An adder has been spotted on Walton Heath.

Britain’s only venomous snake is now coming out of hibernation and although nobody has died from a bite for more than 40 years (1975) walkers should be careful.

One was spotted by Ria Trundley who was walking on Millfield towards Dorking Road yesterday (March 22). She said she has only seen about four in seven years.

Surrey Comet:

Steve Langham, chairman of Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group, a voluntary conservation organisation, offered advice for anyone stumbling across an adder (identifiable from the black diamond pattern).

Mr Langham said: “Enjoy the moment, you'll have spotted a cryptic and beautiful species which is in national decline.

“Adders are naturally shy and non-aggressive, so it will shoot off the moment it becomes aware of your presence. You are in no danger if you leave it alone.

“Of the 200ish adder bites to people per year across the UK, almost all are to men to have picked the animal up - don't do this!

“If possible, and you are in Surrey, report the sighting either via the SARG website, or on the Record Pool app.

“Adders are well known in that area, but it's still useful to have sighting records, for all reptile and amphibian species.

“If people want to learn more about herps (reptiles and amphibians) then SARG is a great place to learn and to survey these shy animals.”

Killing, harming, or trading adders is not only dangerous but an offence because they are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

For more information on adders, visit SARG.