Earthworm Sampling Day

Join like-minded people with an interest in recording wildlife observations for a day surveying earthworms. The specimens collected will help us to build up an earthworm species list for the site and all records will be added to the National Earthworm Recording Scheme database. Sampling earthworms involves conducting microhabitat searches and hand-sorting soil pit samples to collect specimens for identification by our trained earthworm recorders at a later date.

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. Spaces are limited so booking is essential.

Please note that this event will involve individuals collecting, preserving and killing earthworm specimens for identification purposes.

What will the day involve?

• Practical experience using a variety of methods to survey and sample earthworms.
• Practical experience in collecting and preserving earthworm specimens.
• A chance to meet fellow like-minded people from a range of different disciplines.

Earthworm Specialist: Keiron Derek Brown

Keiron has been running the National Earthworm Recording Scheme ince 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.

Recording London's wildlife

All records collected will be added to the LNHS iRecord activity in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), London Natural History Society (LNHS) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.

Grove Farm Nature Reserve

Grove Farm is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and a Statutory Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It is a hidden urban gem which provides a biodiverse natural space in North Greenford (Ealing). The deciduous woodland on Grove Farm contains broadleaf trees such as oak, ash, elm, hazel and blackthorn. Grove Farm has a particularly magnificent display of wood anemones in spring as well as native bluebells. It has rare trees including many wild service trees. All these species are indicators of ancient woodland. A stream runs along a valley through the site adding to its nature conservation interest.

This event is delivered by the Biological Recording Company in partnership with the Earthworm Society of Britain, Friends of Grove Farm and the London Natural History Society.