Posted on Friday 21st March 2025
An adder photographed at Cannock Chase by Ben Painter.
With spring now in full swing, adders are beginning to wake from hibernation at Cannock Chase so Staffordshire County Council is urging visitors to take extra care and help protect this endangered species.
Adders have suffered severe population declines across the UK and, in many counties, they are now locally extinct. Cannock Chase remains one of their last strongholds, making conservation efforts more critical than ever for these amazing reptiles.
Adders are shy creatures that usually avoid people and dogs but, if startled or threatened, they may bite. While bites are very rare, they are Britain’s only venomous snake, so owners are advised to keep pets on leads and stick to marked paths to prevent encounters.
The county council is actively supporting adder surveys and recovery work, with a dedicated plan for the species being developed as part of its Natural Environment Strategy.
Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, Victoria Wilson, said:
"Adders are a vital part of Cannock Chase’s unique ecosystem, but they are particularly vulnerable as they emerge from hibernation. Cold spells can make them sluggish, meaning they are less able to move out of the way of curious dogs.
"To protect both adders and pets, we urge visitors to keep dogs on leads and stay on designated paths. This also helps safeguard other sensitive wildlife, such as ground-nesting birds."
Visitors are advised to avoid walking into tall heather, wet pools and marshy areas, where adders may be sheltering.
These endangered reptiles also like to bask in sunny patches, so visitors are urged to keep an eye on the path ahead when walking.
Photographers are encouraged to use long-lens cameras to capture high-quality close-up shots of wildlife without leaving established paths. This will avoid causing unintentional damage to fragile heathland habitats, which are globally rarer than rainforests.
Adders can be distinguished by dark zig-zag markings in their backs – although some can be all black.
Dog walkers are advised to seek immediate veterinary attention if their pet is bitten by an adder. Symptoms of a bite can include swelling, pain and lethargy.
Cannock Chase is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including common lizards, grass snakes, and slow worms. By taking small steps to protect adders, visitors play a crucial role in preserving the delicate balance of this National Landscape.
Victoria Wilson added:
"We want to ensure adders continue to thrive in Staffordshire. By respecting their habitat and sticking to the Cannock Chase code, we can all share this beautiful landscape safely."
Staffordshire County Council hosts a variety of guided walks, including reptile-spotting tours, giving visitors the chance to discover Cannock Chase’s incredible wildlife up close without disturbing habitats.
Follow Staffordshire Country Parks on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest planned wildlife walks.