Slow Worm
Anguis fragilis
UK Green ListModerate📍 Foulshaw Moss
Season
March to October. Basking.
Best time of day
Morning. Under refugia.
Lake District
Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Grassland. That legless lizard. Not a snake. Blinks. Smooth. Common. Under refugia. Corrugated iron. They like warmth.
UK population
Widespread. Common.
Overview
Slow worms are legless lizards. Not snakes. They blink. Snakes don't. Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Grassland. Under refugia. Corrugated iron. They like warmth. Common. Don't pick them up. Tail drops off.
At a Glance
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Anguidae |
| Habitat | Heath · Grassland · Gardens |
| Diet | Slugs, worms, insects. |
| UK population | Widespread. Common. |
| Lake District | Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Grassland. That legless lizard. Not a snake. Blinks. Smooth. Common. Under refugia. Corrugated iron. They like warmth. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Heath, grassland, gardens. Foulshaw Moss, Grizedale. That legless lizard. Not a snake. Blinks. Smooth. Common.
Identification
Legless. Smooth. Blinks. Not a snake. Snakes don't blink. Lizard.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Heath. Under refugia. That legless. Blinks. Not a snake. Don't pick them up.
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.