Grass snake nest. Group of young grass snakes (Natrix natrix) uncovered in a garden compost heap. These non-venomous reptiles are common and widespread across Europe, but are absent from Ireland, the Balearics, Malta and Crete. Females lay 8 to 40 eggs, which need warm temperatures and high humidity to hatch, making rotting vegetation such as compost heaps preferred locations. Photographed in Norfolk, UK, in late summer.