The UK's largest snake has been spotted slithering through a stream near Southampton. 

A grass snake has been spotted swimming through a shallow stream near Southampton by Daily Echo Camera Club member, John Scamell. 

According to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the grass snake is particularly fond of wetland habitats like the one seen in John's pictures. 

They hunt amphibians, fish, small mammals and birds and have an impressive lifespan of around 15 to 25 years. 

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The grass snake is usually greenish in colour, with a yellow and black collar, pale belly, and dark markings down the sides. 

A Hampshire Wildlife Trust spokesperson said: "Predators include badgers, red foxes, domestic cats, hedgehogs and a number of birds.

"When caught, grass snakes hiss and release a foul-smelling substance from their anal gland. Although they may also strike with the head, they do not bite and are harmless to humans."