Recent event spotlight: A Special Snail-A-Bration
Slug-utations readers!
Ellen, Energy Garden’s Biodiversity Lead here to tell you about a very special snail-a-bration that took place at Energy Garden HQ in honour of International Day for Biological Diversity.
A common garden snail (Cornu aspersum) observed up close through a magnifying lens.
On May 21st, twenty people from the Energy Garden community got together to talk about all things terrestrial slug and snail related in the UK. Similar to the Moth Night I hosted in the fall, we shone a spotlight on this particular/peculiar group of animals with crafts, trivia and some time to explore the garden. There was even some delicious food inspired by the diet of some of the molluscs we were focusing on – summer rolls and soba noodle salad.
A group of trivia participants discussing the first question of the evening.
At the start of the evening, attendees were able to craft their own slug or snail using clay. Guides detailing some of the UK’s common species were available for reference, but creativity was encouraged resulting in some very unique designs! The crafting fun didn’t stop there, as pipe cleaners were on hand to shape into tentacles so that we could channel our inner slug and snail.
Some of the slug and snail clay creations.
After the crafts, it was time to get serious about learning all we could about slugs and snails during the trivia portion of the evening.
One of the trivia questions.
Questions like “How many teeth do slugs and snails have?”, and “What percentage of slug species in the UK are considered plant munching pests?” drummed up a lot of debate among the trivia teams and provided opportunities for participants to learn more about these slimy garden dwellers.
Trivia in progress.
After trivia, we gathered our exploration gear including magnifying glasses, a digital microscope and the ID guides and set off on our slug and snail safari through the garden. Leading up to the event, there was very little rain causing me to worry we wouldn’t spot a single mollusc. We ended up quite lucky with a Tuesday evening downpour which ended the aestivation period (a form of hibernation snails enters to avoid drying out). Cardboard traps were strategically laid out a few days before creating slug hubs as they congregated in the dampness.
Attendees checking out the underside of one cardboard traps.
Overall, we had great fun celebrating these often villainised animals and were better able to appreciate their importance in the ecosystem and discuss management techniques to limit their negative impacts in gardens.
Myself and some attendees during the slug and snail safari.
Here are some reviews from the attendees:
“It was an excellent event that was educational, fun, and unique! From the slug-shaped snacks and trivia to looking at snails with a microscope, this event was superb. It was great to have the spotlight on these often overlooked creatures!”
An attendee using the digital microscope to observe a snail up close.
“Such a variety of activities. Such hospitable hosts. And free yummy food. It was the best night ever. I can’t stop thinking about snails and I will look for them forever. It enriched my understanding about nature and in turn has enriched my life.”
A participant studying some snails from the garden.
“The event was relaxed yet hands-on and informative. Everyone really became very inquisitive and I found that I was still talking about slugs and snails even after the event was over. I love events that bring child-like explorative nature out in adults and gets us all wanting to muck in and explore again. It was very lovely and I feel like I have learnt a lot.”
Continuing the discussions about slugs and snails in the garden.
“I loved the interactive nature, and meeting likeminded people that are passionate about both Slugs and Snails!”
Slugs and snails being shaped with clay.
I am really looking forward to organising more biodiversity-focused sessions. Check out our events page to see what’s coming up.
See you soon! - Ellen