The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Marketplace => Topic started by: Digitaria on July 02, 2011, 01:24:48 pm

Title: Dogwhelk Request For Supply
Post by: Digitaria on July 02, 2011, 01:24:48 pm

Hello All, I would like to ask for your help and assistance, in locating a regular and large quantity of dogwhelks (Nucella Lapilus)?  I think that you’re local knowledge is the key to finding a supplier.  I am from Luton, Bedfordshire; I don’t live anywhere near the coast.  After much internet searching both in Scotland and Wales, I came across this forum which is the only half decent lead for possible information so far, towards my hunt for dogwhelks.

I am aware that dogwhelks have no real commercial value as they are not commonly eaten as food; all the same I need loads.  I don’t want to eat them or sell them, but I do want to crush and ferment them.  I am working on a biblical dyes project, where certain whelks were historically used for dyeing fibre reddish purple, purple and blue particularly murex trunculus, thais haestoma and murex brandaris.  They all exude a clear substance and it is this when fermented will produce dye. 

The whelks are crushed and fermented and the fibre dipped in to produce the reddish purple, I need.  Overall I need roughly 3 and a half tonnes this equates to ten whelks per gram of weight of wool.  I have no way of contacting the people mentioned without you’re knowledge.  Ideally I need best location, largest quantity, contact names of winklers and those baiting with baskets, those picking from beaches and rocks, along with a contact number so I can negotiate a regular supply.

Due to the large quantity I require, I don’t expect them overnight but a start would be nice. (lol) If you yourself are in a position to collect them and perhaps crush them and preserve in sea salt until a large enough quantity to send down, then please let me know all and every lead is important.  I will follow up potential leads, please email or post me, call me if it’s easier or I can call you?

Title: Re: Dogwhelk Request For Supply
Post by: deepinthewoods on July 04, 2011, 01:34:39 pm

have you tried contacting any major shellfish suppliers yet? the quantities you are asking for would make it financially viable.