Enchytraeid communities in a Zn–Pb mining and smelting area were studied.
Negative effects of HMs on enchytraeids were found in different habitats.
Distance from the smelter was a better explanatory variable than soil contents of HMs.
Enchytraeids benefited from the high species richness of plants.
Afforestation of mining wasteland positively affected enchytraeid communities.