All 12 of the UKs native species are found in Hampshire and of these 8 species have been recorded in Horndean. These are mostly seen in the central area extending from Yoell's Copse in the west to Dell Piece and Hazleton Common in the east. Many gardens in between with ponds in or nearby usually have a good number of frogs, toads, newts and slow worms visiting or breeding in the garden. Most of the newts are Smooth Newts but there are 3 or 4 localities where Great Crested Newts have been recorded.

Hampshire Wildlife Trust has a species group - Hampshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (HARG) chaired by a dedicated enthusiast John Poland. If any local enthusiasts would like to join the group contact Natalie Rogers on 01489 774406 or email natalier@hwt.org.uk

The Trust produces an excellent Recording Form which has on the back descriptions and pictures of all 12 native species (Copies available from JV)

Probably the commonest reptile in Horndean, frequentlty seen at Dell Piece West, Hazleton Common and many gardens. Not snakes but legless lizards. They thrive in our wild garden and raise a large number of young, all helping to keep down the slug population. The Slow Worm is a protected species. Pictures show a slow worm with young at Dell Piece (under a sheet of corrugated iron, briefly lifted for the picture) and the other two pictures taken in our garden in June 2001 and April 2007.

The best locations to see lizards are Dell Piece West and Hazleton Common where regular surveys are carried out by the HPC Countryside Team (Olly). At both localities they are frequently seen basking on logpiles and boardwalks where they can rapidly retreat into the brambles. There is a slight chance that the much rarer Sand Lizards may occur on Hazleton Common. They are larger with often brighter markings. The last two pictures were taken at HZC on 28th July 2007.

Of the three native species we have Grass Snakes, seen at Dell Piece West mostly in the ideal habitat on the north west side and Adders can be spotted frequently on Hazleton Common and Havant Thicket. Grass snakes are less often seen but a long thin shed skin was found at DPW. They are longer (up to 4 foot long) and thinner than adders and have bright green markings and are more likely to be found in wild gardens particularly favouring compost heaps where on rare occasions their eggs may be found so take especial care when turning the compost in the spring. Adults are not poisonous but may bight and this could lead to infection so be careful. I would like to hear from anyone that finds a grass snake as would like to get a photo of one. Adders are quite frequently seen often basking in sunny open spaces and these two pictures were taken in mid-September 2007 on a recently cleared path at the south eastern side of Hazleton Common where I had a close encounter with an accomodating male adder. The biggest problem here was keeping the dog under control and at a safe distance.

There is a good population of frogs and newts across Horndean. When we emptied our larger garden pond to fit a new liner it contained over 20 frogs and about 45 newts. Many residents with garden ponds across the area report a good quantity of frog spawn which seems to appear earlier each year but often get caught by freezing water but the lower layers survive. A few localities like Yoells Copse pond regularly have toad spawn and 3 localities in the parish have reported Great Crested Newts. This section will be added to later in the year.

I well remember my first roll of film taken when I was 12 years old (120 Army surplus ? Ilford Selochrome) taken on an old Ilford bellows camera. This roll contained a lizard, taken at Box Hill in Surrey. To get a 12" focusing distance I 'strapped' a x2 dipotre lens (from my Dads old glasses) to the front of the lens and worked out the focus settings previously with a 120 size roll of tracing paper in the back of the camera and then using a wire frame on the front of the camera to get the focus right. The exposure was rather guess work as there were no instructions with the film. My very first wildlife subject was remarkably co-operative, usually lizards dashed away into the brambles but this one allowed me to get it framed. What a difference today. I also took a picture of a frog by our garden pond in Streatham, South London (seen on the Pond Page). It was these two pictures that set me on a lifetime interest in photographing nature. There were many good localities for lizards in London particularly Mitcham and Streatham Commons - I doubt if there are any there now !

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