Abstract

Earthworm-related research began at the University of Central Lancashire in 1994. This was initially on life history investigations of UK species, and use in soil restoration schemes, both long-term activities. Interspecific interactions became an interest, as did the use of various organic materials as a source of food. Collaborations with Finland, Poland and the USA led to investigations in boreal agroecosystems, mountain forests and cropping systems, respectively. Lumbricus terrestris was often a key species and, along with ecosystem service provision, its behaviour - mating, foraging, midden construction and settlement – was examined with novel use of visual recording. Field investigations were supported by laboratory experiments and the ability to maintain cultures of soil dwelling (endogeic and anecic) species was a vital element in research growth. Realisation that large species could be maintained and reproduce in small culture vessels was an important breakthrough. It allowed detailed knowledge of specimens with respect to origin, age, and reproductive status to be collected, which was used in a variety of investigations including DNA analysis linked to mating of cryptic species. Meanwhile, further collaborations were established in the field, particularly with Forest Research UK, where earthworm-tree interactions were investigated in a range of contexts. Other long-term monitoring was set up at Manchester Airport and at Down House in Kent, with many projects undertaken in Scotland, either on reclaimed industrial sites or on the Isle of Rum. Further laboratory work led to the development of a method for tagging earthworms, and interactions of earthworms with forest fungi was investigated. Ecotoxicological work also looked at the potential harm of silver nanoparticles in the soil. Throughout this time, solutions were sought to practical problems in research with the development of ideas such as Earthworm Inoculation Units and polyurethane casting of burrows. This period led to the completion of 20 PhDs and publication of over 150 peer-reviewed papers. Earthworm conservation is now under investigation through breeding of red-listed species and investigating the potential to hold cocoons in a “frozen ark”. With several Departmental/University name changes, the initial Earthworm Research Group has now become Ecological Engineering, at the University of Lancashire.