Posh Paper Mache Snakes
When you think of snakes, do you recoil in horror? Let’s put those fears to rest - Posh Paper Mache snakes don't bite, aren't poisonous and are easy to keep as pets!
The U.K. is home to three native snake species, the common adder, the grass snake, and the smooth snake. Let’s find out a bit more about them to help make your Posh Paper Mache creations more characterful!
Common Adder
The common adder is the only venomous snake in the U.K., but don’t panic! Their bite is rarely life-threatening, with fewer than 10 reported hospitalizations each year due to adder bites. Typically, they would rather slither away when feeling threatened, the best advice is to watch admiringly from afar. Recognizable by their distinct zig-zag pattern, common adders can often be spotted basking in the sun during late spring and summer. They prefer heathlands and woodlands, where they can find warmth and cover. I have never seen an adder in the wild, but I remember my childhood friend had a of them in her garden, which is the closest I have got. I like to take the word "Adder" literally and adorn my sculptures with sums and numbers - a slightly cheesy but amusing joke...!
Grass Snake
Grass snakes are non-venomous and frequently found near water bodies—such as ponds and streams. These agile swimmers can reach impressive lengths of up to 1.5 meters. They consume a diet primarily made up of amphibians and can be seen swimming gracefully, often with a fish in their mouth. In fact, a study indicated that grass snakes can eat around 10-20 frogs per month during the breeding season, making them natural pest controllers. We keep a patch of meadow in our garden to encourage wildlife and recently I came across a baby grass snake...well actually our caught it and was cat was playing with it...so I rescued it to make sure it was not hurt before releasing it back where I found it.
Smooth Snake
The smooth snake is one of the rarest reptiles in the U.K. Listed as a protected species, this snake prefers sandy heathlands and is less commonly spotted than the others. With their sleek, smooth scales, they blend into their environment well, helping them evade predators. Their numbers have declined in recent years, making habitat conservation essential for their survival.
Snakes and Ladder Sculpture
Don't be afraid of snakes!
(In the U.K. at least...!) Many people harbour fears about snakes, often seeing them as threats. However, snakes tend to avoid humans, wanting to retreat at the first sign of us approaching. Most snake bites accidentally happen people step on or annoy a snake by chance, because the snake is actually frightened of you...a giant human...and trying to defend itself. The fear of snakes is often passed down irrationally from generation to generation, but learning a bit about them could help to reassure someone that snakes are not out to harm them.
Snakes in the U.K. are not the frightening creatures of urban legend - they are fascinating and essential parts of our natural environment. By cultivating understanding and respect for these fascinating creatures, we can change our perceptions and contribute to their protection. If you encounter a snake, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the important role it plays in the ecosystem.
In the meantime, take a look at the Posh Paper Mache snake that I have created in this short video and maybe you will be inspired to make one yourself for your mantelpiece!