Leighton Moss was a hive of activity on Thursday - the sun came out just in time for our pond dipping event. Family's were invited to discover 'What lives beneath? on two pond dipping sessions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Children and big kids alike were fascinated by the weird and wonderful creatures they dipped, from cadis fly lavae and great diving beetles to leeches and water lice, there was so much to see!
Everyone learned to identify some key pond creatures with help from Angela, our expert in all things pondlife, and the familieswere able to gaze into a undiscovered world with the help of some rather whizzy hand-held microscopes. Seeing tiny creatures like bloodworms close up really captures the imagination, and we overheard many comments like "it looks like something out of a film" and "wow, it can see its heart!" It wasn't just the kids that had all the fun, the adults were just as amazed as the children, gazing at the creatures of the deep. We were also kept entertained by a sparrowhawk that seemed to be trying to join in the fun, making regular appearances around the pond dipping area. If you fancy joining in the fun then there is still space on next week's event on Thursday 9 April. Choose from either 11 am-12.30 pm or 1.30-3 pm. All the details are here.
A couple of keen pond dippers (David Mower)
Expert Angela helps with identifying the creatures (David Mower)