**Golfers Cautioned After Adder Spotted Sunbathing on Swansea Green**
A warning has been issued to both golfers and dog walkers after a striking encounter with Britain’s only venomous snake, the adder, occurred at Pennard Golf Club, a beloved course on the Gower Peninsula near Swansea. The sighting has sparked renewed calls for increased vigilance during the summer months, when serpents are most active.
The surprising meeting took place as 71-year-old Ernest Brown, a long-standing club member, was out enjoying a round with friends. As the group approached the 13th green on what began as a routine game, they were startled to see an adder weaving its way through the closely-mown grass. Mr Brown, quick-thinking and undeterred by the slithering visitor, snapped a photograph before allowing the animal to make a peaceful retreat.
Mr Brown, who has clocked up more than five decades as a Pennard member, reflected on the incident, stating, “We spotted the adder on the 13th green and managed to take a picture before carrying on with our game. Adders aren’t a common sight but they do appear from time to time.” He added that three years ago, another snake was seen about 50 yards away from this latest encounter, reinforcing the need for players to be aware of their surroundings, especially during warm spells.
Of particular note, Mr Brown mentioned that adders sometimes find respite in unexpected spots on the course. “On hot days, they occasionally curl up inside the holes. I remember seeing one in the cup on the 18th green more than 40 years ago.” Such anecdotes highlight that even in well-trodden, manicured areas, local wildlife still manages to seep through the grass.
In response to the sighting, Mr Brown posted his photo and a warning on Facebook, urging fellow golfers and dog walkers to be mindful while enjoying the picturesque links. His message underscored that these native snakes, while rarely aggressive, can pose a risk if inadvertently disturbed.
Adders, which are most active from April to July, are typically 50 to 60 centimetres in length and can be recognised by their distinctive zigzag pattern along the back, and either a V- or X-shaped marking on the head. Despite their notoriety, adder bites are relatively rare in the UK, with most incidents occurring when the snake is accidentally stepped on or otherwise threatened.
Medical guidance remains clear and consistent. The NHS recommends that anyone who suspects they have been bitten by a snake should immediately call 999 or proceed to A&E, staying as calm as possible. The majority of snake bites in Britain are not considered life-threatening and can be treated effectively if managed swiftly and correctly.
Key advice includes keeping the affected limb still, removing jewellery and loosening clothing near the bite site, and taking paracetamol for pain if necessary. It’s important to remember the snake’s colour and markings for accurate identification, but crucially, to avoid any attempts to catch or kill the reptile. Contrary to myths, the NHS explicitly states that sucking or cutting around the wound is ill-advised, nor should a tourniquet be applied, and medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided as they may exacerbate bleeding.
Adders typically inhabit sandy dunes, rocky hillsides, the fringes of woodland, and moorland – environments not dissimilar to areas surrounding Pennard’s famous fairways. Their presence is a reminder of the UK’s natural diversity and the sometimes-overlooked coexistence of humans with local fauna, even in places associated with leisurely recreation.
For avid golfers and dog owners alike, this recent encounter serves as a timely nudge to exercise caution and respect for the wildlife thriving right beneath our feet, blending the pursuit of sport with a little extra attention to the wild wonders around us.