FREE PRESS (Chepstow, UK) 14 October 10 Chepstow slow worms are moved to a new home
More than 250 slow worms have been moved from a development site by Chepstow's waterfront to a new home in Monmouth.
Operation Slow worm was necessary before work could start on the regeneration of the riverside site for homes, offices and a restaurant.
Although their habitat is not protected, the slow worms themselves are protected by UK law.
Wildlife experts have had the tricky task of finding the elusive worms before moving them to their new site.
Special artificial refuges had to be built on the site to increase the chance of finding all the slow worms. The creatures which tend to be found in grassy area and stay predominantly above ground are drawn to warmth of the refuges.
The refuges are turned over twice a day, at the 2.4 hectare site, close the castle, by a member of staff from Ecology Solutions to see if a slow worm has nestled beneath.
After the slow worms have been captured they are transported by car to their new home in Penallt village, near Monmouth.
The team expects to find about 300 slow worms with each refuge attracting six worms on average.
The slow worms' new home is a much improved habitat with more open space than their existing home. The new location is a designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and so their new habitat is safeguarded from any future disturbance or development pressure.
Mrs Stephanie Tyler, the new landowner for the slow worms said: "We are delighted to house them as I am sure there is plenty of room for them with the existing slow worms."
Peter Mills development director at Wynndel Property Management, the firm responsible for the project said: "We were delighted that Mr and Mrs Tyler have so kindly donated land in order that we can relocate this population of slow worms to a suitable habitat and clear the way for the regeneration of this historic Chepstow waterfront."
Alex Heath of Ecology Solutions added: "It has been fantastic to work with a developer who recognises the importance of protecting these reptiles and who have been willing to go to the effort and expense in finding a solution to best suit this slow worm population."
Chepstow slow worms are moved to a new home