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Adders on roads in the North Pennines National Landscape
Wildlife aware: Adders on roads
21 May 2025
Blog by Sarah Ingwersen, Education & Engagement Officer
At the North Pennines National Landscape, we’re calling on drivers to be wildlife aware.
When we think of British wildlife hazards on roads; rabbits, birds, toads and sheep come to mind. But there’s another, less conspicuous creature that motorists—and nature enthusiasts—should be aware of, especially in spring and summer: the adder.
From late March, adders are on the move in the North Pennines National Landscape. This migration puts them at increased risk of disturbance, persecution, predation and, unfortunately, road mortality. So far this year, members of the North Pennines National Landscape team and volunteers have spotted 17 dead adders (16 males and one neonate ) on roads within the National Landscape and there are sure to be more across the vast expanse of the North Pennines and beyond. This is a concern.
Recent studies show that all small adder populations in England could be extinct by 2032 – meaning that in as little as seven years the iconic adder could be absent from the English countryside. It is estimated that 90% of adder populations have fewer than 10 individuals – so even a single adder lost from a population can have devastating consequences.
Why are adders on the road?
Adders are ectothermic, meaning that they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Roads absorb and maintain heat, especially in the morning after a cold night. As part of behavioural thermoregulation, adders may use roads to absorb the warmth to power their bodies. They do not recognise the danger that roads pose.
Adders move between hibernation sites, mating sites and summer foraging grounds during the spring and summer months. The presence of roads in adder habitat creates risky crossing points or complete barriers to dispersal; both have negative outcomes for adders. Habitat fragmentation by roads, changes in land use, and development reduce opportunities to mingle with neighbouring populations and negatively affects genetic diversity among populations.
Basking or crossing snakes are at high risk of being hit by vehicles. Adders move slowly and can be hard to spot on the dark, tarmacked roads that curve through the North Pennines. This is potentially a quiet but significant factor in their population decline.
For motorists, while there’s no real physical risk from hitting an adder, the conservation impact is real.
What can be done?
For motorists:
1) Be vigilant in rural areas: always keep an eye out on quieter roads near heathland, moorland, or woodland, particularly on warm spring mornings.
2) Slow down: reducing speed can provide reaction time to avoid hitting wildlife.
3) Avoid swerving: if you do spot an adder on the road, don’t endanger yourself or others by swerving. If it’s safe to do so, slow down or stop until the animal has crossed the road. Never attempt to pick up or poke at an adder.
Seeing an adder is a rare and special moment and we have a shared responsibility to protect these shy reptiles. With some care and attention, adders can remain a vital part of England’s natural heritage.
So next time you’re driving through the North Pennines, keep an eye out and you might just spot an adder soaking up the sun or on the move. If you do, be an adder advocate and give it the respect it deserves. Please remember to report all adder sightings to iRecord.
If you do find a dead adder, please report it to Conservation Officer, Henry Barrett, Henry@northpennines.org.uk
