There are six types of reptile found in the UK and we are lucky enough to find all of them on the Dorset heaths.

Sand lizards and smooth snakes are heathland specialists which are rare in Britain as the habitat comes under increasing pressure.

You can also see adders, grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms in the heaths as they make an excellent habitat for all reptiles. As Dorset is a stronghold of the sand lizard and is one of only three counties to have the smooth snake, our heathlands are of national importance!

Conservation of this valuable habitat is essential in protecting our reptiles as well as many other interesting plants and animals. High quality heathlands are good for reptiles as they satisfy many of the life cycle requirements.

The sunny aspects often found in heaths are ideal for basking, which is essential for these cold-blooded animals. There are abundant plants, invertebrates, mammals and other reptiles, which provide a plentiful and mixed food source. There are areas with dense heather for protection, mixed with open areas for egg laying and basking.

Because of this all of our reptiles use heathland, although the main concern is for the two rarest reptiles in the country, which are reliant on this habitat for their survival.

Sand lizards are elusive animals that are restricted to sandy areas like those found in Dorset heaths. They are up to 20cm long and are stocky with short legs. They are grey, brown to black in colour, and are patterned with a darker section down their back.

Males have green sides which turn much brighter during the breeding season from April to May. Due to their reclusive nature and excellent camouflage they are difficult to spot for humans and predators alike, spending much of their time underground, often living in small colonies.

They require sandy soils to lay their eggs and the warmth of the sun to incubate the eggs. Smooth snakes are constrictors that feed mainly on other reptiles or small mammals by wrapping their bodies around their prey and suffocating the life out of them, although they are quite harmless to humans.

They are relatively inactive, spending most of their day hiding under rocks or stones but can also be found basking in the sun, hidden underneath the heather.

At 60-70cm in length, with smooth scales, they are noticeably different from the adder or grass snake. Smooth snakes have beautiful markings arranged in rows down the body, with a distinctive heart shaped marking on the head.

Heathland areas are increasingly rare all over the country, with only 15 per cent of the former range remaining in Dorset. Those that remain are fragmented and urban heaths face increasing human pressures.

Despite this, we are still lucky enough to have areas of heath supporting these species.