Exhibit: Wormery

The presence of worms in soil is essential to the success of plant-life, and consequently,  to all life on Earth. As worms burrow through the soil, they mix in organic matter and break up clumps of soil. This tunnelling allows the transfer of oxygen and water to the soil. It also ensures the soil isn’t too hard, allowing plants to extend their roots with little energy

This exhibit mimics underground life. Worms can be observed through the viewing window inside the exhibit. The inside of the exhibit is kept dark because, although worms don’t have eyes, they are covered with “photoreceptors”, cells that can sense light.

Within the soil, there are several layers. The worms are most often found in the second layer, which is mineral soil containing a high percentage of organic debris and living biomass.

In this wormery, there are two species: the common earthworm, or Lob, and the Dendra, or “red” worm.