Adders Up

The European adder, Vipera berus, is one of Britain’s most iconic animals, important to both natural and cultural heritage. However, recent studies show that adder populations are in widespread decline. The Make the Adder Count Survey monitored 260 adder sites across the UK and the results suggest that all small adder populations could be extinct by 2032. An International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment of amphibians and reptiles by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) also indicates that, in England, adders are now vulnerable to extinction.

Despite their importance and their vulnerable status, little is known about adder populations in the North Pennines. Adders Up is a three-year project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Northumbrian Water Branch Out Fund to develop new insights into adder populations across the North Pennines National Landscape and beyond. The primary aims of the project are to:

• Address the misconceptions and myths about adders by engaging with schools, the arts sector, and communities within the North Pennines National Landscape.
• Locate adder ‘hotspots’ by engaging audiences new to wildlife recording.
• Survey for adders and their habitats by training volunteers and mapping the distribution of adder populations more accurately to better protect habitat.
• Encourage sensitive land management and enhance the connectivity of adder populations whilst championing the local knowledge and experience of landowners and managers across the National Landscape.
• Share our work and best practices with organisations and communities within the North Pennines and beyond.

How can I get involved?

We would love for anyone spending time in the North Pennines National Landscape to submit records of adders and other species that they may see to iRecord (a free, easy-to-use platform without having to set-up an account) or to iNaturalist. Your records help to build greater understanding of the flora and fauna of the North Pennines and beyond. Alternatively, you can email records directly to Conservation Officer, Samuel Betts. Please include what you saw, where and when you saw it, along with any other details which might be relevant.

Get involved by joining one of our volunteer surveying events:

Adder surveying training event – Thursday, 25 June 2026 9AM – 12:30PM, Castleside

Adder surveying training event – Friday, 26 June 2026 9AM – 12:30PM, Middleton-in-Teesdale

Adder surveying training event – Thursday, 16 July 2026 9AM – 12:30PM, Castleside

Adder surveying training event – Friday, 17 July 2026 9AM – 12:30PM, Middleton-in-Teesdale

Please visit the events section of the website to discover more events and volunteer opportunities taking place across the North Pennines National Landscape.

More about adders…

The adder is the most northerly species of viper and is found across much of northern and western Europe. They are the only venomous snake in the British Isles.

Adults are usually 60 – 80cm long, with a zigzag pattern along the centre of the back and a ‘V’ or ‘X’ shaped mark on the head. Males are generally smaller than females, with grey and black markings and females are typically light brown with a dark brown markings.

To learn more about the identification of adders, the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust have a fantastic resource on the identification of reptiles found in the British Isles.

Please be aware that adders are very easily disturbed. We ask people not to take close-up-pictures of adders. Disturbance puts un-due stress on the animal, particularly when they are gravid (carrying young). If you do see an adder, please remember ‘SSS’ – Stop, Step back, Smile. They are shy and will usually move away into the undergrowth as soon as they see or hear you coming. Please also keep dogs on leads where adders may be present.  For your safety and theirs, please do not handle the reptiles or amphibians that you encounter.

Education and engagement

Snakes are often misunderstood and maligned. The North Pennines National Landscape team is addressing misconceptions and myths about adders by engaging with schools, the arts sector, businesses, and communities within the North Pennines National Landscape. Fostering curiosity and wonder, we seek to build connections with the natural world to improve the perception of these vulnerable and timid animals.

To discuss Adders Up engagement and education opportunities please contact Education and Engagement Officer, Sarah Ingwersen.

Adders Up resources

We have developed a series of resources for use in schools, community groups and at events. Please visit our resources section to download the free resources, including:

Adder stones

As part of our engagement resources, we use our bespoke family-friendly ‘adder stones’ to share information on adders in the North Pennines. These stones cover adder identification, adder ecology, threats to adder populations and ways to help adders in the North Pennines. These stones are currently on display at the ‘Adder’ exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre. The exhibition runs from 23 May – 8 July 2026.

Community arts grant bursaries

The North Pennines National Landscape’s Adders Up project has worked with artists to deliver adder-themed engagement opportunities for schools and community groups. The community arts grant bursaries are funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Northumbrian Water Branch Out Fund. Please visit Art and adders for more information about the Community arts grants.

Business and community engagement

The North Pennines National Landscape team has worked with Allendale Brewery to redesign the label of their popular ‘Adder’ lager. The new label is helping to break down misconceptions of adders as part of the Adders Up project. Find out more about this unique initiative.

Working with 1st Stanhope Scouts, the North Pennines National Landscape team has developed opportunities to become ‘Adder Advocates‘. Their community work helps to share insights into adder ecology and build appreciation for adders in northern landscapes.

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