PUPILS from Bream Church of England Primary School went slow-worm spotting at a building site in the village recently.

The visit by Year Two was arranged by Two Rivers Housing and Elizabeth Pimley, principal ecologist at Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy, joined them to describe the ecology at the Parkend Road project.

Kirsty Powell, head of development at Two Rivers Housing, said: “We’re building 13 new homes at the site and we’ve been working closely with the ecologist during and following many surveys to ensure that any protected species found were not harmed.

“An area of retained habitat has been reserved for the slow-worms and enhanced with the addition of wildflower grass seed mix and reptile shelters made of sticks and rubble. An exclusion fence has been put in place to prevent the slow-worms re-entering the development site.

“Pupils learned about slow-worms, which are often mistaken for snakes but are actually legless lizards. She explained the importance of looking after these little creatures at home in our own gardens. The groups then carefully lifted the pre-placed mats used to attract the slow-worms, which come up and bask under the mats in the warmth. One slow-worm was found, much to everyone’s delight.”