Places to search for snails

Snails generally want a bit of vegetation and some moisture, so if you choose this group, grubbing about in all sorts of places should turn some up (grubbing about = technical term I learnt on an invertebrate id course).

With this in mind I was reading this key to snails in Suffolk by Morton and Machin, which gives a nice selection of places to try, with the (sadly often out of date) names of snails you might find there. They note that of course these aren't 'exclusive microhabitats' but in reality run into each other. And that there a few unfussy species you might find anywhere. But it gives you an idea of the typical species that tend to prefer each habitat.... in Suffolk at least. But my main point is that if you want to find different species, you need to look in a range of places.

Here's their list:

CC image by Nilfanion

1. At the bases of rushes and sedges at the edge of water (do try not to fall in).
2. On reeds, grasses and other tall vegetation at the edge of the water.
3. In the damp grass of periodically flooded water meadows.

CC image by Derek Harper

4. On the foliage of nettles, tall grass, willowherbs, large umbellifers, as on roadsides.

CC image by Evelyn Simak

5. Under stones and in the cracks of old brick walls.

CC image by Maigheach-gheal

6. In the grass on the banks of streams and ditches.
7. At the base of the ground layer in hedgerows and overgrown ditches.

CC image by Seo Mise

8. Beneath and in cavities of crumbling and decaying logs.
9. On decayed stumps covered with moss and fungi.
10. On cut or fallen stumps or branches, in crevices and under bark.

CC image by Tony Atkin

11. On branches near the ground.
12. Drier leaf and twig debris.
13. Moss, fallen leaves, and damp vegetation of woodland ground layer.

CC image by Scriniary

14. In cultivated gardens, especially in overgrown and waste places.

CC image by Roger Jones

15. In dry places on grass, other vegetation and stones, especially near the seashore.

CC image by Bob Jones

16. Under saltmarsh vegetation fringing estuaries and saltings.

I've also had some luck poking about in the soil on top of ant hills, and in amongst soil and leaf litter generally. Many species have adults which are very tiny, so you have to get your eye in! You're welcome to look at my own collection for inspiration and I can tell you where I found them.