The Earthworm Study Day with Microscopes is a 1-day specialist-led workshop supervising volunteers/staff undertaking identification of earthworm specimens collected previously (for example through Earthworm Sampling Days). The workshop is aimed at those with earthworm identification experience and is great for biological recorders, amateur naturalists, environmental professionals, students and researchers.
This workshop is entirely lab-based practical microscope work. Attendees should have some experience of using microscopes and identifying earthworms (such as attendance of an Earthworm Identification training course). This workshop is endorsed by the Earthworm Society of Britain.
The identification text for this workshop is the Key to the Earthworms of the UK & Ireland by Emma Sherlock (provided by the tutor). Each participant will require access to a stereomicroscope with 20x (though preferably 30x) zoom capability.
Please note this is not a taught course – see the Earthworm Identification training course product page if you’d like to teach people how to identify earthworms.
The day will involve a specialist-led identification session in the lab using microscopes. The experienced participants are either asked to bring in their own specimens from home or provided with preserved specimens from previous sampling efforts (such as Earthworm Sampling Days or earthworm research projects). Participants then identify the earthworms using the identification key and microscopes with support from a specialist where necessary, with all determinations verified by the specialist.
Earthworm Study Days are a fantastic alternative to contracting identification services for projects that aim to develop the earthworm identification skills of participants.
Product Details
| Length | 1 day |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Pre-requisites | Experience of using microscopes and earthworm identification (e.g. completion of Earthworm Identification training course) |
| Delivery | Classroom/lab with access to stereomicroscope with 20x (though preferably 30x) zoom capability per student |
| Content | 1. Practical session 1: Identifying preserved earthworm specimens previously collected in the field 2. Practical session 2: Identifying preserved earthworm specimens previously collected in the field |
| Cost | £300 +tutor expenses per day, including ID support and verification of all species determinations made during the event for up to 15 participants (that’s under £17 per participant). |
| Extras | Provision of FSC keys for learners to retain is available for an additional cost. |
| Specialist | Keiron Derek Brown |
Biological Recording 