This half term we've been getting the kids outdoors and discovering pond minibeasts. Included in our Wild Challenge activities, pond dipping is a great activity to get children (and adults!) interested in wildlife and learn about what is under the surface of the pond. We are always amazed to find so much! This week, the highlights of our pond dip included; tiny newt tadpoles, a great silver diving beetle, a water scorpion and a huge greater diving beetle larvae! We had people of all ages take part, our youngest being 18 months old right up to a grandfather who was passing and fancied a go.
Pond dippers!
Greater diving beetle larvae
My first water boatman
Bird highlights this week:
Since last weeks migration extravaganza, this week has been a bit quieter on the reserve in terms of rarities. We have had some lovely views of a number of different waders from our visitor centre and hides facing Burrowes Pit including; avocet, curlew, whimbrel, common sandpiper, grey plover, ringed plover and little stint.
Common sandpiper - Graham Parry
After our slow start to spring, this warm and sunny weather we have had recently has meant that our wildflowers are shooting up all over the place! Now is the best time to visit if you want to see some spectacular wild flowers. We are running two guided walks this month with a wildflower expert so click here for more information about these.
Yellow-horned poppy