Adder project set back years after wildfire damage

A pioneering project to boost a common's adder population has been set back several years after a wildfire last month.

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust has set up a fundraising campaign after Crookham Common in Berkshire was damaged in the blaze that started on 14 August and was tackled overnight.

It destroyed approximately two hectares (4.9 acres) of sensitive scrubland and bracken at the designated site of special scientific interest.

"[Firefighters'] professionalism, speed and dedication ensured the fire was contained and helped to avert a far worse situation," said Kate Titford, the trust's head of communications.

The charity's land manager Julian Cooper added: "This project has been set back by several years by the fire.

"As climate change makes events like this more likely, we need your help more than ever, across the three counties."

One obvious impact of the fire was on the tunnels installed to connect two isolated populations of threatened adders that had become separated by Old Thornford Road.

Crookham and Greenham Commons are one of the last strongholds in West Berkshire for native adders.

They are the UK's only venomous snake but rarely bite humans and any danger is likely only to affect the very young, ill or elderly.

"These beautiful snakes are often maligned, being the UK's only venomous snake," said Roger Stace, a senior land manager for the wildlife trust.

"This could not be further from the truth as, despite being venomous, these snakes are shy and very sensitive to disturbance.

"They would always prefer to get away rather than attack."