Longest snake in UK spotted swimming in waters of canal outside popular Kinver pub

The longest snake in the UK was spotted swimming in the waters of a canal outside a popular pub in Kinver this week.

Andy Taylor spotted a long snake swimming in the Staffordshire Canal outside the Vine Inn restaurant in Kinver.

Mr Taylor posted the picture of the snake on Facebook yesterday (Thursday 30 April).

Many in the comment section were trying to decipher what snake it was - whether it was a water snake, grass snake or adder.

The snake in the picture is a grass snake - the UK's most common and widespread snake species.

They are frequently found near water and in gardens with ponds. They are Britain's largest native snake, non-venomous, and often identified by a yellow/cream collar behind the head.

According to The Wildlife Trusts, during the summer, grass snakes can be spotted basking in the sun near their favourite ponds or swimming in the water.

The species is widespread in England and Wales, but absent from Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isles of Scilly and most of the Channel Islands (they are found on Jersey).

Some users commented in shock at the picture. One user said: “Wow, I’ve never seen one! Amazing”.

Another user added: “OMG, l would have had a heart attack!”. A third user commented: “Fantastic, wonderful to see native wildlife”.