A days ago Reg reported seeing a grass snake, of about a metre in length, hurry across the lawn in front of him. He thought that it had possibly been to the kitchen water feature for a drink, before hurrying away to the strubbery down the side of the garden.
Later I mentioned the viewing to John who said he had had a similar experience a few days earlier, but this time it was at the bottom of the garden.
An even earlier sighting surprised a guest, soon after she had arrived, when she spotted a grass snake, through the open front doorway, come down the steps and disappear along the front of the house.
I am delighted that this creature shares our environment, but I do hope he or she likes eating slugs and won't chase the large toad that John saw when he was weeding.
A couple of years ago I was surprised to spot a couple of grass snakes on the compost heap up in the Wild Garden. At first I thought someone had thrown two belts away, so I shrieked in surprise when they moved, which of course got the creatures disappearing in a rush.
However, on 25th July last year, two of our guests thought that the highlight of their weekend was the opportunity to actually photograph a grass snake swimming in the land drain that runs along beside the cottage, and Rob Mabbett would like to share this memorable experience with you.
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