Thin Tellin
A small clam-like shell, the Thin Tellin is oval, smooth and delicate. It is found in fine sand from the middle of the shore to the sea, and buries itself up to 12 cm deep. It is a filter feeder, extracting organic matter from the water using its long siphon which it extends to the surface of the sand. Sometimes the siphon tip gets nibbled by a passing flatfish, but the Thin Tellin does not die - it just grows a new one.
Molluscs provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Warty Venus
The Warty Venus is a medium-sized clam-like shell, rounded and domed, and covered with bumpy, rough concentric ridges, living up to its common name. The Warty Venus lives on sand and gravel seabeds. Reproduction takes place at the beginning of summer (May to June).
Molluscs provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Cockle
The Common Cockle lives on muddy and sandy shores, between the high tide and low tide mark, and is commonly found in estuaries. It is a medium-sized clam-like shell, rounded and domed with radiating ridges. It feeds by filtering plankton and other organic matter from the water. Cockles are predated upon by oystercatchers, the shore crab, shrimps and flatfish.
Cockles have been collected as food for hundreds of years, but mechanised methods of collection like dredging, have led to concerns about over-exploitation. In some areas, there are now limits on cockle harvests. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Variegated Scallop
Variegated Scallops are found from just below the tidal zone, down to depths of up to 80 metres. A medium-sized clam-like shell, with radiating ridges and characteristic scallop 'wings' by the hinge, the Variegated Scallop is a familiar seashell shape. Scallops live on rocky and gravelly shores and seabeds, and swim by opening and closing their shells rapidly, sending out jets of water which propel them forwards.
Molluscs provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Great Scallop
Great Scallops are found from just below the tidal zone, down to depths of more than 100 metres. A large clam-like shell, with radiating ridges and characteristic scallop 'wings' by the hinge, the Great Scallop is probably the most familiar seashell. Scallops live on sandy and gravelly seabeds, and swim by opening and closing their shells rapidly, sending out jets of water which propel them forwards.
Molluscs provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Oyster
Common Oysters (also known as native oysters) live on the firm, muddy or sandy seabed in shallow water, where they filter feed on plankton and detritus. Oysters start life as males, but when they mature at about 10 months old, they can change sex regularly depending on the temperature of the water.
Oysters suffered from massive over-harvesting in the 19th century and are under threat today from disease and invasive species, such as the Slipper Limpet. You can help Oysters and other marine species by being careful about what you choose in the supermarket - go for sustainably produced fish and shellfish, preferably with the Marine Stewardship Council's logo.
Mussel
One of our most familiar bivalves (two shells that clamp together), the Common Mussel lives on rocky, sandy or muddy shores, from the low tide mark well out to sea. It forms large, dense 'beds' of mussels which, when exposed at low tide, are a favourite hunting ground for oystercatchers. The Common Mussel is a filter feeder, filtering detritus and plankton from the water.
Mussels filter water and tend to accumulate harmful chemicals in their tissues, making them a good indicator of the health of our seas. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Dog Cockle
The Dog Cockle lives just below the surface of gravelly and sandy seabeds, out beyond the low tide mark. A thick, round, clam-like shell, with about 10 teeth on the inside edge of the shell.
Molluscs provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Whelk
The Common Whelk lives on sandy, gravelly and muddy coasts, below the low tide mark. It is the largest, snail-like shell you are likely to find on our beaches. It lays its eggs in a spongy mass, which are often found washed up on shore.
In the 1970s and 80s, whelks and other gastropod populations were seriously affected by the use of chemical anti-fouling paints on boat hulls containing tributyl-tin (TBTs). These paints caused females to become male, leading to a decline in reproduction. The use of TBTs is now controlled, but chemical pollution can still be an issue for our marine animals, particularly as it builds up through the food chain. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Oyster Drill
With a very jagged, snail-like shell, Oyster Drills are whelks, living below the low tide mark where they feed on oysters by boring through their shells with their sharp proboscis.
In the 1970s and 80s, whelks and other gastropod populations were seriously affected by the use of chemical anti-fouling paints on boat hulls containing tributyl-tin (TBTs). These paints caused females to become male, leading to a decline in reproduction. The use of TBTs is now controlled, but chemical pollution can still be an issue for our marine animals, particularly as it builds up through the food chain. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
