The Earthworm Research Group

"The Earthworm Research Group (ERG) is based in the School of Built and Natural Environment at the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston, UK. The ERG has existed as an entity for five years or so, but members of the group have been engaged in this area of research for more than twenty years. We regard ourselves as one of the focal points in this area and welcome contact with respect to collaborative research or simply to answer earthworm-related questions.

The ERG was founded by Drs Kevin Butt and Chris Lowe and has worldwide members and associates.

Research

The last 25 years has seen an enormous expansion in earthworm research with the development of potential profit-related applications in vermiculture and organic waste processing. More recently applied research has investigated the role of earthworms in land restoration, eco-toxicology and environmental monitoring. Major advances have therefore been made in the area of earthworm research but despite this, many fundamental questions still remain unanswered. There is still scope to undertake investigations into a group of organisms which have profound effects on soils.

The ERG has worked extensively with earthworm species from across Britain and from numerous northern temperate regions. Research has concentrated on the practical application of earthworms in areas such as soil restoration, organic waste management, bio-monitoring and eco-toxicology. Current overseas projects are linked with Finland, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain and the USA."

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