ADDERS are Amazing – that was the message to pupils at St Dogmaels Primary School as they enjoyed a visit by Dr Sam Langdon of Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK).

Dr Langdon is working in Pembrokeshire 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 in the spring to address concerns at Poppit Sands.

“Adders are often spotted in the springtime when males are looking for mates and lose themselves in the moment, falling onto the beach and being more visible at this time. The animals are always there, staying away from people as much as they can and we must remember that this is their home, as much as it is ours,” said Dr Langdon.

“They mean us no harm and are very unlikely to bite unless disturbed, hurt or bothered by a person or dog.”

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.

But Dr Langdon thought that more could be done to raise their public profile and reduce fears.

Inspired by “Love on the Rocks” activities that are springing up around the UK, where locals paint rocks for others to find and re-hide around their towns, she decided to set up an adder stone trail at Poppit, with painted stones hidden around the site for people to find and re-hide.

She worked with local children from Ysgol Llandudoch to create the stones, teaching pupils about adders and how to stay safe around them.

“We held a special reptile assembly for the whole school. The children were so enthusiastic and already knew a lot about their local adders,” said Dr Langdon.

“We talked about how we need to ‘SSS!’ if we see an adder – Stop, Step back and Smile – this gives the animals space, giving you more time to enjoy the moment when you find these amazing animals, and of course reduces any chance of a bite.”

During school beach activities, the children helped lay the new stone trail, with the help of local Cllr Mike James who has very much welcomed the initiative. The local community council, chaired by Jo Hutchings, has also played a key part in setting up the trail.

Dr Langdon added: “The stones soften the adder message, while raising awareness that adders are on the site. It shows that the children are keen to look after their adders, which hopefully can change attitudes towards them.”

More activities are planned this year with educational workshops and public events. Three more ‘adder stone trails’ are also in the pipeline within the National Park.