04/09/2026
We are delighted to share that the conference report from Vanishing Vipers 2025, hosted at the University of Chester, is now available and free to download:
🔗 https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-bulletin/issue-number-177-autumn-2026/4642-01-the-vanishing-viper-2025-themes-from-a-meeting-to-discuss-better-conservation-for-i-vipera-berus-i-with-emphasis-on-landscape-level-approaches/file
The report summarises key research findings, discussions and recommendations arising from the conference, which brought together researchers, practitioners, conservation organisations, and land managers to explore landscape-scale approaches to the conservation of the European adder (Vipera berus).
We are also pleased to announce that Kev Palmer, Lecturer within the School and co-author of the conference report, has recently secured a Natural England Species Recovery Project (SRP) grant to support ongoing research into the impacts of recreational disturbance on the behaviour and life history of European adders across the UK.
The project will investigate one of the key themes highlighted during the Vanishing Vipers conference: how increasing recreational pressure may affect adder populations and what practical measures can be implemented to reduce impacts. Part of the grant awarded will support engagement with recreational user groups, land managers, conservation organisations, and other stakeholders to co-produce evidence-based guidance aimed at reducing disturbance and improving outcomes for this iconic but declining species.
With adder populations continuing to decline across much of Britain, and local extinctions recently reported in areas such as Warwickshire, collaborative conservation action has never been more important.
The project will be led by Kev Palmer in collaboration with colleagues from ARG UK, Empirical Nature, local authorities, land management organisations, and Natural England.
ARG UK Natural England
