The Barred Grass Snake (scientific name Natrix helvetica) is the most common snake in the British Isles. It can be found throughout England and Wales, but it is not present in Scotland or Ireland. Grass snakes are unique among native snakes as they are the only species that lays eggs; a female can lay up to 40 eggs in rotting vegetation, which typically hatch in late summer or early autumn. Grass snakes are also the largest of the native snakes, growing up to 100 cm in length.
