At Bredhurst on Sunday 20th April, 21 KRAG & Bredhurst Woodland Action Group (BWAG) members assembled near the village hall around 9.30 am on a not so reptile friendly damp and overcast morning typical of this year's Spring.
Many thanks to Rick Hodges and BWAGs Vanessa for their efforts in publicising the event. It wasn't actually raining and some hazy sun seemed likely to penetrate the gloom at times during the morning.

With not too optimistic expectations we set off towards the Hurst to first
explore the chalk grassland area at the top end of Day Valley. No basking reptiles, but by diligently lifting pieces of scrap metal and wood a female slow worm was located, seemingly frozen in place and making no efforts to move.

Leaving the area we trudged along a muddy bridle path towards Arran Bank Farm. Moving uphill towards the farm we ascended footpath steps put in place by BWAG last Autumn. Near the top of the steps an adult male adder was located alongside the path and among nettles and brambles. As people gathered to view, it slowly moved underneath a nearby log. When the log was lifted there were more prolonged viewings and photo opportunities for everyone present.

We then headed back through the woodland and open coppiced areas towards the Scragged Oak Road entrance to the Hurst. A promising clearing was explored which contained a grassy bank with primroses, some invasive birch and bracken growing in the lower reaches. A recently sloughed adder skin was found along with a slow worm and common lizard hiding under some discarded tyres. Just as we were about to leave this area an adult male adder was discovered in the bracken and it hung around long enough for most people to view.

We made our way back via a chalk grassland site cleared of scrub and fenced off by BWAG during the Winter, and soon to be grazed by sheep.

Nearing 12.30pm, our final search for reptiles was along the perimeter fencing of the lower Day Valley grassland which was a hot spot at last
years event. The only sign of recent reptile activity was a sloughed adder skin.

Our final tally for the day was 2 adder, 2 slow worm and 1 common lizard.