Tag: Slugs

Counting on … day 166

9th September 2024

A rich biodiverse habitat is a habitat that is regulated by both competition and opportunism. The balance is not always even in the short term but longer term imbalances level out. 

This year’s wet weather has seen an explosion of slugs that has not been fully balanced by an increase in beings that prey on slugs. Although conversely the wet weather may have produced excess amounts of plant growth on which the slugs have been feeding! 

It is not just gardeners but farmers too who find their hard work devastated by hungry slugs – but research is in hand to find ways of creating a better balance between slugs and plant growers – for more  information or to help – https://bofin.org.uk/2024/08/29/slimy-invaders/

Green Tau Reflection

11th July 2024
The Slug and Leper

Like many gardeners this year, I have found my garden overrun by copious numbers of slugs – and curiously it is slugs rather than snails. In previous years I have sought to protect vulnerable plants such as seedlings and strawberries with coffee grounds, egg shells, and mussel shells etc – all to no avail.

Last year’s dry spring meant I had a good crop of strawberries and I was keen to enjoy these home grown fruits again this year. So I gritted my teeth – or maybe I girded my loins – but each day I went out with two bowls. Into the first I put ripe strawberries and into the second slugs. (I used one hand for strawberries and the other for the slugs). The strawberries I took to the kitchen; the slugs I tipped out into the compost heap in the front garden. 

Slugs are not actually slimy. Nor are they squishy. Rather they are solid and muscular and on the underside look a bit like the sole of a foot. After picking up the first few, I have come to see them in a different light. They are fellow creatures who share my love of strawberries. When I see them gliding across the path, I admire the graceful ease with which they move. When I watch their delicate feelers probing the air, I admire their cautious curiosity. When I observe their colour, I notice the different shades of brown and black and the patterns – striations the length of their body, or in the case of leopard slugs, contrasting patches.  I have shared this delight with my husband, who too now looks at slugs with interest. 

It is interesting – maybe surprising – that when we get to know that which we previously despised or from which we recoiled, that our feelings change to a more friendly, loving disposition. This reminds me of the story of St Francis who as a young man was revolted by the sight of lepers. Yet one day inspired by Christ’s love, he kissed and embraced a leper, and found in him a brother.