We had hoped for a long time now, to attract Ireland’s only native Reptile, the Common Lizard Zootoca viviparato, to the restored and created habitats at Wildacres.
On Thursday last, whilst passing a log pile in our top Meadow field, we spotted a creature scurrying away in a flash, deep into the safety of a log pile.
We thought we might have seen one weeks ago, on a log pile behind our main pond, a distance away, on another part of the Nature Reserve.
So, to try get a photo it was a case of playing the waiting game.
It was a question of who’d crack first, our camera-shy lizard, who wanted to bask a bit more in the sunshine, or us.
After 25 minutes of sitting there motionless, a head appeared and a few minutes later out it came!
We are thrilled after almost 8 years of habitat restoration and creation on 17.5 acres, of what was four heavily grazed fields, to get our first sighting and photo on the Nature Reserve of this beautiful creature.
It is a much-needed salve for the soul, in these troubled times, to see wildlife returning in variety and in some cases in abundance, and to see our first Viviparous lizard at Wildacres.
Makes all the hard work and outlay worth it!
Why not book into one of our upcoming events
On the day you will get to see and hear all about our fascinating wildlife and discover what you can do, no matter how big or small in your outdoor space, to help restore it.
Check out our website for more details and hopefully we will get the pleasure of meeting you soon at Wildacres.
#GreenBusinessoftheYear2025
#nature #wildlife
#habitatrestoration #health
#wellness #sustainability #biodiversity
