Sand Mason Worm (Lanice conchilega)
The Sand Mason Worm fashions a tube made from cemented sand grains and tiny fragments of seashell. It has a frayed edge around the mouth, and can be seen at low tide protruding from the sandy beach.
The worm itself is pink, yellowish or greenish with white tentacles and red gills. It can have up to 300 segments, and grows up to 30cm long.
It may be found solitary or in great masses, and as many as several thousand can be within one square metre. Found on exposed and sheltered beaches where it feeds on organic food particles beneath the water via its tentacles which protrude from the top of its protective tube. Common and widespread.
Photograph taken August 2011, Saundersfoot, Wales.
Nature Journeys 
We came across hundreds of these recently on Penmaenmawr Beach. It was difficult not to tread on them as we walked a,on the beach.
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Yes, unfortunately it can’t be helped. This beach was the same in places, and when you see how much fine work has gone into the tube’s construction you can’t help but be somewhat sorry.
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This photo almost looks like some prehistoric creature rising up from the sand. It must be amazing to see a beach covered with these.
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Yes it is quite amazing, but not good to walk barefoot over, as they can be quite sharp if you happen to step on one. I tend to avoid them and go around if I can, only it can’t be fun for the worm either, destroying its house.
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