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The course runs from 7-9 April 10am to 4pm each day

With a mix of classroom presentations, laboratory-based sessions, and field-based activities our earthworm specialists will guide you through the lifestyles, ecology, and morphology of UK earthworms. Attendees will be provided with detailed information on sampling equipment and techniques with practical hands-on opportunities to collect live specimens.

Attendees will use preserved specimens from our tutors’ teaching collection for identification to species-level using microscopes and identification keys; and our tutors will demonstrate best-practices for curation of a reference collection.

Information on submitting earthworm records and connecting with schemes, societies and groups will also be provided.

• A copy of the Key to the Earthworms of the UK & Ireland to use during the course and take home afterwards

• Certificate upon course completion

• Access to microscopes, specimen collection, lab equipment, field equipment and identification resources

• Tuition from tutors specialising in earthworms

Please note that this course will involve using specimens that have been killed and preserved.

• Have a grounding in Britain’s earthworm classification and ecology

• Be able to use external (morphological) features for specimen identification

• Have used various collecting techniques for a variety of habitats and species

• Gain practical experience using field guides and identification keys to determine specimens accurately to species-level

• Gain practical experience observing invertebrate ID features using a microscope

• Know how to curate your own personal reference collection

• Be given guidance on how to take your interest further and contribute associated recording schemes

• All levels of species identification experience are welcome

• Suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor fieldwork is essential

• Please consider bringing along sunscreen, a hat, water, and any earthworm ID guides you have on hand

• Please bring a packed lunch as we will be out in the field most of the day

• This course is aimed at adults only and course attendees must be at least 18 years old in order to attend

Earthworm Specialist: Keiron Derek Brown

Keiron has been involved with a range of invertebrate projects across the UK, including designing and managing the BioLinks project for the Field Studies Council. In 2023, he set up the Biological Recording Company, where he highlights invertebrate research through the entoLIVE series and runs a wide range of invertebrate courses and events. In his spare time, he is an Entomology Chair of the London Natural History Society and is the National Recorder for Earthworms.