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When worms dig tunnels they leave tiny cracks in the earth. These cracks fill with air and help rainwater to drain through the soil. This helps plants to grow, so farmers and gardeners love having worms around.
Imagine you are standing on a patch of grass. Do you have any idea how many worms there could be hiding under your feet? Some scientists think there could be about two hundred worms living in each square metre of your lawn.
Worms often wriggle up to get some fresh air when it rains. Worms don't have eyes but they can feel the vibrations of the rain above them when they are underground. This trick is simple, but will give you an idea of just how many worms there are under the grass.
You really need two or three friends to help you do this. First, find a patch of grass that looks healthy and isn't too dry. Now, you pretend you're rain. Jump up and down and the worms will feel the vibrations and wriggle up to the surface.
When the worms appear, have a look at them but don't touch. If you were the size of a worm you wouldn't want to be picked up by a giant child would you?
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