The Earthworm Identification training course is a 1-day training course aimed at those wishing to learn how to identify British and Irish earthworms to species level. The course is aimed a those that have a background in natural history and is great for biological recorders, amateur naturalists, environmental professionals, students and researchers.
This course is entirely lab-based and consists of mostly practical microscope work. It is beneficial if students do have some experience of using stereomicroscopes, but not essential as this can be taught during the course. This course is endorsed by the Earthworm Society of Britain.
The teaching text for this course is the Key to the Earthworms of the UK & Ireland by Emma Sherlock (provided by the tutor). Each learner will require access to a stereomicroscope with 20x (though preferably 30x) zoom capability.
The course begins with a presentation on annelid taxonomy and the morphological features used to identify British earthworm species. Learners are then taken through a microscope activity to ensure that all learners are comfortable using microscopes. The majority of the course is practical in nature, with learners working their way through a specimen collection that is designed to ensure that they gain experience in identifying a significant proportion of the British fauna. Each species determination is checked by the tutor and guidance on earthworm identification and the use of microscopes is provided throughout the day.
Product Details
| Title | Earthworm Identification |
| Length | 1 day |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Pre-requisites | None – but previous microscope experience and/or completion of the Earthworm Biology & Ecology training course are useful |
| Venue requirements | Classroom/lab with access to stereomicroscope with 20x (though preferably 30x) zoom capability per student |
| Content | 1. Earthworm identification features 2. Using microscopes and the earthworm identification key 3. Practical session 1: Identifying British earthworms with microscopes 4. Practical session 2: Identifying British earthworms with microscopes 5. Recording earthworms |
| Included | One day of tuition for up to 12 learners Provision of course worksheets Learner access to teaching copies of FSC earthworm key Learner access to earthworm specimen collection |
| Cost | £1,000 + VAT |
| Extras | Provision of FSC earthworm keys for learners to retain is available for an additional cost Tutor expenses for courses outside of London |
| Tutor | Keiron Derek Brown |
Biological Recording 