Compost Earthworm Project

Are there earthworms in every compost bin in Britain?

That’s what we want to find out and you can help us! Many people have compost bins or heaps in their gardens as they are an excellent way of recycling garden and household green waste. The resulting compost is excellent for potting and a good fertiliser for use in the garden.

In many of these bins you will find earthworms. But, how do they get there? Some people buy earthworms to put in their bins, others get them from their neighbours, in some bins the earthworms just appear by themselves. We want to know where all these earthworms come from.

You can help!

All you have to do is go and have a look in your compost bin or heap and see if you can find earthworms. Then answer six simple questions in our survey (below) to tell us all we need to know about your compost bin and the earthworms that are (or aren't) in it. It’s that simple. Remember, we are just as interested to hear about bins that don't have earthworms in them.

Compost Earthworm Survey

What is your postcode? (This is to locate the earthworms, not you!)

Do you have earthworms in your compost bin or heap?
yes
no
not sure
I did but not anymore

The earthworms in my bin/ heap:
were added by me
turned up by themselves
were already there
not sure

What do you put in your compost bin/heap? (Tick all that apply)
kitchen green waste
garden green waste
paper and/or card
tea bags
egg shells
citrus fruit
slug pellets
compost accelerant

My compost bin is:
sealed (it is not in cotact with the ground)
open to the ground
I have a compost heap

How long has your compost bin/heap been established?
not sure
less than 1 year
1-3 years
4-6 years
more than 6 years

If you would like to know the results of this survey, please provide us with your email address

You can find the survey by clicking here. Why not send this page link to your friends, family and neighbours and ask them to have a look in their compost bins to see if they also have earthworms?

Aims of the survey

The Earthworm Society of Britain aims to promote and support scientific research so that earthworms and their environment can be better understood. You can help contribute to this research.

By filling out the survey we can begin to understand:

• How widespread compost earthworms are
• What affects where they do and don't live
• Where the earthworms might come from

Survey Results

The first results of this survey will be available after six months, providing we have enough people filling in the form. If you have given us your email address we will let you know when they are ready. So go on, fill in the form now and tell your friends!

Did you know?

The earthworms that are found in compost are quite special and are different from earthworms that you may find when digging up your garden. They help break down the green waste that is put into compost bins and make it easier for bacteria to complete the composting process.

Thank you - We look forward to seeing your results soon.