Churchyards, chapel yards and cemeteries can be great places for both reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, and amphibians such as frogs, toads and newts. You may see lizards basking in the sun on walls or monuments or perhaps a frog or toad hunting in a cool, damp corner or rotting wood pile.
To find out more about how to recognise amphibian and reptile species take a look at these guides produced by ARG-UK and ARC*: ARC/ARG-UK amphibian identification guide, ARC/ARG-UK reptile identification guide.
Slow-worms are frequently present in burial grounds but rarely seen as they may be hidden under flat stones, at the base of walls or in long, tussocky grass. All reptiles need to warm up in order to be active and will bask, flattening themselves in a warm, sunny place so as to maximise heat transfer.
To read more about these interesting reptiles, please check out the Caring For Gods Acre website.
