Pond dipping

Get closer to freshwater wildlife

Let’s start with the bad news: during the 20th century, half of our ponds disappeared. Many of these miniature wetlands in the countryside were lost to urban development, while others were either drained, filled in, or simply deteriorated due to neglect. As ponds support two thirds of all freshwater creatures, urgent action was needed. Fortunately, this decline is finally being reversed thanks to the current trend of installing water features in gardens.

The creation of ponds has mimicked the age-old process of natural pond formation, which now rarely happens in the intensively managed landscapes of modern Britain. The aquatic real estate currently found in many gardens, in addition to bringing aesthetic value, has become vital for a range of freshwater species that may be struggling in rural areas.

As most of the above water action will be of the insectivorous kind, watching ponds is best conducted on a warm, sunny day when

damselflies and dragonflies will be on the wing. Sit in a spot close to a pond to see the insects’ adult life cycles play out in front of your eyes. In addition to scanning the air above the pond and investigating any emergent plants for activity, don’t forget to observe the water’s surface. This tangible border is where a variety of insects such as pond skaters and whirligig beetles can be found. Many species lurking primarily underwater will also need to breathe periodically so keep an eye out for aquatic beetles and frogs as they surface for a quick breath before disappearing back into the murky depths.

GET STUCK IN

Of course, the only way that the majority of the pond’s inhabitants can be easily observed is by entering their world, and this can be achieved with a net. Pond dipping has to be one of the most enjoyable of all family activities, as each sweep can catch an amazing variety of aquatic jewels that spend either part, or their entire lives, under water – join in a pond dipping activity near you during The Wildlife Trusts’ Big Wild Weekend on 16 to 17 June. Finally, don’t just confine your pond watching to daylight hours, as a powerful torch will reveal that newts are busier at night.

FIND OUT MORE See www.discoverwildlife.com/ wildlife-gardens/how-build-wildlife-pond

EACH SWEEP OF YOUR POND DIPPING NET CAN CATCH AN AMAZING VARIETY OF AQUATIC JEWELS.”

A family-friendly pond dipping event at RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire.

COMING UP NEXT ISSUE: Mike is watching wildlife on a heath Below: even mini water gardens can provide habitats for freshwater critters. Great water boatmen swim on their backs.