Cockle Picking in Wales: Best Locations, Timing, and Pickling Instructions

Cockle picking is a popular activity in Wales, known for its pristine beaches and abundant shellfish. This article will guide you through the best locations for cockle picking in Wales, the optimal times to go, and the equipment needed. Additionally, we'll provide you with instructions on how to pickle these delicious seafood treasures.

Best Locations for Cockle Picking in Wales:

1. Penclawdd: Located on the Gower Peninsula, Penclawdd is renowned for its cockles. The estuary here provides the ideal habitat for these bivalves, and you can find them in abundance during low tides.

2. Llansteffan: Situated near Carmarthen Bay, Llansteffan offers excellent cockle picking opportunities. The expansive sandy beach is perfect for spotting cockle beds at low tide.

3. Burry Port: This coastal town in Carmarthenshire is another fantastic spot for cockle picking. The vast mudflats are home to thriving cockle populations.

Best Times for Cockle Picking:

Cockle picking in Wales is heavily influenced by tidal patterns. It is crucial to plan your trip during low tide, as this is when the cockles are accessible and easier to harvest. Consult tide tables or local authorities to determine the precise times for low tide in your chosen location. Aim to arrive an hour or two before low tide, as it will give you ample time to find cockle beds and pick them.

Equipment Needed for Cockle Picking:

1. Bucket or Bag: Carry a sturdy bucket or bag to collect the cockles you pick. Make sure it is large enough to hold a substantial quantity.

2. Rake or Trowel: A small rake or garden trowel will help you loosen the cockles from the sand or mud. This tool makes the picking process more efficient.

3. Wellies or Waders: Wear appropriate footwear such as wellington boots or waders to keep your feet dry and protected while navigating the coastal terrain.

4. Gloves: It's advisable to wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp shells and any potential injuries.

Instructions for Pickling Cockles: Once you've gathered your fresh cockles, pickling them can be a fantastic way to preserve their flavor and enjoy them over an extended period. Here's a simple pickling recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh cockles, cleaned and rinsed

• 500 ml white wine vinegar

• 250 ml water

• 100 g sugar

• 2 teaspoons pickling spices (e.g., black peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves)

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 carrot, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the white wine vinegar, water, sugar, and pickling spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add the sliced onion and carrot to the boiling mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Add the cleaned cockles to the boiling liquid and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cockles open. Discard any cockles that remain closed.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cockles to cool in the pickling liquid.

Once cooled, transfer the cockles and the pickling liquid to sterilized jars, making sure the cockles are fully submerged.

1. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate them for at least 48 hours before consuming. The pickled cockles will keep for several weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

Cockle picking in Wales offers an exciting adventure for seafood enthusiasts. But remember to check the tides.