Written question asked by Fiona O'Donnell (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 November 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 November 2011. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 January 2012 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Adders: Conservation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of trends in the number of adders in the UK.

Answer: Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales are supporting the work of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and local amphibian and reptile groups to assess adder populations. Early results of a national reptile survey show that adders were recorded in only 7% of the sample plots studied. If the final report confirms a worrying decline in this species the three agencies will build on existing work with partner organisations and volunteers to enhance strategies to address it.

Secondary information