DAILY ECHO (Dorset, UK) 17 April 07 'No need' to improve snake warning signs (Andy Davey)
The National Trust has said there is no need to improve warning signs around Studland beach despite a boy being bitten by a snake.
On Saturday the Daily Echo revealed how an adder bit 11-year-old Michael Chapman on the foot as he ran through heathland near Shell Bay.
The youngster was treated with anti-venom at Poole Hospital and has made a full recovery.
The trust said it was sorry to hear about Michael's ordeal, but insisted it has notices warning about the poisonous reptiles on signs at all of its car parks, beach entrances and in its welcome leaflets, which are available for visitors.
A spokesman for the National Trust said: "The welcome leaflets are reproduced on notice boards at all car parks and beach entrances.
"The relevant wording says First aid assistance is available from all beach rangers. Please seek immediate medical attention if stung by weever fish, jellyfish or in the unlikely event of being bitten by an adder.' "In addition there is an information for beach users leaflet that is also reproduced at car parks, which shows a photograph of an adder and lists emergency, hospital and National Trust numbers for help.
"We are sorry to hear about the boy in what must have been a very distressing incident. But we're delighted to hear he's made a full recovery."
The trust said it does not keep anti-venom at any of its offices because the drug can only be administered by trained medical personnel.
'No need' to improve snake warning signs