The Adder is a relatively small, stocky snake which here in Kent has a preferred habitat of  woodland. It is Britain's only venomous snake. The main part of its diet is small mammals. Adders hibernate from October, emerging in the first warm days of March, which is the easiest time of year to find them basking on a log or even out on flattened grass or a pathway.

Generally they Adders are of little danger to humans although a bite can be very painful and will cause severe inflammation. Adders are secretive animals and prefer to slither off into the undergrowth than confront and bite humans and domestic animals

Adders are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and classified as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.