Soil & small creatures
Earthworm
A quiet soil-maker who works underground.
Earthworms are long, soft animals that live in soil. They eat old leaves and bits of soil.
This friend is very quiet, so you're hearing the place where it lives.
Interesting facts
- Earthworms have no eyes, but they can sense light through their skin.
- They breathe through their skin, which needs to stay damp.
- Worm tunnels let air and water into the soil.
- Worm droppings (castings) make soil rich for plants.
Where it lives
Damp soil in gardens, parks and under leaf piles.
It might be…
- Coming up after rain
- Pulling a leaf into the ground
- Moving back into the soil
Why it matters
Earthworms mix and enrich soil, which helps plants grow.
Being a good friend
- Only watch worms that are already on top of the ground.
- Keep your shadow off it — worms prefer the dark.
- Watch how its body stretches and squeezes.
Please don't
- Don't touch, hold or pick it up.
- Don't chase it or block its path.
- Don't take it home — its home is outside.
- Never dig a worm up for this mission.
- If a worm is on a dry path, ask a trusted adult what to do.
Mission
Soil Helpers
After rain, look at the ground — don't dig.