They are bi-valves (shells with two halves) that can grow up to 50mm long.
Cockles can be easily recognised by their cream coloured shell which has up to 24 ribs crossed by ridges.
Cockles are mostly found on sandy beaches as they like to burrow into the sand to hide. Their dead shells can also be seen washed up along the shingle beaches of the New Forest coast.
The hard shell offers protection from predators and prevents the cockle from drying out when the tide goes out. The cockle can burrow down into soft sand to hide from predators and as an additional way of preserving moisture. They have a tube-like siphon (a bit like a snorkel) which they use to breathe and feed.
Filter feeder – Cockles filter plankton (microscopic plants and animals) from the seawater.
Rising sea levels represent a big threat to coastal habitats and species. Within the National Park saline lagoons and salt marshes are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and could be lost completely. Litter is also a big problem on the coast. Other issues include extraction of marine gravel to supply material for new housing and roads and litter on the coast.
Why not take part in ‘Beachwatch’ litter pick events - these are held every autumn by the Marine Conservation Society.