Get your hands dirty and dig to learn about worms

PF1_5938smallEmily Walker (4, pictured), from Spalding, was among those who took part in the Riverford Big Worm Dig at Sacrewell Farm, near Peterborough.

The Big Worm Dig is helping in a national survey of worms to improve understanding of the wriggly creatures, which have been described as the “new bumble bee” in terms of conservation.

Worms are like mini-tractors, tilling the soil and making it a better place for plants to grow.

Birds, badgers, moles, hedgehogs and even foxes feed on them too.

Although they may seem common, little is known about their ecology.

Everyone is invited to take part by doing their own dig at home and filling in a survey.

Go to www.riverfordbig wormdig.com to download your survey booklet and learn more about what to look out for when digging for worms.

Then get your messy clothes on, find a spade and dig in.

Don’t forget to send your results to the Riverford Big Worm Dig to contribute to knowledge about worms.

And why not send us a picture of you doing your dig by email to [email protected] and we’ll print them on this page?

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