Conservationists got their hands dirty in a south Farnham churchyard last week as they learned the ins and outs of slug, snail and moss identification.

Members of the Wrecclesham Conservation Group (WCP) got on their hands and knees in a frosty St Peter’s churchyard last Thursday to carry out a survey into slug and snail numbers.

The hardy group were accompanied by the chair of the Farnham Biodiversity Partnership, Libby Ralph, while joining them and blazing the slug and snail trail was special guest Dr June Chatfield OBE.

The local legend has been nicknamed the “Queen of Shells” having spent decades in the field identifying and researching species of molluscs.

“Dr. June Chatfield has been one of the best experts in the snail studies this country and it was an absolutely fascinating time to learn about these little yet amazing creatures, her depth of knowledge and passion was totally inspiring,” said WCP member, Myung-Hye Chun.

More than 15 species of molluscs were unveiled in the churchyard alongside three species of woodlice and eight species of moss.

But it was the knowledge and identification skills of Dr Chatfield which stunned the group as she helped show how to tell the difference between species of snails.

She also shared stories of becoming the first person to identify the Irish Yellow Slug in the UK - which was also one of the varieties identified in the Wrecclesham survey.

The group wrapped up the cold and frosty morning with a well deserved hot drink and biscuits break.