The only reptile I am aware of being recorded in the Goyt Valley is the Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara*).

I am not aware of any snakes, Adders (Vipera berus) [IMG] in particular, being reported in the Goyt Valley. They ought to be there. I have never visited the Goyt Valley at the right time of year and the right time of day to provide the best opportunity, as I have successfully elsewhere. Snakes are more shy than Lizards.

Grass Snakes can be found in the neighbouring Staffordshire and recognised sources now claim our traditional native species Natrix natrix [IMG] has been reclassified and should be called the Barred Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica). This is in common with Southern Europe grass snakes according to the recognised sources. The species Natrix natrix is now listed as a Northern European species. Anyone can research this topic further through recognised sources.

For the record the UK is also home to the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) which is confined to a tiny area in the south of England. Therefore we have a total of three species of snake.

I am recording Common Lizards anywhere I can find them. Purely an interest. New reports of sightings anywhere not indicated on this website would be welcomed. I am especially interested in recording Common Lizards in SK10 as I have not personally recorded one yet, or even heard of sightings in SK10. I did record one along The Tors in 2021 (Sighting thirteen). The drystone wall where it was spotted neighbours onto the Unitary Authority (Cheshire East) boundary with SK10 as shown on the postcodes [IMG] map. Lizards must be on both sides of that wall. Sighting eleven was on the reverse side of the drystone wall but at that location it is technically SK11.

Hunting Lizards

One day I met a Lady at a venue, who also hunts with a lens. The Lady mentioned that in over ten years she had never spotted a Common Lizard, known to be widespread at the venue. Very frustrating. The reason is that she has a little dog. A very nice little dog but the Lizards don't know that. Her partner kept the dog on a lead and off we went hunting. Within fifteen minutes the delighted Lady had her first Lizard image.

Common Lizards suffer predation from all sides, including above. They will be seen in places where it takes them only milliseconds to escape to safety. Drystone walls are safe harbours and well stocked with food such as blow flies, spiders and larvae. When stalking always look ahead of you about four metres (everyone knows what two-metres is now), so you have a chance to spot them before they spot you. If you think you see something move then freeze. Move only your eyes while you take stock.

If you can, take a picture immediately, then move mega-slowly forward, taking pictures at intervals. You will see some poor images on this website for which I make no apologies. I may snap an opportunity and not get a second chance. However any images concerned will still be used if they are good enough to confirm species identity 100%, even if not very artistic. I started photography to record wildlife sightings not to produce art.

Lizards are surprisingly tolerant (they vary on different sites) as long as you do not make any sudden moves. Why I use the Quickshot Harness (see Assets) as I can lift my camera slowly with minimum movement. The camera is no good in a back pack. I do not have any special human skills, just experience.

One place I hunt can be seen clearly on this map [IMG] showing a place (blue spot) where I like to sit on a very hot day. Down a very steep embankment between the embankment and the new stock fencing that was erected in 2021. Nestled at the bottom of the gulley formed, it gets very wet and boggy down there. That place is heaving with Lepidoptera species and the remnants of drystone walls (not visible from the dismantled railway footpath) contains Lizards. Sit quietly and watch from several metres distance.

The best drystone walls [IMG] are only open and exposed to air on one side. Remember also these walls are like multi-storey condominiums and some extend a long way underground for historical reasons. On a well-drained slope this underground haven is safe for Lizards in all weathers and relatively warm for over-wintering. In July - August the less safety-conscious youngsters are more likely to be seen. Baby Lizards are a delightful jet black.