Hafren Dyfrdwy and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) have formed a partnership to deliver a 5-year habitat management plan for adders at Pendinas Reservoir located within the Llandegla forest.

 

The heathland habitat surrounding the reservoir has been monitored by Mick Brummage (County Reptile Recorder) for more than 15 years. The site supports one of the most important populations of adders in the region with an estimated 40-50 adults.

 

Adders are our only native viper and thrive in a variety of habitat structures from heathland, moorland, woodland edges and rough grassland being most favoured. Adders are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperatures. Their habitat therefore needs to provide a mixture of open, sunny areas to bask in and dense cover for refuge.

 

Within the past decade trees, scrub and large stands of dense bracken have been encroaching onto the heathland at Pendinas reducing its suitability for adders. The 5-year plan, now in its second year, aims to improve the heathland habitat by reducing the cover of these encroaching species and by diversifying its structure through small scale heather patching which will increase basking opportunities for the snakes.

 

 We are already seeing positive signs that adders are occupying newly managed areas   and becoming more mobile within the site. It is hoped that the high quality of habitat   provided through the delivery of this plan will allow the Adder population to thrive and act   as a reservoir to help colonise other areas within the surrounding commercial forest.

  

‘The partnership between HD has been such a positive step for both organisations. Working together and bringing knowledge and resources together is already having a positive impact on adders at this location. It is also a pleasure to work with great partners that are committed to the species and habitats on site and the benefits that brings to preserving UK species.’

Mandy Cartwright – Senior North Wales Officer

  

‘I’m so pleased that Hafren Dyfrdwy and ARC are working in partnership to help improve the habitat for adders at Pendinas. I’m looking forward to recording further positive effects on adder numbers and distribution over the next few years. I do hope that the partnership will continue beyond the initial 5-year period and possibly extend to other Hafren Dyfrdwy sites in this part of Wales.’

Mick Brummage, Reptile Recorder for Flintshire and Denbighshire

  

‘The positive impacts of the collaboration can already be seen at Pendinas and as time goes on, I feel certain that this will be reflected in the number of adders recorded. The team at ARC and their expertise and commitment has been invaluable in helping us manage the habitats on site in a way that is considerate of this important population. It’s also been a great opportunity for colleagues from across Hafren Dyfrdwy who have been able to engage with the works by volunteering their time through community champions days.’

Charlotte Trigg – Hafren Dyfrdwy Biodiversity Project Manager.