Earthworm Study Day with Microscopes

This Earthworm Study Day will involve sorting through specimens collected through the Tees-Swale Naturally Connected project and identifying the specimens to species. An earthworm specialist will be on hand to verify specimens identified by the volunteers, to collate the records and to submit the data to the National Earthworm Recording Scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful science while gaining valuable experience in earthworm identification.

Some experience of earthworm ID is recommended (such as attendance of an Earthworm Identification training course) as there will be limited opportunities for formal training during the Earthworm Study Day.

• Endorsed by the Earthworm Society of Britain.
• Please note that this course will involve using specimens that have been killed and preserved.
• Spaces will initially be reserved for Tees-Swale Naturally Connected project volunteers.
• The tutor will bring along copies of the FSC AIDGAP Key to the Earthworms of the UK & Ireland will be available to purchase on the day at the price of £10 per book (cash payments only).

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.

Foxglove Covert Field Centre

The field centre is located on Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve, located on Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, England and is on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The reserve was created in 1992 by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards who had just returned from the First Gulf War. It has a range of habitats, including wetlands, moorland, heathland and grassland.

As the site is within Catterick Garrison, visitors must have photographic identification in order to pass through the military checkpoint on the site. Parking is available and costs £3 per car.

Please bring your lunch and any snacks you will require with you on the day.

More information is available on the reserve website: https://www.foxglovecovert.org.uk/

This workshop is delivered by the Biological Recording Company on behalf of Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected and is endorsed by the Earthworm Society of Britain

Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected is led by the North Pennines AONB Partnership and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.