Shell Counting Day 2027

During Shell Counting Day, we head en masse to the beaches to count shells! At the previous edition on Saturday 21 March 2026, around 190,000 shells were counted along the entire North Sea coast, more than 108,000 of them in the Netherlands. In 2027 there will be another count on various beaches in the Netherlands. The exact date will be announced on the organiser's website. Will you help too?

What is Shell Counting Day?

• Open to everyone: Whether you're a seasoned shell expert or joining for the first time, everyone can contribute to this special event.
• How it works:
  • Walk to the tide line and collect 100 shells around a central point.
  • Sort your shells by species.
  • Use the counting form to look up the names of the shells and record how many you have found.
• A fun and educational day out: While enjoying the fresh sea air and the sound of the waves, you are also helping science! The collected data provides researchers with a better understanding of the shells on our beaches and in the sea.
• Become a volunteer! Want to contribute even more? Sign up as a volunteer and help other participants with counting and identifying shells.

Join in and start counting!

Looking for a fun and educational day by the sea? Grab your coat and boots, invite family and friends, and take part in Shell Counting Day !

Practical Information

• Location: On all beaches along the Dutch coast.
• More information: Visit the Shell Counting Day website for details, the counting form, and volunteer registration.

Will you join in? See you on the beach!