Edible Periwinkle Littorina littorea

This herbivorous marine snail has a shell with a globular base which tapers to a spire. It is normally grey, black or dark brown, although becomes paler in colour when the shell is dry. The flattened tentacles have black bands which are especially well defined in juvenile animals. The shell is up to 3cm in height.

The periwinkle is an extremely abundant snail which inhabits rocky coastal habitats and also shows a preference for muddy sediment rich locations along the mid shore zone.

The periwinkle can be seen all year round on the Norfolk coast.

The marine environment is under pressure and by supporting campaigns, such as the Wildlife Trust Living Seas campaign we can help the edible periwinkle and other marine invertebrates.