Barnes Common has been working hard to build a list of species that are found on the site so that the site can be better managed and protected for the wildlife that is found onsite. This Earthworm Sampling Day will involve surveying the site and generating the first-ever earthworm species occurrence records for Barnes Common. The specimens collected will help to build up an earthworm species list for the site and all records will be added to the National Earthworm Recording Scheme database.Sampling earthworms involves conducting microhabitat searches and hand-sorting soil pit samples to collect specimens for identification by our trained earthworm recorders at a later date.This event is aimed at adults only. It’s free to attend and no previous experience is required as earthworm sampling methods will be taught to all attendees on the day. Spaces are limited so booking is essential.Please note that this event will involve individuals collecting, preserving and killing invertebrate specimens for identification purposes.What will the day involve?
- Practical experience using a variety of methods to survey and sample earthworms.
- Practical experience in collecting and preserving earthworm specimens
- A chance to meet fellow like-minded people from a range of different disciplines
- Recording London’s wildlife
All records collected will be added to the London Natural History Society (LNHS) iRecord activity in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.