Grass snakes are widely distributed across lowland England and Wales, and often crop up in places which bring them into contact with people - farmland, gardens, canals and lakes are all potential retreats. Consequently in many parts of the country (including much of Suffolk) the snake most likely to be encountered is this one, yet many people probably don't appreciate what a fascinating creature it is.

Contrary to popular belief, not all grass snakes are green. In act their background colour varies from apple green through to brown and grey but most specimens are olive-green with a distinctive yellowish collar, bordered to the rear by black markings. This is characteristic of both adults and young, although it is occasionally absent and sometimes fades in older, larger individuals. Adult females are larger than the males being around 80cm long.

Since their favourite prey consists of frogs, toads and newts, grass snakes like to live near water and are adept swimmers as anyone who has watched a snake glide gracefully and silently across a pond will testify. River valleys, marshes, areas around lakes and reservoirs, farmland with ponds or ditches and even gardens all make ideal habitats.

The grass snake is the only British snake to lay eggs. After mating in April or May, the female looks for somewhere to deposit her clutch. This she does carefully since the chosen site has to provide just the right conditions of warmth and moisture to allow the embryos to develop. Some form of rotting vegetation usually does the trick - most known egg-laying sites are compost or much heaps or sawdust piles. Eggs have also been found under rotting logs, in leaf litter and amongst river flood-line vegetation.

The 3cm long, white leathery eggs are laid in a clutch of 10-40 in late June or July and the young hatch out from the end of August. Baby snakes measure about 16cm (6.5 inches) and are immediately prone to all sorts of predators. Birds, in particular, find baby grass snakes tasty and the tiny serpents have little means of protection. Although they rarely bite in self defence, grass snakes do hiss and if attacked may defecate and emit a vile-smelling fluid. But the most effective and most often deployed tactic is to escape into the nearest cover.

Sadly, like all British snakes, grass snakes are declining due mainly to habitat loss and degradation. One way to counter this trend is to make gardens more snake-friendly. An amphibian pond provides food, an undisturbed compost heap serves as an egg chamber in summer and overgrown areas provide protective cover.

Keeping a check on grass snakes in the wider countryside, especially with the aim of protecting and enhancing their remaining habitats, is of prime importance. You can help the Trust target initiatives aiming at saving this elegant reptile by simply reporting any local sightings to the Suffolk Wildline on 01473 890089 or wildline@suffolkwildlifetrust.org