Pupils hope to help solve worm mystery
Young scholars are hoping to solve a long-standing scientific mystery – with the help of a neighbourhood worm.
The year seven pupils from Croston's's Bishop Rawstorne CE Language College are spending a day studying and hunting for the Croston Worm.
This particular species is in a world of its own and is believed to be the only one of its kind on the planet.
It's a freshwater worm and it's carnivorous, sporting an internal proboscis that shoots out to capture its prey, other pond-dwelling worms.
Head of Science at the Out Lane school Karen Parker said: "This worm is unique to Croston and is a priority species. It was discovered in 1969 by Dr Young of Liverpool University and was last seen in 2000. It's nicknamed the 'Croston Worm' and we know of only four people who have ever seen it."
The worm (Prostoma Jenningsi) was discovered in claypits in a reed bed near the edge of what is now the school pond, but may have migrated to other ponds in the area.
Over the next month, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust Biodiversity scientists are surveying the area to see if it is still there, and Bishop Rawstorne students will be lending a hand.
Apart from pond-dipping, students will also be doing drama and role play on July 1, which has been devoted to the Croston Worm.
Mrs Parker added: "They will be hunting for the worm in the school pond and learning why we protect and study unique species.
"They will also learn how to communicate science to the wider public by making a regional TV news report. There are competitions and the best projects will be entered for the National Blake Shield Award.
"The day forms part of our ongoing commitment to offering an enriched and interesting curriculum that is especially relevant to the local community."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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