IT’S been a long time but Britain’s rarest lizard has been released into the wild on Hengistbury Head in Bournemouth.

The sand lizards have been re-introduced to this part of the Dorset coast as part of a long-term conservation project.

They have not been seen in this area since the 1960s, although they can be spotted in other parts of the county such as Canford Heath and Studland.

The destruction of their natural habitat of sand dunes and heathland caused them to be almost extinct in the wild but a new nationwide programme to restore the species is proving successful.

Two thirds of re-introductions across England and Wales have so far proved successful, with the species now being found in 12 counties The sand lizard can also be found in the wild throughout Europe, where they are protected under international law.

Eighty lizards were bred and reared in outdoor enclosures at Marwell Wildlife in Winchester, one of 10 captive breeding centres.

Hengistbury Head is already home to a wide variety of rare plants and wildlife, and attracts visitors from all over the world.

The heathland and dunes in the area have recently been restored to boost the lizards’ chance of survival said Mark Holloway, Bournemouth’s countryside operations manager.

Nick Moulton, a reptile conservation officer for the charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, said: “We feel that the re-introduction of this rare and beautiful animal has every chance of success.

“Hengistbury Head is very well managed for all wildlife and the sand lizard should thrive.”