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!

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.
• We'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for all types of weather
• Please bring your lunch and any snacks you will require with you on the day.

Recording the UK’s Earthworms

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 20214, 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.

London Gatwick

London Gatwick has over 91 hectares of woodland, grassland, scrub and wetlands surrounding the airport which are managed and monitored for biodiversity. There are two key non-operational areas of Gatwick's landholding that are actively managed and monitored to enhance their biodiversity potential. One area is the North West Zone and River Mole, the other is the Land East Zone, which includes the Gatwick Stream and the Gatwick Woodlands Biodiversity Area.

As of 2024, over 3,120 species of plants, animals and fungi have been recorded in and around London Gatwick including a number of notable species and declining species such as Long-horned Bee, Bechstein’s Bat, Grizzled Skipper Butterfly and Nightingale.

Find out more on the London Gatwick Biodiversity webpage.

This event is delivered by the Biological Recording Company in partnership with the London Gatwick Airport, and supported by the Earthworm Society of Britain and London Natural History Society.