Earthworm Day

Did you know there are 27 species of earthworm in the UK?
Would you know how to tell the difference?
Or what each one does that makes it so unique?

Well, if you don't mind getting hands-on with our wriggly little friends why not join the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust at Earthworm Day on Saturday 1st October. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s a fun and informal introduction to earthworms and an opportunity to tap into expert knowledge. You can...

Have a fun day out getting your hands dirty!
Learn about soil ecology and earthworm habitats.
Learn how to attract more earthworms into your garden or
allotment.
Learn how you can help the Earthworm Society of Britain
with their national recording scheme.
Then impress your friends, family and fellow gardeners with your newfound knowledge.

So what’s involved... Well there are three distinct elements to the event:

1. How Many Worms Can YOU Charm?

The fun part is the earthworm charming competition - the South of England heat for the World Worm Charming Championship - where people are invited to try and charm as many worms out of their plot as possible. The playing of musical instruments and dancing is encouraged, as is dressing up as this will add to the fun nature of the event.

Charming takes place from 10.30am – 11am.
Plots should be booked in advance at £5 each. Booking form >>>
All proceeds go to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust.
There are rules all competitors must adhere too, such as two people allowed on a plot at any time and the use of liquids are strictly forbidden. Read rules >>>.
The South of England Champion will win a trophy and entry to the World Worm Charming Championships on 23th June 2012 at Willaston, Cheshire.
Find out more about worm charming from the official World Worm Charming website

2. Earthworm Surveys

There will also be an earthworm dig and survey for people to find and identify local worm species. This is part of a nationwide soil and earthworm survey organised by OPAL.

Digs take place from 11am – 12.15pm.
This activity is free.
Co-ordinated by the Camberley Natural History Society.
Find out more about the OPAL soil and earth survey from their website

3. Earthworm ID Workshop

For the more serious there will be an identification workshop where you can have a go at identifying earthworms under a microscope with the help of earthworm experts.

Workshop runs from 11am -1pm.
Places are free but limited to 12 and must be booked in advance.
Workshops run by the Earthworm Society of Britain.
Find out more about the Earthworm Society of Britain from their website

Timetable of events

10:00
Gates open. Registration of competitors. Please note worm charming plots must be booked in advance – entry fee £5 per plot.

10:30 to 11:00
Worm Charming Competition run by Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust.

11:00 to 12:15
Earthworm Surveys run by Camberley Natural History Society, part of the OPAL Soil and Earthworm survey. FREE surveys - just turn up on the day.

11:00 to 13:00
Earthworm ID Workshop run by the Earthworm Society of Britain.
FREE - Workshop places must be booked in advance.

12:30
Winner of earthworm competition announced.
Trophy for the most worms presented.

Where: The event will be held at King’s International College, Watchetts Drive, Camberley, Surrey GU15 2PQ.

Time: Doors open at 10am runs until 1pm.

To find out more ring Blackwater Valley Countryside on 01252 331353.