The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, together with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), is spearheading a new campaign called Making Friends with Molluscs. The campaign aims to change the negative perception associated with slugs and snails and educate people about their important role in the ecosystem. Contrary to popular belief, only a small fraction of the approximately 150 species of molluscs in the UK pose problems for gardeners, with the majority contributing positively to the environment.
According to the trust, slugs and snails play a critical role as “nature’s clean-up crew”, feeding on rotting plants, fungi, and dung. They are responsible for the recycling of nitrogen, nutrients, and minerals back into the soil, resulting in healthier plant growth. In addition, creatures such as frogs, ground beetles, and thrushes rely on them for food, making it crucial to support molluscs.
By providing people with educational facts about these unique creatures and encouraging them to coexist with slugs and snails, the trust and RHS hope to achieve a more environmentally friendly approach. The campaign encompasses a guide with helpful tips that promote living harmoniously alongside these creatures. It includes creating habitats that may make them less likely to venture into vegetable beds, choosing plants that are less attractive or resilient to their feeding habits, and implementing barriers to protect vulnerable plants.
Heidi Mansell, from the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said that slugs and snails might not have the appeal of other garden visitors, but they make an invaluable contribution to the ecosystem. She added that by providing practical tips and advice with the campaign, people could give slugs and snails an image makeover. The trust encourages gardeners to embrace the slimy and shelled garden pals, rather than getting rid of them with pesticides, which can cause harm to other wildlife.
In conclusion, the Making Friends with Molluscs campaign is an excellent initiative that educates people about the importance of slugs and snails to the ecosystem. It is a timely reminder that even small creatures can make a massive impact on the environment
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