Is this a Native Land (deep clay) Leech?

[froglets]

HI All,

Yesterday I decided to check out just how deep the clay pan is that runs under our plot to decide if we break it up or build up for next season.  The clay is pretty waterlogged and a spade's depth into the clay, 2 & a half spades down in total, I found a few of these guys in the clay.

I was looking at the first one I found then the word leech crept into my head & I went from interested to Hammer House of Horror in a split second & flung it into the ditch!  The next one that appeared got it's piccie taken.  They were about 2 inches long, & stretched out to about 5 inches when heading for sludge to disappear into.

I've been Googling, but can't find much info at all.  Can you guys help?  Are these Horse Leeches?  I'm pretty certain they're not the nasty flatworms & we have lots of ordinary worms.

Anything we need to worry about?

Thanks

ps - we're building up with recycled compost next year - waaaaaay too much clay.

[froglets]

[Robert_Brenchley]

It does look very much like a leech, but I wonder what they're doing down there. Are you by a stream or a pond? They're essentially aquatic, but often found in damp spots on land. I used to find loads of horse leeches under logs by the Thames. If it's a leech, it should swim with a sort of vertical undulation.

[froglets]

Hi Robert,  There is no water around in the immediate area, although we are uphill of a brook, but it's still a fair way off.  We may be on the drainage slope from the huge housing estate a gentle slope upwards from us & therefore always g'teed some moisture down in the clay layer.  They were definitely in the undisturbed clay layer, although it had areas of what I'd describe as slip clay in there, ie very watery.  When I dropped the beastie in the ditch it wiggled down into the sludge at the bottom within seconds heading towards the land rather than sticking with the water, & was gone within seconds.

OH now wants to dig for more to see if it will clamp onto him.  euchhhhh!

[Trixiebelle]

BLEEEURCH!!!!!!

[fluffygrue]

Nrrrrrrggggggh. Brr.

[Trixiebelle]

I was going to say that as well Fluffy!

[froglets]

's okay, I have managed to keep OH distracted from looking for more by letting him have a shed on the lottie.  We've been busy fixing that & putting it up.  It's a man thing, but he's soooo happy.

Phew!