If you and the kids love getting out in the sunshine then grab your Summer Activity Pack and head to the beach. 

Within the pack we have included a Seashell ID guide, you need to find all of the different types of shells at Seaton Carew. One you find them tick them off on the sheet or take a photo. 

Common Whelk

The largest of the sea snails that can be seeing all year round in the UK. Growing up their conical shells up to 10cm these organisms live on sandy seabeds below the tide. 

Small Scallop

These shells come in lots of colouring including red, pink and purple and can be seen all year round. They are found on rocky sea beds with ribs on their shells and pretty patterns. 

Periwinkle

Found on rocks and amongst seaweed feed on algae using their rasping tongue. These organisms can been seen all year round on our shores. 

Banded Wedge 

These organisms can be found buried in the sand. They have a glossy shell which can be found in a range colours across north-western Europe including the shore of the UK. 

Common Cockle

These organisms live on muddy and sandy shores, they feed by filtering plankton and other organic matter through the water. They are edible and people enjoy them cooked and sprinkled with vinegar. 

Limpet

Found in rockpools across the UK these cone like shells spring into life when the tide comes in. They move around the rocks eating algae using their tough tongue. 

Topshell

Also known as a Painted Topshell, these organisms can be seen across the UK. They have a beautiful cone like shell that can be yellow, pink or purple in colour. 

Mussel

These are a familiar sight across the UK shores, usually growing between 3-10cms. Living in sandy and muddy shores filter feeding on organic matter and plankton in the water. 

We have left space on your sheet for you to draw a picture of any other shells that you find on the beach that haven’t been included in our list. Use the colouring pencils in your pack to capture as a many as you can. 


Remember: Please do not disturb the shells if they still contain a living organism. An damage to the shell could cause the organism living inside to die.