Yesterday saw the return of pond dipping to Titchwell Marsh as a small troop of young people descended onto the reserve. Not put off by the weather, children and their parents scooped up several different creatures from our pond on Fen Meadow trail. Although the weather was not ideal, the nature surrounding us made up for it. We could hear the occasional boom of the bittern and the call of the cetti’s warbler and the beautiful orchids were in bloom behind us.
This was in fact my first time pond dipping and although I did not actually get to swoop my net around in the water, I found myself as fascinated as the children to see bugs emptied out and swimming around a tray.
No child was left disappointed as they all caught several creatures including tadpoles, water boatmen and even a water scorpion. And although the ages of the children differed they all felt the same excitement at capturing something they had never seen or noticed before.
Pond dipping for children is on all week and I would recommend it as a fantastic way to spend part of the morning! Luckily, the weather seems to be brightening up, so soon maybe it will be fun in the sun!!
Alice