I for one welcome my new reptilian overlords

I found a sand lizard just inside my kitchen door a couple of weeks ago. I don't know what it was looking for.

Perhaps this is a sign that a good clean is required :D

It moved too quickly to take a photo but this slow worm, who was found in the exact same place a week later, was not so fast.

It couldn't climb the lip on the door frame to get back out so I picked it up and set it free on the grass. It was surprisingly strong in its wriggling. I found it - or another one like it -  sunbathing on top of the compost heap a few days later.

I haven't seen a slow worm in the garden for a few years but they are common around here. My neighbours often see them. They are surprisingly long lived and most welcome for the sterling work they do in keeping the slug population in check. 

Considering the amount of slugs eating my plants, I think they need to improve their game a little bit. Both them and the toads, which are now appearing in relative abundance.