There are nearly 3,000 species of snake in the world. Only around 375 of these are venomous, and only a small proportion of these are potentially harmful to humans. In the UK, we have adder, grass snake and the rare smooth snake, all of which are legally protected (as are their lizard friends). My favourite is the lovely slow worm – actually not a worm or a snake but a legless lizard (insert obvious joke here). These little cuties are only 50cm long and are have lovely smooth skin (for legal and safety reasons reptiles should only be handled by experts, obv!).

Snakes are often portrayed as villains (Jafar from Aladdin, the House of Slytherin, Adam and Eve etc.), but here in the UK they are generally peaceful souls, asking only to be given a wide berth and left to chill out. I’m extremely privileged that as an ecologist, my day job can involve surveying for reptiles (snakes and lizards), and then making sure that the reptiles and their habitat are safe from destruction. For those of you currently thinking ugh! snakes, take a look at the incredible colour and diversity of these beauties:

I for one firmly believe that snakeskin belongs on a snake’s body, not on our feet or carrying our wallets around, and I hope that you do too. As well as loving snakes, I also love fashion, so I’m really inspired by the current faux snake trend, which Topshop in particular have taken to their hearts. Hope you enjoy browsing! And if you’d like to find out more about our lovely reptiles and how to protect them, check out the links at the bottom of the page.

L-R top row: Make-up bag, Topshop £10.00; Top With Lace Trim, Betty Barclay £32.00; Point Flats, Oasis £25; Volume Blouse, Biba £27.60. 2nd row: Freedom sandals, Topshop £59.00; Leather Tassel Backpack, Topshop £65.00; Kitten Espadrilles, Topshop £46.00; Cavendish small tote, Stella McCartney £ 825.00. 3rd row: Gold tone cuff bracelet, River Island £13.00; Locket Platforms, Topshop £56.00; Pouchette, Biba £39; Greta Wedge, Mint Velvet £99. Bottom row: Square buckle belt, River Island £15.00; Pride Wooden Wedges, Topshop £78.00; Silk mix scarf, Stella McCartney £ 415.00; Canvas shopper bag, River Island £2.00.