Adder
Vipera berus
UK Green ListModerate📍 Foulshaw Moss
Season
March to October. Hibernates in winter.
Best time of day
Morning. Basking.
Lake District
Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. That zigzag. Basking in morning. Only venomous snake in Britain. Don't touch. They're shy. They'll move. Give them space.
UK population
Widespread. Declining.
Overview
Adders have that zigzag. Only venomous snake in Britain. Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. Basking in morning. Don't touch. They're shy. They'll move. Give them space. Declining.
At a Glance
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Habitat | Heath · Moorland · Bracken |
| Diet | Small mammals, lizards. Venomous. |
| UK population | Widespread. Declining. |
| Lake District | Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. That zigzag. Basking in morning. Only venomous snake in Britain. Don't touch. They're shy. They'll move. Give them space. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Heath, moorland. Foulshaw Moss, Grizedale, the fells. That zigzag. Only venomous snake in Britain. Don't touch.
Identification
Zigzag. Red eye. Vertical pupil. Only venomous snake. Don't touch.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Heath. Moorland. Morning for basking. Don't touch. Give them space. They're shy.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.