Whoa! Worms rein in royals’ top horse event as National Trust scraps trials

Whoa! Worms rein in royals’ top horse event as National Trust scraps trials over risk of ground being waterlogged Belton Horse Trials is now looking for a new home amid earthworm concerns  Horse hooves and cars of spectators have compacted the soil in the grounds  Risks ground becoming waterlogged, which can impact worms living there 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 02:41 BST, 3 May 2019 | Updated: 02:41 BST, 3 May 2019

View
comments

The National Trust has scrapped a prestigious horse trials event in which the royals have competed for decades amid concerns for earthworms.

The Belton Horse Trials is looking for a new home after the Trust said horse hooves and the cars of spectators and participants are compacting the soil in the grounds of one of its stately homes.

This risks the ground becoming waterlogged – which can have an impact on the worms living in it. They play a vital role in aerating the soil and encouraging plant growth.

The National Trust said the ‘size and scale’ of the trials at Belton House near Grantham, Lincolnshire, is ‘now at odds’ with conservation of a Grade I listed site.

Compacting the soil risks the ground (pictured) becoming waterlogged – which can have an impact on the worms living in it

Compacting the soil risks the ground (pictured) becoming waterlogged – which can have an impact on the worms living in it

The international event is a key fixture on the three-day eventing sporting calendar and was to celebrate its 40th

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT In news vacuum, rumours and concern swirl over Catherine mogaznewsen