We have hoped for many years that we would find a special type of spider out on the marsh and today the visiting school kids did just that for us with a fine Diving Bell Water Spider (Argyroneta aquatica) being caught out near the Reedbed Discovery Zone. Julie Peeling (one of our Field Teachers) is rather keen on this species and I reckon you could hear her whoops of delight from the visitors centre....
This is underwater .... and you can just make out the silvery air bubble.
There is a great little video on the RSPB Rainham Marshes Facebook page if you have the time.
22-5-13