Pond Dipping

What could be hiding in the waters in your local park?

Explore and discover the amazing creatures that live there by pond dipping!

What you’ll need

·        A net

·        A shallow tray

·        A pencil

·        A camera

Before you start: It’s important to keep safe around the water, as it can be very slippery.

Always have an adult present and don’t lean over the water.

1.      Slowly walk to the water’s edge. By walking slowly, you won’t scare away all the animals, giving you the best chance to see them.

2.      Ask your adult to collect some water in your tray. This will be a place you can put the animals that you find in the water.

3.      Gently lower your net in the water and move it slowly in a figure-of-eight motion.

4.      After a few circles of your net, lift it out of the water and place it into your bucket or tray then turn the mesh inside out. Transferring all the creatures you have collected into your tray. Look carefully, some are very small and might be hard to find!

5.      Using your notepad, record what you find. You could also take photos of creatures you’ve found or draw a quick sketch in your notepad.

6.      Once you’re finished, gently pour the tray back into the water, returning all the creatures to their home.

7.      Wash your hands and rinse out your tray and net before you use them in another pond.