Spring Activities: Pond Dipping With The Kids

Spring is the perfect time to go pond dipping as nature awakens after the long and cold winter months. Warmer weather and longer days bring about life in ponds, so it’s an exciting time to explore them. 

Frogs begin to emerge, tadpoles hatch and insects, such as dragonflies, are often seen buzzing around the water. For kids, the Easter holidays is the perfect time to relax, and connect with nature - it’s a fun way to learn all about how animals live, food chains and the world around them. 

Whether it’s observing a tadpole’s tail or watching a water beetle scuttle across the surface, pond dipping offers endless opportunities for discovery. We’ve pulled together a guide on how to go pond dipping, so that it is fun, whilst also being respectful to the animals that inhabit that space.

Why Pond Dipping is Perfect for the Easter Holidays

Parents often spend hours worrying about the best ways to entertain kids during school holidays; it’s a hard task, especially if you want to find something that’s both educational and fun. Pond dipping is an ideal activity for many kids, and Spring is the perfect time to get exploring. You can explore the water's edge and carefully observe these fascinating creatures in their home.

Getting Ready for Pond Dipping: What You Need

To make the most of your pond dipping experience, you need to make sure you have all of the right tools.

• Pond Net: To safely scoop all the creatures from the water, choose a fine mesh net (this helps catch smaller animals like tadpoles). Pick a net that has a long handle, so you can ready deep parts of the pond.

• Buckets or Containers: You'll need a spot to put the interesting creatures in temporarily - a small buck or container works well, or a white tray to help you get a closer look at them. You can even use an ice cube tray.

• Magnifying Glass: Some of the animals that live in pond water are tiny; so you'll need a magnifying glass to appreciate the smaller ones, and the details of some of the bigger ones; like the legs of pond skaters.

• Pond Weed Identification Sheet: Before heading out on your pond dipping trip, print a list of common species in your area with ways to identify them.

• Sunscreen and Snacks: Don't forget to pack protection from the sun, and some snacks to keep the energy levels up!

Where to Go Pond Dipping?

Across the UK, there are many local parks and nature reserves that have ponds or wetland areas that are ideal for pond dipping. They are well maintained and safe. If you look at local nature reserves, you'll be able to find ones that offer pond dipping.

If you've got an established wildlife pond in your back garden, you can also use this space to search for wildlife that might live in it.

How to Pond Dip: Step-by-Step Guide for Kids

Step 1: Find the Right Pond

The most important factors when it comes to choosing a pond are that it’s safe and shallow, is easy to access, and doesn’t have fast-moving or deep sections. If you find a pond with clear water and lots of plants like pond weed and lilies - it might be the one!

Always double check the pond is safe, and it’s okay for you to go pond dipping in. 

Step 2: Get Ready and Gather Your Gear

Before you start, gather everything you need: remember a pond net, bucket or tray, magnifying glass, an ID sheet, and sunscreen and snacks. 

Always wear suitable clothing because pond dipping can get messy! Waterproof boots are a must.

Step 3: Approach the Pond Carefully

When making your way to the pond, approach it with caution, avoid getting to close to the edge, and make sure an adult is always around to help you make your way around.  

Step 4: Scoop the Net into the Water

Now it's time for the fun part! Use your pond net to scoop gently through the water. Hold the net at a slight angle, and sweep it just beneath the surface. Don't just dip it straight down; try to "sweep" across the surface to catch creatures like water beetles, tadpoles, or snails.

Move the net slowly to avoid disturbing too much mud or making it hard to see the creatures inside.

Step 5: Examine Your Finds

Once you've scooped your net through the water, carefully lift it out and check what you've caught! Gently tip the contents into a white tray or bucket. Use a magnifying glass to look closer at the creatures. You might find tadpoles, water beetles, or even tiny fish! If you’re unsure what you’ve found, refer to your pond life identification sheet to help you identify the species.

Step 6: Release the Creatures

After you’ve had a good look at your finds, it’s important to release them back into the pond. Gently lower the creatures back into the water, ensuring they are safe and unharmed. Remember, pond creatures are part of the delicate ecosystem, and releasing them helps keep the pond healthy.

Step 7: Keep Exploring and Learning

Pond dipping is all about exploration! Once you’ve released your finds, go back for another dip. Try different spots around the pond to see what else you can discover. Keep an eye out for different creatures like water spiders, newts, or insects like dragonfly larvae. Don’t forget to use your ID sheet to learn more about the species you find.

Step 8: Clean Up and Stay Safe

When you're done pond dipping, be sure to clean up. Rinse any equipment you use, such as nets or buckets, to remove any mud or bacteria. And don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly afterward - especially if you’ve handled the water or creatures.

Pond Life You Might Find

Here are some common and interesting pond life you might find while pond dipping:

Tadpoles

Tadpoles are the larval stage of frogs and toads. When you find them in the pond, they’re usually tiny, black, and have tails. As they grow, tadpoles develop legs and eventually transform into adult frogs or toads. Watching their development is a fantastic learning opportunity!

Frogs and Toads

Adult frogs and toads are often found in ponds, especially during the spring and summer when they breed. Frogs are typically green or brown with smooth skin, while toads are more bumpy and usually darker in colour. They often rest near the water’s edge, but you might also find their eggs in the pond.

Water Beetles

Water beetles are one of the most common creatures in ponds. There are many species, and they can range in size from tiny to quite large. These beetles can be found swimming near the surface or hiding under aquatic plants. Some species, like the Great Diving Beetle, are powerful swimmers and can even dive deep into the water.

Pond Skaters

Pond skaters, also known as water striders, are insects that can walk on water. Their long legs spread their weight evenly, allowing them to glide across the surface. These insects are often seen skating in circles, using their legs to "push" themselves along the water’s surface.

Snails

Snails are commonly found in ponds, often crawling along the bottom or on aquatic plants. They have spiral-shaped shells and are usually quite slow-moving. Look out for both the small, common pond snails and the larger species like the Great Pond Snail..

Water Spiders

Water spiders are fascinating creatures that spend most of their time underwater. They are equipped with fine hairs on their legs that trap air bubbles, allowing them to breathe while submerged. They build tiny webs beneath the water's surface, where they catch small prey like aquatic insects.

Dragonfly Larvae

Dragonfly larvae are aquatic creatures that look quite different from their adult counterparts. They live underwater and can be found hiding among aquatic plants or in the mud at the pond's bottom. As larvae, they are fierce predators, using their extendable jaws to catch and eat small insects and even tadpoles.