Of Molluscs and Me

Today I was copied in to a discussion between two conservationists concerned about the fate of Helix pomatia on the Kent Downs. The problem seems to be predation, possibly by the glow worm, though this is not definitely established. The numbers of Roman snails, as we call them, have fallen in a particular location - lots of empty shells have been found. Romans snails are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and glow worms are also rare. So if one rare species is killing the other rare species this leaves conservationists with an interesting dilemma. Is it legal to protect the snails by destroying the glow worms? I look forward to hearing the answer as it is relevant to the struggle I have to protect my snails from the attention of shrews. Further information on Helix pomatia from http://roman-snail.co.uk

Of Molluscs and Me

I've been experimenting with organic coir blocks from Fertile Fibre: www.fertilefibre.com. I'm using it in the polytunnel in the baby snail pens partly because the compost worms like it and it lightens the soil which can get very compacted. But I also like it because it holds water well to keep the humidity up and I am all in favour of farming solutions that avoid the use of peat. It is nice and light to handle too. The only downside is that it's imported ...but if we wait a few years we may even be growing our own coconut trees!