PUPILS from Ysgol Llandudoch Primary School have learnt that adders are amazing after a visit from Dr Sam Langdon of Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK).

Dr Langdon is working in Pembrokeshire to raise awareness of adders. ARG UK's Adders are Amazing project aims to change public attitudes towards adders, which are often seen in a negative light, as they are the UK's only venomous snake.

However, the adder is undergoing a national decline, with concerns that they may in fact become extinct if something isn't done to help them.

Dr Langdon was contacted in the spring following adder sightings at Poppit Sands.

"Adders are often spotted in the springtime when males are looking for mates and lose themselves in the moment, falling onto the beach and being more visible at this time," said Dr Langdon.

"They mean us no harm and are very unlikely to bite unless disturbed, hurt or bothered by a person or dog".

Working with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, ARG UK has erected signs to remind people that adders are present in the dunes and pathways at Poppit. But Sam thought that more could be done to raise their public profile and reduce fears.

Inspired by Love on the Rocks activities that are springing up around the UK, where locals paint rocks for others to find and re-hide around their towns, Sam decided to set up an Adder Stone Trail at Poppit, with painted stones hidden around the site for people to find and re-hide.

She worked with local children from Ysgol Llandudoch to create the stones, teaching pupils about adders and how to stay safe around them.

"We held a special reptile assembly for the whole school. The children were so enthusiastic and already knew a lot about their local adders," she said.

"We talked about how we need to SSS if we see an adder – STOP, STEP BACK and SMILE. This gives the animals space, giving you more time to enjoy the moment when you find these amazing animals, and of course reduces any chance of a bite".

During school beach activities last Friday, the children helped lay the new stone trail, with the help of local Cllr Mike James, the local Llandudoch town council, has also played a key part in setting the trail up.

"The stones soften the adder message, while raising awareness that adders are on the site. It shows that the children are keen to look after their adders, which hopefully can change attitudes towards them."

For more information, visit the Adders are Amazing – ARG UK Facebook community page or on Twitter - @AddersAmazing.