The Smooth and the Prickly

 I am a member of the HBRG (Highland Biological Recording Group)and an item in their latest newsletter caught my interest so I will quote it in full.

Recording Slow-worms in the Highlands and Islands

Cally Ullman-Smith, a researcher from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) Trust, will be presenting an online talk on the findings of the 2024 Slow-worm Survey. Despite being a relatively common sight in many Highland areas, slow-worms remain under-recorded in the UK. This survey, spearheaded by Cally, aimed to fill gaps in data by engaging volunteers and citizen scientists to report sightings and habitat details. The talk will explore the patterns revealed by this unique approach, highlighting the value of community contributions to understanding slow-worm distribution and the habitats they rely on. As well as looking at the lives of these amazing creatures. Donations to the High Life Highland Countryside Ranger Service.

Thursday, February 27, 2025 · 7:30 – 9:00pm GMT

Book your tickets here.

It reminded me of the one time I have seen a Slow Worm, which was back in 2019 on the Speyside W near Loch Bogach which is opposite Loch Alvie on the other side of the railway.

A Slow Worm

It isn't a worm or a snake, but a legless lizard and you can see its scales in the photos. It obligingly was slow enough to let me video it. 

Very unprofessional videos (just my phone), but I was thrilled. So that deals with the smooth part of the heading.

The prickly part was the reason I was out there - to see a Welted Thistle (Carduus crispum) which had been seen near Alvie Church.  I had never heard of this thistle, let alone seen one, so I went to take a look.  It likes less acid soil so is not common up here.  It basically just looks like a very prickly thistle. So I won't be offended if you find it less interesting than the Slow Worm!

Welted Thistle