THE Adders are Amazing project is appealing for adder spotters to help with critical research across the Tivyside area.

The scheme is asking for residents to get out and about to look for adders as they emerge from their winter hibernation.

Dr Sam Langdon, of Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK) is working to raise awareness of the snake and ARG UK’s project, ‘Adders are Amazing’, aims to change public attitudes towards the reptile, which is often seen in a negative light, due to being the UK’s only venomous snake.

However, the adder is undergoing a national decline, with concerns they may become extinct in the coming decades if something isn’t done to help them.

Sightings of adders often spark worry in local communities around safety and Dr Langdon was contacted last year to address concerns at Poppit Sands. Working together with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, ARG UK has erected signs to remind people that adders are present in the dunes and pathways at Poppit.

Dr Langdon said: “The good news is, adders and other reptiles love sunny springtime weather when the sun is out and it's not too breezy. If you are able to get out and about and look for them carefully as you walk through our beautiful countryside, we would love to hear from you if you spot one.

“Please make a note of your location when you spot one. If you have a smart phone, then maybe download a free GPS app before heading out and use that to make a note of the exact location which is very helpful or you could use www.gridreferencefinder.com when you get home.”

Email the details - you can include a phone picture if you have one - including the date and location and grid reference if you can to sam.langdon@arguk.org.

“Any reptile species can be recorded too as lizards can be easier to spot. Please send any records directly to me,” added Dr Langdon.

“Please try not to disturb the animals while you are looking at them. At this time of year, they are basking to build their strength for the coming breeding season. Enjoy them from a distance and remember what good you are doing to help conserve these amazing species.”