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Natural Histories

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Nature that has had a profound impact on human culture and society across history.

Nature that has got under our skin and profoundly impacted human culture and society across our history.

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Natural Histories: Earthworm

Earthworm

BBC Radio 4 - Natural Histories, Earthworm

Brett Westwood investigates our relationship with earthworms. From 2017.

Aristotle described them as the 'intestines of the earth'. They captivated Charles Darwin. Brett Westwood explores our relationship with the earthworm. From 2017.

Whilst we might take them for granted, Aristotle described them as the intestines of the earth and Charles Darwin recognised their importance when he wrote "It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly organised creatures". As Brett Westwood discovers, these 'ecosystem engineers' play a vital role in aerating our soils, aiding drainage, clearing up pollutants and, if you're a Gippsland giant and measure up to 3m in length, making themselves heard from below ground! They have also wormed their way into our literature, charmed our culture and burrowed into our language. 

First broadcast in a longer form: 25th July 2017
Original Producer: Sarah Blunt

Archive Producer for BBC Audio in Bristol : Andrew Dawes

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