Earthworm Sampling Day with The Biological Recording Company

Join The Biological Recording Company on a sampling day to collect earthworm specimens at Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir).

There are 33 species of earthworm living freely in soils in the UK. They are vital to the economic health of our country, as they are crucial for soil health, food production, waste decomposition and even flood mitigation. Despite their importance, we know so little aboout their distributions.

Come along for a hands-on day of earthworm surveying with fellow nature enthusiasts. You’ll help search for and collect earthworm specimens, contributing to generating valuable data to build a species list for the site. Our survey methods include exploring different microhabitats and hand-sorting soil samples to gather specimens, which will later be identified by trained earthworm recorders. All records will be added to the National Earthworm Recording Scheme, helping to expand our understanding of these important soil creatures. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a keen eye for wildlife.

What will the day involve?

• Fieldwork experience in undertaking soil pit sampling surveys to assess soil-dwelling earthworm species.
• Hands-on experience of undertaking microhabitat searches to find above-ground earthworm species.
• Practical experience in collecting and preserving earthworm specimens.
• Recording environmental and ecological data required for the generation of earthworm species occurrence data.
• A chance to meet fellow like-minded people from a range of different disciplines.

For more information and to book your place, visit The Biological Recording Company Eventbrite page.