Earthworms may have declined by a third in UK, study reveals

Scientists say loss may be as significant as ‘insectaggedon’ in terms of impact on soil, birds and ecosystems

Populations of earthworms in the UK may have fallen by about a third in the past 25 years, an assessment has shown.

Earthworms are vital for the healthy soil that underpins all ecosystems and scientists said a large decline would sit alongside concerns about “insectaggedon” and the global destruction of wildlife.