Unearthing Earthworms

Ever wondered what the earthworms in your field and compost are actually doing? Or if they can tell us anything about the soil they inhabit? Join us for a deep dive into the what, where and why of earthworms.

What to expect…

In this one-day introductory event, you will learn about earthworm ecology, the impact of soil management on their abundance, and how earthworms and other organisms are imperatively linked to each other and the agroecological food system. To top it all off, you can even go home with a vermicomposting kit to start your earthworm journey that very day. 

We will start with a presentation on earthworm biology, behaviour and ecology which will provide you with a strong foundation of earthworm science. You will then learn how to identify earthworms from their 4 ecological groupings, and recognise the traces they leave behind in the field. We will explore the idea of using earthworms as a proxy for organic matter and carbon. We will head out onto the farm to explore earthworm populations and diversity in different agricultural and growing systems. Anna de la Vega will introduce you to the importance of vermicompost in food waste systems and demonstrate how to build one for your home. For an additional £12.50 (RRP £29.50), you can get all the kit needed to put together a vermicompost bin, including the earthworms, to set up that evening at home to start recycling your food waste. If you would like to take home a vermicomposting kit of Anna's on the day, please send us an email so we can get all the equipment ready in advance. 

This event will be held by FarmED’s earthworm expert, Danielle Semple, and Anna de la Vega, a fellow earthworm and vermicompost enthusiast from The Urban Worm. 

Ticket prices include refreshments and lunch. 

Who is this course for…

This event is ideal for farmers, growers and gardeners who want to learn more about the relationship between earthworms, healthy soil, and food production.

At the end of this course, participants will be able to…

Better understand earthworm functionalities in soil ecosystems and agricultural settings

Identify different ecological groups of earthworms.

Learn how to sample and count earthworm species in the field.

Summarise the benefits of vermicomposting systems for soil health. 

Plan your own earthworm friendly food waste and farming system.

Key Speakers 

Danielle is a recent graduate of Geography from the University of Exeter and completed her dissertation on earthworms with a focus on soil health and yields of tomatoes. Since joining the FarmED team, she has been growing and developing knowledge about earthworms by leading farm walks, soil events and undertaking earthworm counts across the farm.

Anna is the founder of the The Urban Worm CIC, a social enterprise  dedicated to raising awareness of the potential for  vermiculture to provide solutions for regenerative organic waste management and agriculture. Since completing her  Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT) Travel Fellowship (2016) researching worm farming technologies in the USA and Cuba Anna has worked with a broad spectrum of industries from Wagamamas to the military encouraging and implementing the use of vermicomposts to help businesses become more circular in the treatment of their waste. 

Plan for the day…

• 09:45 Arrive for tea, coffee
• 10:00 Welcomes, your ‘why’ and housekeeping
• 10:15 Introduction to Earthworms: presentation and activities
• 11:00  Tea, coffee, and cake break 
• 12:00 Farm walk: earthworm sampling and identification
• 13:30 Lunch
• 14:30 Vermicomposting demonstration with Anna de la Vega
• 16:00 Final thoughts and questions
• 16:30 Depart

Ticket Prices

Tickets include refreshments and a seasonal lunch from the FarmED Kitchen.

Delivery of our mission is a collective effort and our values embrace  inclusivity and diversity. We don’t want price to be a barrier to  anyone visiting FarmED or attending our events. Read more about our tiered pricing policy here.

If cost is a barrier to you attending, then please do ask us for financial support. The FarmED Bursary offers free or subsidised places  to those that will benefit most.

GREAT Farmers and Growers 

Subsidised places available for existing and aspiring farmers, growers and advisers in Gloucestershire. To book,  please select the GREAT ticket option below. You will be asked for a few  eligibility details including evidence of your involvement in  regenerative agriculture and your potential impact in Gloucestershire.