Cockles

Cornwall has a full complement of cockle species. The most important commercially to man is the Common Cockle Cerastoderma edule.

Common Cockle Cerastoderma edule

This has a relatively thick shell which is ribbed and may even have spines. It lives in shallow burrows up to 2 inches deep, from the mid shore down. The size tends to increase the further down the shore. On sandy beaches cockle beds can reach high concentrations and are easy to collect as they do not move fast.

Storms will often excavate them in their hundreds. Just like trees, winter means insignificant growth, during this period a band form in the shell. These can be counted to tell the age of the cockle.

Dog Cockle Glycymeris Glycymeris

Identified by the brownish zigzag patterns on their shells. Has many hinge teeth.

They are very common in Cornwall. On the continent they are eaten.