A Kent housebuilder has taken a break from rehoming people to find a large scale new home for Greenhithe's reptiles.

Bellway have relocated around 100 reptiles from its new St Clement’s Lakes development off St Clements Way.

The housing company called in experts to help carry out the conservation programme - relocating the grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms.

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Environmental Consultant Matthew Buxton from AA Environmental Limited, who helped to carry out the work said: "To locate the reptiles we placed a number of tin sheets across the site.

"The tin sheets are warmed by the sun and provide heated areas which are ideal for reptiles to bask, either under or on top of the sheet.

"We then catch them by hand, place them into a safe container, then take them to their new habitat close by.

"The new habitat has reptile proof fencing, to keep the reptiles within the new area. It is also rich in biodiversity, with long grass and lots of wildflowers typical of chalk grassland, as well as a number of insects and butterflies. The habitat also contains several hibernacula, providing a suitable home for hibernation in the coming winter months."

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Peter Knights, Sales Director of Bellway Homes Thames Gateway said: "It is great to hear that the reptiles have been safely located and moved to a new habitat more suited to their needs. When St Clement’s Lakes is built we are very keen to ensure that the landscaping is attractive to local wildlife so the local biodiversity can thrive."