In 2001, a large population of slow worms was discovered during ecological surveys at the former Worcester Park Sewage Farm site in south-west London, ahead of its redevelopment into housing and green space, now known as The Hamptons. With no other reptile species recorded and high numbers of slow worms across the site, a major relocation was needed to protect the population.
Ecologist Kevin Morgan identified the newly established WWT London Wetland Centre as the ideal release site. Between 2002 and 2003, more than 2,100 slow worms were recorded during capture surveys, with around 1,800 individuals, from hatchlings to adults, successfully translocated to the wetlands.
Adam Salmon, Reserve Manager at the WWT London Wetland Centre said “Twenty-five years ago, this project marked an exciting milestone for the wetlands, as we were eager to welcome a larger reptile population to the site.
We’re absolutely delighted that, all these years later, the slow worm population is thriving, far beyond our expectations and has even spread into surrounding areas.
Their success is a real boost to our biodiversity and a clear sign that the London Wetland Centre supports a healthy, balanced ecosystem.”
The relocation proved highly successful. Today, slow worms are well established across the Centre, particularly along sunny banks and grassy margins, where staff and volunteers continue to record healthy numbers.
Over two decades on, Kevin recently revisited the site and was delighted to find the population still thriving. The project also paved the way for other reptile introductions, including grass snakes, further enriching the site’s biodiversity.
