If you go down to the woods today, you are sure of a slithery surprise.

Your Local Guardian:

Surprising size: The grass snake

This large snake was spotted sliding across Ham Common Woods on Sunday morning, much to the surprise of morning walkers.

The non-venomous grass snake, believed to be a female due to its large size, is often found near water and usually feeds on amphibians.

Also known as the ringed snake, it is one of only three species found in Great Britain.

Nature columnist Tony Drakeford said: "It emerges from hibernation in April and mating takes place soon after. Hundreds of eggs may be laid in a warm place such as a compost heap and the young hatch in August.

"Hibernation takes place in October in wall crevices and tree roots etc.

"Grass snakes are fairly common but snakes don't have ears as such but are very sensitive to vibrations, so anyone walking near will disturb them and send them slithering into undergrowth.

"Being cold blooded they love to bask in sunshine. They are harmless to man and very good swimmers so tadpoles hatching now will be on the menu."

Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside Councillor Sarah Tippett, who spotted the snake, said: "I've spent time in southern Africa but I've never seen a snake in the wild so close up.

"She was beautiful and I feel very privileged to have seen her. I tweeted that it was a big fella, I've now been advised that due to the size it's a female."