Learn how to identify British earthworm species based on morphological features, using a microscope and ID guide, with Keiron Brown.

There are 33 species of earthworm living freely in soils in the UK. As a group they are vital to the economic health of our country, being that they maintain healthy soils and therefore support food production, waste decomposition and even flood mitigation.

Despite their importance, relatively few people are skilled in identifying earthworms to species level. Identification of earthworms involves inspecting specimens under a microscope to observe key morphological features that are often too small to see with the naked eye. However, with only 5 features used to distinguish between the 33 species, earthworms are a great group for novices. Experience the joy of learning the difference between a tanylobic and epilobic head type, how to record the position of the clitellum, and working out how to determine if the setae on an earthworm are closely or widely paired.

What will be covered during this course?

This course provides an introduction to identifying British earthworms. This includes a short presentation introducing the morphological features used to identify specimens to species level, and support from an Earthworm Society of Britain tutor throughout the practical sessions.

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

By the end of the course, learners will:

Understand which external (morphological) features are used in earthworm identification.

Know how to work through the Key to the Earthworms of the UK & Ireland to determine earthworm specimens accurately to species level.

Have practical experience observing earthworm ID features using a microscope and specimen collection.

No microscope experience is necessary – our tutors will set up and show you how to use a microscope.

Earthworm Specialist: Keiron 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. 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.

Natural History Museum, London

This course will take place in the Angela Marmont Centre for UK Nature, located within the Natural History Museum (London). Each Learner will have access to a microscope to use for the duration of the course in the behind-the-scenes classroom.

This course is delivered by the Biological Recording Company and is endorsed by the Earthworm Society of Britain.

Fees and refund policy

Non-professional Course Ticket: £50

Non-Professional Course + Publication Ticket: £60

Professional Course Ticket: £80

Professional Course + Publication Ticket: £90

Ticket fees include an administrative fee of 20% that is non-refundable. This consists of approximately 10% for Eventbrite fees and 10% for time spent by the Biological Recording Company processing the order.

Further cancellation charges will also be incurred for the following:

20% admin fee + 10% cancellation fee for cancellations made over 90 days in advance of the date of the course.

20% admin fee + 30% cancellation fee for cancellations made within between 30 and 90 days of the date of the course.

20% admin fee + 80% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 30 days of the date of the course.

Description supplied by the event organiser.