I don’t know of any one person who’s tried pond dipping and not loved it.
In fact I challenge you to not enjoy it!
That thrill of heading off with a net and bucket in hand with that sense of anticipation and discovery, is one I had nearly forgotten about.
However, yesterday a lovely group of visitors came to Coombes Valley and got curious about it. I found them some nets and buckets before marching excitedly down to the pond with them... I couldn’t resist a glimpse!
Whilst walking down, I did warn the children ‘now we might not find much in the pond...’ just in case it was empty. I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Excited faces at the Pond – Susie Eardley
The sun was shining down and for the time we lingered next to the waters edge, it could easily have been mistaken for summer. The first few swoops found us some tiny water midge larvae floating, almost see-through, in the murky water.
The value of these tiny creatures is unparalleled. They provide a valuable food source for a lot of pond life - especially fish.
We discovered water boatmen next with their two oar-like fins swooshing the pond water, charging around and around our circular bucket.
We found a few empty skeletons! Don't worry, they're just the tiny skeletons which got left behind by dragonfly nymphs. They're the remnants of their skin which are shed as they grow a but more or finally take flight. Most damselflies and dragonflies fly in June and July, so this years larvae will hanging out in the pond for a little while yet.
Common blue damselfly - Tony Hamblin (RSPB-Images)
Next, we found a few whiriligig beetles. Sucking up air from their bums and soaring around the pond! The children very much enjoyed this little fact.
A pond snail was next in our net. With its cone-like shell the water snail was by far one of the most willing pond creature to be held by the group.These snails breathe with their lungs so need to float to the surface often for oxygen. They are often seen hanging upside down inside the water!
Then came the ultimate find. The shocks and gasps at finding this creature came from everyone around the pond. Everyone quickly gathered around the bucket for a closer look at the crazy beast of a pond creature which had been discovered...
Wehad found a great diving beetle, named Billy Beetle. I’ve attached a picture of this fellow beneath. Billy is the master of the pond and not just the pond. He can actually fly at night using secret wings on his back.
Great diving beetle – Heather Watkin
The great diving beetles ability to fly makes it easier for them to travel to suitable ponds which have a good supply of food. They feast off smaller invertebrates in the pond and are also a good food source for frogs and toads.
Pond life fascinates me. All pond creatures are highly dependent on one another in this small watery ecosystem. Pond dipping allows us just a tiny glimpse into their world, but it’s a glimpse that’s definitely worth grabbing a net and bucket for!
So next time you’re at Coombes Valley why not have a look at our pond and see what creatures you will discover!
See you at the pond...
Concentration! – Steph Woodhouse
Pond dipping is £2 for non-RSPB members and free for RSPB members.
Why not join with us at the Visitor Centre and you can go for free for the whole summer!?!