Shocking

I considered inviting people to guess what these are for.
But I decided it is more interesting to tell you about them.

It all relates to Britains rarest wild flower. That is the Lady’s Slipper Orchid.
Until ten years ago there was only one plant left growing in a secret location which only botanists new about. Then a major effort was made by Kew to propagate seedlings from that single one and to plant them out in a number of suitable limestone locations.

In March they begin to grow and they push a tiny green “nose” up through the soil. This is when they are at theirmost vulnerable as an army of slugs arrive intent on having a delicious breakfast.

This is where the copper rings come in to action. Mrs. K. is part of a team  of volunteers who watch for the little noses and quickly protect them with a copper ring.
So why is my Blip headed shocking?
Well the copper carries a tiny electrical charge and when a slimy slug touches it it gets a tiny electric shock and retreats rapidly.

However, if there is a layer of dirt on the ring the slug is able to climb over and indulge itself.
Look again at my picture. The rings on the left are clean and shiny and effective. Those on the right are grimy from being used last year and will not deter the enemy.
Of course you can clean them with wire wool and soap and water but it is a fiddly business.
The ones on the left have spent 24 hours steeping in a jar of Diet Coke. It is very effective. Hope it does not put you off drinking it.