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Strange thing in compost!
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 7:10 pm
by Sarah
I've just opened one of my plastic compost bins on the allotment and found a snake!
The bin hasn't been disturbed since last summer. It was a sort of browny pink colour and very smooth. It moved quite slowly, thankfully, but is still in there somewhere. Does anyone have any idea what it could be, and whether I need to avoid the compost bin for a while?
Could it be a slow worm?
Thanks everyone.
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 7:18 pm
by richard p
it does sound like a slow worm. have you tried goole to look for pics to make sure.
whatever its probably scared of you so if you bang about a bit so it knows youre there it will probably dissapeer.
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 7:24 pm
by Sarah
Thank you for your prompt reply Richard. Will go and google now.
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 7:37 pm
by Sarah
Me again!
Have just googled slow worm, and that is definitely it. Apparently they like to live in compost bins for the warmth. Hope it doesn't eat all the worms. I think I will do as you suggest Richard, and bang loudly on the bin before taking any compost out anyway!
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:03 pm
by Parsons Jack
Hi Sarah,
Definitely sounds like a slow worm. Very partial to slugs and snails apparently, so don't frighten it off too far
http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/slow_worm.htm
Cheers, PJ
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 11:13 pm
by John
Hello Sarah
Slow worms should be regarded as your friends and are quite harmless. In fact they are lizards and not snakes. They're very good at removing all sorts of pests like slugs. They're quite common in our area and you sometimes come across a nest of them with with perhaps half a dozen very young ones in it.
Look after it!
John
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 7:08 am
by Chantal
Hi Sarah
Having just read that slow worm link you should be on the lookout for a whole family of them. May is breeding time...
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 7:37 am
by Sarah
Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm certain now that it is a slow worm, and am actually quite excited. I think I will leave that compost heap alone for now just in case there is a nest, as I wouldn't want to disturb them. It's amazing how close to nature you become on an allotment isn't it?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 12:41 pm
by Di
Slow worms also like to sleep under sheets of corrugated tin, or stone slabs proped up on a stone or two - both providing storage heaters for them. So if you want to reclaim your compost you could try providing them with such an alternative home nearby.
Envious of you, as though i have a lot of wildlife here, no slow worms as yet.