At Stuart’s Topsoil, we know great soil is alive, and earthworms are a huge part of that story. They might be a farmer’s best mate, but we actually know surprisingly little about how our earthworms are doing.
That is starting to change. Scientists from CEDaR and National Museums NI are digging into the data, literally, by collecting samples and training everyday people to help identify and record different species. Earthworms have now made it onto Northern Ireland’s priority species list, which shows just how important they are. They break down organic matter, improve drainage, aerate soil and feed everything from birds to badgers. They are the foundation of healthy land.
There are challenges too, from habitat loss to invasive predators like the New Zealand flatworm, which makes good monitoring vital.
Healthy worms mean healthy soil, and healthy soil is what we are all about.
Read more about worms and their role in farming here
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Cullen, L. (2025). Earthworms: Shedding light on an underground hero. BBC News. Accessed 12/01/2026