and on the fen at Jones's Mill Nature Reserve leaping from tussock to tussock.
