It's the little things that matter.

The pond-dipping area has been up and running outside the Visitor Centre at Radipole for about a week now, with heaps of small critters being discovered. The most notable species found so far is Daphnia (the water flea) with hundreds coming out in an average trawl with the net.  Add to this a strong supporting cast of water boatmen, bloodworms, leeches, water mites, water slaters and the occasional stickleback. There was some speculation that we might need to seed the area with pond life from other areas of the reserve, where the water moves more slowly. However we needn’t have worried as within a few weeks of being constructed the new pond is already brimming with life, testament to the excellent water quality here.

We are currently joined by Jack Oughton, a keen naturalist and photographer,  here for two weeks work experience.  Jack has been regularly manning the pond dipping platform, filling trays with specimens and  then talking to visitors about them. This morning Jack took me to one side and said he thought he might have found something unusual. Upon close examination he had discovered a shrimp in amongst the detritus in the bottom of the tray. Measuring in at about 1cm with eyes on long stalks, long antennae, elongated body and a dark thorax, it certainly stood out from the commoner species of water shrimp.  So far the species we have most been able to liken it too is the Opossum Shrimp (Mysis relicta), which is found in the Lake District, notably Ennerdale Water. We will look further into this and let you all know if we have a rarity.

If you are looking for something to do with the kids this summer why not come down and have a go at pond-dipping, its great fun and we have all the kit here. Already groups of brownies, beavers and cubs have been let loose on the platform to explore the least seen (and arguably most important) side of life within Radipole Lake.  Also why not come to our Wednesday Wildlife Workshops (10am -12pm) being held throughout the school holidays.