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 sites. 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.

What do I need to know in advance?

• 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.
• W e'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.

Earthworm Specialist: Keiron Derek Brown

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.

South Park and Hurlingham Park

This Earthworm Sampling Day will take place across two neighbouring parks in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham:

• South Park is a medium-sized (7.9-hectare) park with a range of leisure facilities as well as wildlife areas and a community garden. In terms of biodiversity, the park features a wildlife pond, mature and established hedges and trees, and a community maintained wildflower area. More information about South Park can be found on the council website here.
• Hurlingham Park, situated a mere 200 metres west of South Park, is a similar overall habitat, with several sports fields and ‘wild’ areas maintained around the edges with long grass and deadwood loggeries. More information about Hurlingham Park can be found on the council website here.

This event is being delivered by the Biological Recording Company in partnership with Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the London Natural History Society (LNHS).