Britain's only venomous snake is in decline as we continue to build on its favourite habitat

Female adder at Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve in Essex. Credit: Kate Prout

The adder is in decline in this country as more of their habitat is built on and concreted over

See Kate Prout's report here

The adder, or viper, is the country's only venomous snake and has distinctive V shapes on its back. It comes out of hibernation in March to 'warm up' in the sun before feeding itself up and finding a mate

Mating or competing snakes perform a ritual 'dance'. Credit: Max Martin.

Conservationists are worried that as we build on the adders' favoured habitats they are having to compete with each other for food and mates, thereby reducing their numbers