A reptile specialist has provided some valuable advice after residents spotted poisonous snakes whilst out on walks. 

Graham Martin, who works at Berkshire Reptile Encounters, said that anyone who sees an adder in the wild should count themselves very lucky. 

"Most of the snakes I see that people say are adders are not actually adders at all," Mr Martin said.

"Most are grass snakes. You can tell them apart as the grass snake is more green whereas the adder is a darker brown with the diamond pattern on its back."

"If you see an adder, you're lucky! Don't panic, it's not going to chase after you, it's not going to try and brutally murder you, it will only attack if you spook it."

Mr Martin said that everyone who is walking around these areas should invest in some sturdy boots and avoid going out in flip flops or sandals. 

He also said that walking in boots will create vibrations which in turn alerts the snake that you are coming, giving it the chance to get away from you. 

"If they have a dog, which is quicker and quieter than a human, and puts its nose into something they might get a bite," he continued. 

"They're not amazingly venomous. An owner should still probably take the dog to the vet, especially if the dog is smaller just to make sure they are okay."

Mr Martin said that given the reports of snakes being seen out and about in Berkshire's green areas, it's probably best to keep dogs on leads. 

This is to reduce the chance that the dog runs too freely and comes across a startled adder, which could subsequently result in a bite. 

"The grass snake as opposed to the adder is completely harmless other than a foul smelling liquid it releases from time to time," Mr Martin said. 

As part of his job at Berkshire Reptile Encounters, Mr Martin said that he is regularly called to removed snakes from people's gardens and houses. 

"If someone calls up and says there is one in their garden, we simply respond that it lives there so they have to get on with it.

"If someone says that there is a snake in their house, we do remove it as it doesn't live there."

Mr Martin said that if someone finds a snake in their house, they should use a number of items such as a dustpan to scoop it up and release it into the wild again.