Common lizards found at Rutland Water for first time in 15 years

More than 50 common lizards were relocated 15 years ago and were thought to have died out - until now

Common lizards have been found at Rutland Water for the first time in 15 years.

More than 50 of the reptiles were moved from a site set for development at Wing Water Treatment Works to Lax Hill at Rutland Water Nature Reserve in 2007.

But no trace of them could be found during surveys in following years and the relocation was considered a failure.

However, both adult and young lizards were found at the site this summer.

Tim Sexton, senior species and recording officer at Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said: "It is fantastic news to receive the first record of common lizard sightings at Rutland Water this summer, over 15 years since the project to translocate them away from a new development took place.

"It just goes to show that with careful management and a little patience, wildlife can continue to thrive."

The common lizard is not currently rare or endangered in Britain, however, its numbers are considered to be declining due to loss of habitat.

They are also unusual among British reptiles in that they 'give birth' to live young rather than laying eggs.