More than 1000 snails are destined for the plates of discerning diners after two ace catchers swooped on a Louth Park property on Thursday.
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In just over an hour, the snails’ paradise in Cascade Close became their “garden of hell” after Jonathon Dodds and Damian Baker sprang into action.
The pair dived into plush lavender bushes and fertile herb gardens to emerge within seconds, flinging the creatures into a large container.
Stopping only to ensure the lid was secure, the pair continued their work, wriggling in the greenery to pluck hapless snail after snail from their havens.
Both men love their jobs and they perform it with relish.
They are supported by Mai-Wel Labourforce Solutions who provide meaningful employment to local jobseekers who have a disability.
“If you want really good snails, this is the place to come looking,” Mr Dodds said as he brandished a particularly plush-looking snail.
“We have come here a few times because it’s such a good place to find them,” he said.
“And once a bit of rain has fallen, it really stirs them up and brings them to the surface.
“They might try to hide from us, but it is no use – we know how to look underneath plants to get them.
“Sometimes the snails go on rose bushes, but not too much, because they don’t like the spikes.”
His workmate Mr Baker said snails can be very cunning, trying to hide where they could not be seen.
“In two months, I think we have collected around 6000 or more snails from properties in the area,” he said.
When the two men find a bush bearing a heavy load of snails, they work together to lift the bush and snatch their prey.
Elki Johnson, their case manager from Mai-Wel, is just as enthusiastic about the work they do.
“It is very therapeutic work – you don’t have to think about anything,” she said.
All three say they have had dreams about snails after a spell at work.
And all are adamant that don’t want to eat them.
“I did have some in Paris once but they were cooked in herbs and sauce,” Ms Johnson said.
“I liked the sauce very much.”
The snails collected by Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions are supplied to Matt Friere, owner of Hunter Valley Snails.
“We provide the freshest snails to customers throughout Australia and internationally,” Mr Friere said.
If anyone wants snails collected, ring Ashleigh or Elki on 4991 6333.
