It is easy to think that reptile surveys are relatively straightforward compared to many ecological surveys - stick a load of carpet tiles or old metal sheets (tins) out and check them every now and then.
​But it can take quite a bit of skill to find reptiles when there is a good deal of leaf litter and general cover for them to shelter in.

​The photo below proves the point nicely - a common lizard skulking in leaf litter (found under a carpet tile on this occasion).  Can you see it?
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