As part of the Society’s Development Plan: Strategies for Expansion a number of recording initiatives have been devised as projects. Two such are already under way and have been promoted in this magazine (Malacolimax tenellus Issue no. 2, July 2003 and Phenacolimax major Issue no. 3, November 2003).
Drawing inspiration from surveys by other organisations, in particular those linked to thrushes' anvils and the ongoing RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, A Garden Survey of Molluscs could provide a way of involving both adults and children, particularly those who are already interested in the environment and wildlife and would have the benefit of re-educating gardeners in their attitude to garden slugs and snails. Links could be made as to the presence of molluscs in association with particular plants and/or habitats to inform horticulturists, both amateur and professional. The survey would take the form of recording details about the gardens as well as the species of mollusc present. It is also an ideal way for children to become interested in molluscs and their role in the food chain.
How will it work?
Members of the public will be asked to look in their own gardens or where they work for a number of distinct and relatively common species. This could be either continuous or could take place at key times, for example 4 distinct weeks throughout the year. The key identification features and photographs of these species will be posted on the Website. Suggested species are as follows:
Limax flavus
Helix aspersa
Tandonia budapestensis
Discus rotundatus
Arion hortensis agg.
Oxychilus alliarius
Other species are likely to be identified as a by-product of the survey, and a more detailed follow-on survey could be sent out to those respondents who are keen to learn more. Depending on the initial response it might also lead on to greater things such as publicity at a trade fair, garden show or prominent national garden and could be followed up by a press release sent to the National gardening press, Local Education Authorities and wildlife journals. Results will be published on the Society's Website as they become available, with an annual update in Mollusc World.
But there is a stumbling block.
This project lacks a leader/coordinator to take responsibility for the scheme. An advantage is that the nature of this project lends itself to leading/coordination by more than one person. This could reduce the burden of time and responsibility from the shoulders of one person and only one member of a duo need be Internetsavvy! There are two principal strands to the project in the first instance, one is a matter of publicising the project and the other consists of the capture of the data. The Society’s Website has an important role to play in the project in that participants in the scheme (those submitting their records) can log on and place their records onto the electronic recording card which has been drafted for the purpose but we should also be prepared to take information in paper format. It should also involve some feedback from the co-ordinator(s) which is an important part of such surveys. Some help may be needed with identification.
Does this survey interest you and could you give the Society the benefit of your time and enthusiasm for the project with support from Council? If so we would be delighted to hear from you. Let us know if you would like to run it single-handed or, whether you have someone particular in mind or not, in partnership with another member. Contact: Pryce Buckle, 14 Roughdown Road, Boxmoor, Herts, HP3 9BJ. Email: pryce_buckle@btinternet.com