skinks

[paulat]

i found a snake like creature with legs in my garden it was about four inches long. I think it was a skink but didn't think they were native to the uk. can anyone give me any more info on where skinks can be found and if they are in the uk.

[Clanad]

If it was near your house (based on my experience here in the U.S.) it is likely your example is a Salamander... seen here:http://turtle_tails.tripod.com/salamander/rbs2 _02.jpg or here: http://turtle_tails.tripod.com/salamander/slim y1_05.jpg .
While this is a Skink: http://www.eitangrunwald.com/SC3-04/SC3-04p1_f iles/SC3-04p1Large/215_Skinks1d.jpg
Here's a link to amphibians native to the U.K.
http://www.marinebiology.co.uk/amphibians.htm

[Bellringer]

Depending on your proximity to water, it may well be a newt.