This tiny perfect sliver of life was under the bucket. At first it was coiled like a bracelet in a golden knot, but by the time the photo was taken it was warm and lithe, sliding over my fingers. The sight of one slow worm used to be astounding in our garden ten years ago, but as the garden has grown up and the wild spots and compost heaps have been cultivated, they are increasingly common.
It is heartening to think we must have done one small thing right in our little corner to visibly increase this bit of wildlife.
By the way my hands are not usually so dirty, but they are currently stained from picking up walnuts without any gloves on!
Happy Autumn !
Cathy's real country garden 
That slow worm almost looks like a bronze sculpture! So gorgeous!
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I didn’t want to put it back in the compost heap, it was so perfect!
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I’m sure if it could thank you, it would!
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It’s soft wriggle said it all.
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I love the description of this ‘one slow worm’ 🙂
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I used to think the spelling was “sloe worm”, because you might find them near sloe bushes( blackthorn) , but it turns out I was wrong and they really are “slow worms”. Legless lizards are in fact what they technically are, but that isn’t poetic either!
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So pretty – it’s important to teach children (and adults) the difference between slow worms and snakes so they (the slow worms) can survive. Your garden sounds like Paradise!
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It is just overgrown enough for the slow worms!
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Lucky you to see them as you do. I’ve only ever seen one on the allotments, and that was some years ago. xx
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They are probably in the compost bins! Xx
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Lucky you! We do not have any slow worms in our garden. Amelia
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Are you absolutely sure? They can be very shy . We have a big plastic compost bin and if you open the lid very quietly they are absorbing the heat on top of the compost for all to see.
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We have a lot of worms in our compost but I have never seen slowworms but now you have got me wondering, I suppose I will have to go poking around in my compost :).
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You will see them basking in the top of the heap under the lid on a cool day!
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That’s so wonderful. A heart-sing moment we can all share on here. I’ve never seen one, but we do have grass snakes in the compost bins. I love seeing the wildlife in the garden as much as the flowers. Thanks for sharing such a cheerful photo and words.
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Glad you enjoyed it. There is lot of good news out here!
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