Lugworms live in burrows in the sand both on the beach and in the sandy seabed. Their burrows are u-shaped and are formed by the lugworm swallowing sand and then pooing it out, creating wiggly piles of sand along the shoreline. These are known as casts. They feed on tiny animals and dead matter that are filtered through the sand they eat. They make a tasty snack for birds like curlew and godwit.
How to identify
When the tide goes out, coiled 'casts' can be found at the tail end of lugworm burrows. Look out for a small depression in the sand at the head end where the worm has ingested the sand. The worms themselves are variable in colour from black or brown to pink or green.
Did you know?
There are 2 species of worm on our shores referred to as the "lugworm": the Blow Lug and the Black Lug, which you can tell apart from their casts. The Black Lug produces a tightly coiled, neat cast with a depression in the middle whereas the Blow Lug produces a messy cast with a small depression separate to the cast (pictured above).
How people can help
The Wildlife Trusts are working with sea users, scientists, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust or checking out our Action pages.
