Adders are thought to be undergoing a significant national decline. Currently, we know very little about where these cryptic animals gather during the winter months in Pembrokeshire, although protecting hibernacula is crucial for adder conservation.
Biodiversity Solutions, a local Social Enterprise company providing funds for small research projects across West Wales, is currently supporting a Pembrokeshire adder project, in conjunction with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust and South and West Wales Amphibian and Reptile Group. The aims are to find, describe and protect adder hibernation features (hibernacula) across the county. The project will produce clear guidelines for land managers to help identify and manage sensitively around likely hibernacula and deliver training for key individuals and organisations that this information will benefit.
However, finding these sites is often incredibly difficult, so we are appealing for help with discovering more! If you happen to see any adders between October 2016 and mid-April this year, especially congregations of multiple adders in one area, please email Mark Barber and Sam Langdon (dr.s.langdon@gmail.com). We are also interested in older sightings during the above months. Your help would be very much appreciated.