December 2008
I’ve never seen a slow worm in Nottinghamshire. In fact I’ve only found them in Essex woodlands and Dorset down-land, though they are apparently not uncommon in gardens in the southern counties of England. Keyworth Meadow would appear to be ideal habitat for them, especially the tussocky small field but the placing of roofing-felt refugia, failed to attract any. They have certainly been seen nearby at Wysall though I don’t know if they are still present. There is a policy of not introducing any fauna or flora that has not been previously recorded from the meadow but we are prepared to make an exception where the habitat appears so suitable but no natural method of colonisation exists through the mostly intensely farmed land around. If you know of any, and they seem threatened through cats (frequent predators) or land management please let me know, with a view to relocating them. (We will of course need a licence to do so). Tel 07981 928402