The shy slow worm

The weather was lovely  today, without a cloud in the sky, and really quite warm. On our walk  we visited the  local wildlife area which we help to manage. Under a piece of old roofing felt (placed there for the purpose of enticing reptiles) we found our first slow worm of the year. I think the black stripe down its back suggests it is a female. She was being rather bashful (or socially distancing?) and wouldn't show her face to us. However we were pleased to see her.