Earthworm Sampling Day

Come along for a hands-on day of earthworm surveying with fellow nature enthusiasts! You'll help search for and collect earthworm specimens, contributing 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!

• 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.

• This event is aimed at adults only. 
• It’s free to attend and no previous experience is required as earthworm sampling methods will be taught to all attendees on the day. 
• Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
• This event will involve the collection, preservation and killing of earthworm specimens for identification purposes.
• We'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for all types of weather and please bring your lunch and any snacks you will require with you on the day.
• All records collected will be submitted to iRecord in order to share our findings with the site managers, Local Environmental Record Centre and the National Earthworm Recording Scheme.

Keiron has been running the National Earthworm Recording Scheme since it was launched in 2014. He has run over 100 earthworm training courses and events since 2014, covering a wide range of subjects including biology, ecology, surveying, identification and recording. He is currently authoring a Provisional Earthworm Conservation Status Assessment for the UK on behalf of Natural England.

The event will take place at Paradise Fields on Horsenden Hill in the London Borough of Ealing. This is the site which became nationally (and internationally) famous for hosting an enclosed beaver reintroduction, the first of its sort in the UK. In addition to its furry residents, Paradise Fields also boasts a variety of interesting habitats ranging from wet woodland to wildflower meadows with a rich invertebrate fauna to boot.

This event is delivered by the with support from Ealing Wildlife Group, Earthworm Society of Britain and London Natural History Society as part of.

The Ealing Beaver Project is a partnership between , and and .

Also check out other Workshops in Harrow.