A County Durham nature reserve has become a 'hotspot' for snakes after a video emerged of close-in footage of an adder in the long grass. 

Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, has been linked with numerous snake sightings over the years - with dog walkers, ramblers, and visitors reportedly seeing adders and grass snakes. 

Alongside the snake sightings, Hamsterley has been branded a 'habitat hotspot' after being home to Herpetofauna Adders, slow worms, Newts, Viparian Common Lizards, toads, and frogs.

An adder in Hamsterley Forest An adder in Hamsterley Forest (Image: ANDY RICHARDSON)

On Monday (July 22), another adder was spotted in the nature reserve, slithering through the undergrowth. 

In a video, captured by Andy Richardson, the adder can be seen moving through grass in Hamsterley.

Mr Richardson, who is part of Hamsterley Forest Action Group, is highlighting how much wildlife uses the Forest and is petitioning against building on the woodland. 

He said: "We are trying to raise public awareness about the Forest's unique natural habitat. 

"From speaking with Claire Rawcliffe Durham Bat Group, the Forest is the only place in County Durham that still has eight species of bats in one forest area.

"Hamsterley Forest is an important site for bats in County Durham, with eight species recorded there, possibly the only site in the County known to support so many species – these are Common pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared, Natterers, Whiskered, Brandts, Noctule, and Daubentons."

Other sightings in County Durham

Frosterley, County Durham

Last year, an adder was spotted in Frosterley,  when a walker spotted an adder in grassland.

The person who spotted the snake wished to remain anonymous, shared the images with The Northern Echo and expressed their shock at seeing an adder close to the village.

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In the close-up images, the snake can be seen rearing its head towards the camera, while another image with the adder curled round on itself can also be seen.

(Image: a)

Edmundbuyers

The sighting, which took place at Pow Hill Country Park in Edmundbyers, near Consett, in September 2023, saw a walker see an adder and catch a glimpse of a second one. 

The spotter who wished to remain anonymous, said they were 'shocked' at seeing the snake' and revealed that they had heard about adders in the country park, but had never seen one until then.