Spotted in the barn this week – a Grass Snake keeping an eye on the rodent situation at Lower Blakemere

We had a surprise visitor in one of our barns this week.

Tucked away amongst the straw was a beautiful Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica), one of Britain’s most misunderstood and beneficial reptiles.

At first glance, many people assume any snake must be dangerous. In reality, Grass Snakes are completely harmless to humans and are a welcome sight on a wildlife-friendly farm.

In fact, finding one is often a sign that nature is doing exactly what it should.

What Does a Grass Snake Look Like?

Grass Snakes are Britain’s largest native snake and can grow to well over a metre in length.

They are usually olive-green, grey or brown and often have a pale yellow or cream collar behind the head. Unlike Adders, they do not have a dark zig-zag pattern down their backs and they are completely non-venomous.

When threatened, they are much more likely to slither away than stand their ground.

What Do Grass Snakes Eat?

Grass Snakes are nature’s pest controllers.

Their favourite foods include:

• Frogs and toads

• Newts

• Small fish

• Mice and voles

• Occasionally young rats

On a mixed farm like ours, with ponds, rough grass, hedgerows, compost heaps and barns, there is plenty of habitat and food for them.

While they are best known for eating amphibians, a Grass Snake sheltering in a barn may well be taking advantage of the local mouse population too.

Why Are Grass Snakes Good for Farms?

A healthy farm is not just about crops and livestock. It is also about creating a thriving ecosystem.

Grass Snakes sit higher up the food chain and their presence tells us several things:

• There is enough wildlife around to support them.

• There are healthy populations of insects, amphibians and small mammals.

• The farm provides a variety of habitats.

• The environment is functioning as a connected ecosystem.

In simple terms, you don’t get Grass Snakes where nature is struggling.

You get them where nature is thriving.

The Importance of Farm Habitats

Over the years we have worked hard to create and protect habitats at Lower Blakemere Farm.

Hedgerows, ponds, rough field margins, wildlife areas, compost heaps and healthy soils all contribute to supporting a huge range of species.

The result?

More birds.

More pollinators.

More beneficial insects.

And occasionally, a Grass Snake quietly getting on with its job in the barn.

A Good Sign for the Future

As farmers, we spend a lot of time looking at crops, livestock and machinery. But sometimes nature gives you a little reminder that there is something bigger going on.

Finding this Grass Snake wasn’t a problem to solve.

It was a sign that the farm is providing a home for wildlife alongside food production.

We’ll happily leave this particular member of staff to continue its rodent control duties.

After all, it works for free.

🐍🚜🌱