Service Description: The Countryside Section of the Isle of Wight Council is involved in a wide range of activities from giving advice about wildlife and trees to carrying out practical management and teaching children about nature. The Countryside Ranger manages nature reserves and country parks throughout the Island, including Fort Victoria Country Park. The Ranger works closely with community organisations and charities, especially town and parish councils, to promote good countryside and wildlife management on land they own. The work of the section is supported by a large and loyal band of volunteers, who willingly give their time throughout the year to conserve and enhance their local environment.
Also known as:- Afton Marsh, Batts Copse, Brading Down, Charles Wood, Conservation Sites, Country Parks, Countryside Rangers, Dodnor Creek, Fort Victoria BBQ bookings, Fort Victoria Country Park, Golden Hill Country Park, Golden Hill Fort, Nansen Hill, Nature Reserves, Rangers, Shide Chalk Pit/Shide Quarry, Volunteering, Wight Winter Walks leaflet, Wildlife Warriors
Answer: All snakes are protected, and adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 from being killed, injured or sold. So it's best not to disturb or hurt any snakes you see. Adders are not aggressive snakes, and will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult human, the bite can be painful and requires urgent medical attention. The same applies to most dogs - if you think your dog has been bitten, get him to the vet as soon as you can. To avoid snakes, stick to paths and don't go into longer vegetation. If you make a lot of noise as you approach they will soon flee as they are very sensitive to ground vibrations. For very good advice on reptiles in the garden - both encouraging them and discouraging them - see this comprehensive government leaflet: http://naturalengland.communisis.com/naturalenglandshop/docs/NE15reptiles.pdf - Related Link