Where have the worms gone?

[mantajohn9]

Each year my year 8 pupils complete an ecology based investigation in and around the school site during their final weeks before the end of term. Every year several groups choose to investigate which areas of the school have the greatest number of worms. They then "charm" the worms up by using several buckets of water. In previous years they have collected handfuls of worms, but this year none! There has been no spraying of any kind at school and it has not been particulary dry. Anybody got any ideas?

[Tinkerbell]

I've also noticed that they have disappeared from my compost bins - hope they'll return soon and get going on the breakdown of the kitchen waste.

Tinkerbell

[NatureTrainee]

When my hen was poorly I dug over my borders and found ridiculous amounts of worms to tempt her to eat - but then my house had been empty for a year......

[Venger]

They know something we don't!
They're hiding in a bunker with all the bees

[shei111]

Originally Posted by Venger

They know something we don't!
They're hiding in a bunker with all the bees

We havent seen many worms because the ground is so dry havent had hardly any rainfall in past month, thats definately the reason here. shei

[Bouncytigger]

I Have seen loads and loads of worms

But i have veen doing rather a lot of digging

[djackso]

Maybe the water table has risen if there has been plenty of rain? I know worms will move elsewhere if it's too wet.

[mantajohn9]

Thanks for suggestions have passed them onto year 8. We have found huge numbers of woodlice though this year. Not just in the usual places either but right across the whole school field. Strange things are afoot here in Cheddar

[djackso]

Ahhh - woodlice need moisture, they even breath through "gills" - maybe it's too wet for worms.

[Kayleigh]

Do you know if you have any New Zealand Flatworms in your area. This maybe one reason why your not seeing many earthworms..Just a thought..

Factsheetabout New Zealand flatworm