COLLECTING a Christmas tree from Alice Holt Forest was a festive outing to remember for a local mother and her young daughter when a four-and-a-half foot-long grass snake slithered under the wheel arch of their BMW and took up residence in the engine housing.

The non-venomous, native snake had been resting among the Christmas trees on sale at Alice Holt, but was disturbed by customers and staff and tried to find a place to hide.

While the incident, which happened on Saturday, left the visitors somewhat rattled and “worried about the snake” the Forestry Commission called on the expertise of Chiddingfold wildlife ranger Glen Boxall who came to the rescue.

According to an Alice Holt spokeswoman, after some three to four hours of careful prizing, the female snake was safely extracted from the lady’s car.

The snake was relocated to the reptile conservation area in the forest, where the damp areas provide an ideal habitat.

She said: “The current warm spell that we’re having has meant that some wildlife behaviour has been disrupted and some creatures that usually hibernate at this time of year are still active.

“However, the Forestry Commission is working to conserve and enhance both wooded and open habitats to make sure that wildlife populations are more resilient in the face of predicted climatic change.”

She continued: “Many of the woods managed by the Forestry Commission are suitable for reptiles. The way we manage the woods - cutting down older trees and planting young trees - provides excellent habitat for grass snakes and other diverse animal life.”