Worm charming, an interesting pastime involving dancing or soaking the earth to attract worms, is being promoted by scientists and the Soil Association for soil health. The Association’s Worm Hunt, running throughout May this year, aims to involve citizens in counting worms to assess soil health and biodiversity in the U-K.
The findings will contribute to a worm map, indicating soil quality and helping to address the decline in worm populations, which have decreased by a third in the past 25 years. Worms play a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil. They are considered ecosystem engineers, as they aerate and mix the soil, allowing for better water infiltration and nutrient distribution. They also break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that can be used by plants. These small creatures have a big impact on the health and productivity of our soil.
