Earthworms
“It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures.” Charles Darwin, (1881) The Formation of Vegetable Mould, through the Action of Worms, with Observations on their Habits.There has been much research carried out into the ecology of earthworms since the publication of Darwin’s best selling book on the subject but there are still many unanswered questions.
Earthworms are vastly important to the functioning of soil and whole ecosystems. They help degrade organic matter, mix and aerate soils, and boost soil stability and fertility. The importance of earthworms to healthy soils is recognized by their inclusion in many national ecological risk assessment schemes. My research on earthworm ecology addresses several important questions:
Current group members: Dr Ian Farr
Past group members: Dr Bader Albogami, Dr Jane Andre, Dr Rebecca Arnold, Dr Laura Atuah, Dr Melanie Bottoms, Dr Loredana Brinza, Dr Dan Carpenter, Dr Luis das Nevas Cunha, Dr Nic Davies, Dr Sian Ellis, Dr Jose Gomez-Eyles, Dr Jamal Hallam, Dr Alice Johnston, Dr David Jones, Dr Tamsyn Kiss, Dr Denise Lambkin, Dr Caroline Langdon, Dr Johanne Nahmani, Dr Miranda Prendergast-Miller, Dr Danni Sinnett, Dr Tom Sizmur, Dr Emma Versteegh, Dr Jo Witton
Current and past funders of our research: NERC, BBSRC, EPSRC, Leverhulme Trust, Syngenta, Ghanian Government, Nuffield foundation, STFC
I am always happy to discuss possible collaborations. If you would like to work with us either here in York or at your home institution please get in touch.
