How to Create a Reptile-Friendly Garden

As the weather warms, making your garden a suitable space for reptiles can help Britain’s six native species find the sunny spots they need to bask. Though they might be elusive, reptiles like the common lizard, slow-worm and grass snake play vital roles in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems - acting as natural pest controllers, they happily munch on slugs and insects that can otherwise wreak havoc on your prized plants.

Reptiles thrive in a variety of garden habitats, from sunny rockeries and log piles to ponds and wildflower meadows. With some species facing significant declines, providing safe and welcoming habitats in our gardens has never been more crucial.

But how do you entice these scaly sunbathers to take up residence in your backyard? The key is to create a habitat that caters to their specific needs. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This is why the summer sunshine is so crucial. They'll need basking spots – sunny patches with minimal clutter where they can catch some rays and warm up in the mornings. Think flat rocks, strategically placed paving slabs or even a dedicated "reptile sunbed" made from a piece of corrugated roofing material (perfect for holding the heat).

Next up, provide them with a bit of luxury accommodation! Reptiles need a network of hiding places to feel secure from predators, avoid the midday sun when it gets too hot and hibernate during the colder months. Log piles, rock features with plenty of crevices and purposefully placed piles of dead leaves are all ideal. You can even get creative and build a "hibernaculum" – a dedicated reptile refuge made from wood, bricks, and a layer of soil and leaves for insulation.

Now, let's talk about the food! Planting a variety of native wildflowers and creating a wildflower meadow area will attract a wealth of insects, providing a tasty buffet for your resident reptiles. Also avoid using pesticides in your garden – not only are they harmful to the reptiles themselves, but they'll also kill off the insects they rely on for food.

All six native reptile species in the UK are fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000). If reptiles are likely to be impacted by a development, a reptile survey will be required - get in touch to find out more.