THE EARTHWORM

Virtual presentation on Zoom

Speaker: Chris Stewart (Professional
Gardener)
14.15
Chris described the earthworm as “the ultimate eco-engineer” for its work as a decomposer. There are at least 25 native species which are divided into 3 groups: Epogeic, living in the top 25mm of soil; Endogeic living in the top soil and burrowing horizontally; and Anecic, living deeper down, coming out at night to drag decaying matter on the surface into their vertical burrows.
Earthworms, allowing soil to pass through their bodies, introduce organic matter, bacteria, fungi, nematodes and rotifers, and are essential for a healthy soil.
If an earthworm is found on a hard surface it should be taken to a flowerbed and covered with soil as its skin needs to remain moist.  Forks are better used than spades to reduce the risk of harm. 
Charles Dowding’s policies of ‘No dig’ and ‘No plough farming’ are worth reading.