Shell On Earth

A different kind of blog this week. My weekends normally involve some kind of sport

watching and being a proud Welshman in the middle of a somewhat torrid Six

nations tournament, my Saturdays are normally marked off months In advance. With

this week’s game being played on a Friday night, a plan was hatched to spend the

rest of the weekend visiting friends in hospital and a bit of retail therapy. I found

myself in a local garden centre and came across a product that I was aware of but

had never paid much attention to. The company involved is Shell on Earth. I must

say here I have no connection with this company and what is written below is 100%

my take on the product.

I have read many articles on the use of shells in horticulture but was absolutely

fascinated by this small Welsh enterprise using 100% of their product so ethically. As

a gardener, small holder, plant lover, landscaper whatever you call yourself the

complete usage of a product and thus eliminating waste is something we should all

strive for. So let me tell you, their story.

Shell on Earth are a small family business run by husband-and-wife team Jordan &

Caryl Andrews. They take the crushed whelk shells generated at their family’s

seafood processing factory and recycle them for use in gardens and landscaping.

The factory, which has been processing and exporting seafood for around 50 years,

is set within an old quarry in the picture postcard fishing village of New Quay in the

heart of Cardigan Bay West Wales. It really is a beautiful part of the world, a bit out

of the way but aren’t all the best places to visit.

Up until 2016 the company had a licence to return shells to the sea, but when this

was discontinued, they were tasked with finding a more sustainable solution. After

some years of research and development Jordan’s parents, Dean and Mandy,

helped to develop an emerging market for whelks in Asia, and the Welsh whelk

made its way into the bars and restaurants of South Korea. Currently in its third

generation, they now specialise in processing whelks, which are caught locally using

traditional pots. (Its estimated that 5,000 tonnes of waste shells are generated in the

UK fishing industry every year.) Shell on Earth was launched in early 2019 to not

only reduce waste output from the factory, but also to help support a circular

economy by utilising 100% of the whelks they process. Their products are available

in plant shops, gift shops and garden centres nationwide.

This low impact method of fishing results in minimal damage to the sea floor and

marine habitats. After being landed the whelks are cooked, the meat and shells are

separated. The shells are taken to a dedicated area of the factory where they are

crushed and cleaned a further three times. They’re then taken to a drying room to

remove any moisture. Finally, each bag is individually packaged and hand tied. The

meat is prepared and shipped to South Korea where it's enjoyed in a delicious spicy

salad golbaengi-muchim.

This commitment to sustainability extends beyond the product itself. Shell on Earth

is packaged in fully recyclable materials, promoting eco-friendly gardening practices.

The robust packaging is designed for reuse, encouraging gardeners to adopt a more

sustainable approach to their gardening endeavours. Each bag provides generous

coverage for approximately half a square meter, ensuring that you can effectively

protect and beautify your garden space. By choosing Shell on Earth, you are not only

investing in a high-quality product but also participating in a circular economy that

values waste reduction and environmental stewardship.

I can tell you now the shells are the gardeners equivalent of bubble wrap, once you have your hands in the mix it is so therapeutic, well I think so anyway, soft, brittle but with a toughness that is hard to comprehend. I have long championed the environmental use of waste materials is a sustainable way, not just recycling to tick boxes but to actually have them giving something back and these shells are it. The story is a unique one (plot for a film with a bit of artistic license thrown in maybe), as is the setting of the enterprise.

So what are the uses? They are a great alternative to quarried grit or gravel. They

can be used in large quantities in garden borders and beds, paths and driveways.

The shells naturally lighten with sun exposure, giving a beautifully bright finish. Other

uses are but not confined to plant pot dressing, garden borders and beds, drainage

layer to aid runoff, surface mulch to retain moisture and natural, gentle weed and

pest control.

My own research which comes from more of an academic slant plus my own

experiences also give a positive outlook on the shells uses. The washed shells are a

prime source of a substance called CHITIN. This “biopolymer” strengthens plant

immune systems by stimulating robust root/shoot growth, and acting as a

sustainable, organic soil amendment. It also promotes beneficial microbes that

suppress pests (nematodes) and fungal pathogens while improving water retention

and nutrient uptake, leading to higher yields and increased stress tolerance.

That’s the science bit done and dusted, and you can quickly see the huge benefits of

using the shells, but its uses do not end there, as a natural slug deterrent, crushed

whelk shells create an effective barrier against these garden pests, making them an

ideal choice for protecting garden borders, flower beds, and rockeries. Beyond their

protective qualities, these shells also serve a decorative purpose, adding a unique

touch to outdoor spaces. Their aesthetic appeal, combined with their functionality,

makes them a versatile addition to any garden, enhancing both beauty and health.

In this modern world where conflicts seem to arise on a daily basis and as a result

the supply of fertilisers hang in the balance what better way is there around this other

than to buy local and support sustainable business practises. I hope you found this

article as interesting as I did in writing it. As always if you have any questions please

get in touch.