Abstract There have been few faunistic studies of Enchytraeidae outside Europe and North America. This is partly due to inadequate taxonomic literature and difficulties associated with the examination of fixed material but also because methods for the collection of these worms, especially soil species, are not well known. Methods are described which are suitable for sampling and extracting enchytraeids in the field. They may be used for all kinds of soils and also for aquatic vegetation and tidal debris. Details are given of sampling methods and selection of sites, a portable extraction apparatus powered by a petrol-driven generator, a method for keeping enchytraeids alive for laboratory examination at a later date and procedures for fixation and preservation. Extraction in the field during collecting expeditions gives immediate information about the types of substrate in which enchytraeids are present and overcomes the problem of transporting large quantities of soil. Some countries prohibit the import of soil and in such cases it is essential to extract the enchytraeids before importing them for laboratory study. The advantages of keeping a portion of each extracted sample alive are that identification and description of live specimens is easier and quicker than working with fixed material and that individuals which were immature, and therefore unidentifiable, at the time of sampling may mature in the cultures. The equipment and procedures described were used successfully during a recent 3-week expedition to North Africa.