For the first time in five years I am able to enjoy the emergence of adders (Vipera berus) in the north of England. In previous years I have only been able to see this species during the summer months when I would typically return home.
After weeks of stormy weather I finally saw the first three adders at a lowland location on 22nd February. A few days later on 25th I visited a moorland site with Carl Corbidge where we saw 12 individuals at a few locations. That day was likely the first suitable weather that these adders have had this year! If decent weather persists I hope to also see how the dwindling populations are doing in my more local moorland areas. It was a nice experience to see the snakes at this much anticipated time of the year, especially since I will be back in Slovakia from next week where I will spend the majority of the spring. That being said, Slovakia has a lot more wildlife on offer so I am looking forward to see many species in addition to adders while I am there. All being well in this now ever-changing world, I hope to spend some time in Greece in the spring before I move back to Thailand in the summer.
You can see highlights of my adder watching prior to 2017 in the photo gallery: https://mwilsonherps.com/photo-galleries/uk/












4 responses to “UK Adders 2022”
Great photos Matt.
Thanks Fred, hope all is well!
Thanks for that Matt. Most of my colleagues will be surprised that adders can emerge in February! Good to hear from you.
Thanks Steve. It was nice to be around here again at this time off year. I’ll come back for a bit more in April! Hope you are well.