I’ve been incredibly lucky with the weather for my 29 visits so far. So it’s ironic that for today, the 30th one, it’s drizzling. That suits me fine for what I’m hoping to see today at this site which is a combination of chalk grassland and woodland.

As I pick my way through the wet grass in a meadow I have to step carefully over all the partying slugs and then I catch sight of what I’m looking for. It’s a Roman Snail, twice the size of our common garden snails.  This species is protected under the Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act so can’t be handled without a license.  I’m happy to pass on handling anyway but I do try and get a photo.  It’s very sensitive to shadow and vibration and every time I get near it retreats into its shell. Eventually I wriggle up to it on my stomach as it tries to make a slithery getaway and get my picture.

Mission completed. 30 nature sites in 30 days. I’ve been ankle deep in a bog, on my stomach enjoying acid heathland plants, sun-baked on chalk grassland, cool in ancient woodland, lost on a common and now sneaking up on snails. I crashed my bicycle and drove an electric car for the first time. June’s been eye-opening and inspiring, but frankly I’m exhausted.