Pond dipping at Hardcastle Crags

Pond dipping is a fun and educational activity that allows you to explore the hidden world of pond life. It is a great way for children to learn about the different types of animals and plants that live in ponds, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Trust used to run a managed pond dipping class during school holidays but these have become hit and miss in recent years.

Pond dipping is best done in spring and summer.

Below: A newt caught in the pond behind Gibson mill.

There are a couple of ponds at Hardcastle Crags that are suitable for pond dipping as well as the many streams and rivers. The slow the flow natural flood management work has created many wet wildlife habitats and small ponds throughout the valley.

Here are some of the things you can find in the wildlife ponds or pond dipping at Hardcastle Crags:

• Water boatmen are insects that have flat bodies and long, oar-like legs. They use their legs to row through the water, and they can also fly.
• All three Newt species are known to live in the area
• Water striders are insects that have long legs that allow them to walk on the surface of the water. They use their legs to catch small insects that are floating on the water.
• Dragonfly larvae are long and slender, with a pointed head and a tail. They live in the water and eat small insects.
• Damselfly larvae are similar to dragonfly larvae, but they have a wider head and a shorter tail. They also live in the water and eat small insects.
• Water snails are small snails that live in the water. They eat algae and other plants.
• Leeches are blood sucking parasites that show up in the pond from time to time
• Tadpoles are the young of frogs and toads. They live in the water and eat algae and other small organisms.
• Frogspawn is the eggs of frogs and toads. It is a jelly-like mass that floats on the surface of the water.

To pond dip, you will need a few simple supplies:

• A pond dipping net
• A shallow tray
• A magnifying glass
• A field guide to pond life

Once you have gathered your supplies, find a safe and shallow pond to dip in. Be sure to ask permission from the landowner if you are dipping in a private pond.

To begin, gently lower your net into the water and sweep it back and forth in a figure-eight motion. Be sure to keep the net close to the bottom of the pond so that you can catch the smallest creatures.

Below: A huge dragonfly larvae caught pond dipping.

 

Once you have collected a few creatures in your net, gently lift it out of the water and place it in your tray. Use the magnifying glass to get a closer look at your finds. If you have a field guide, you can use it to identify the different creatures.

When you are finished pond dipping, be sure to release all of the creatures unharmed back into the pond.

Here are some tips for pond dipping:

• Choose a calm day so that the water is clear.
• Avoid dipping in ponds that are polluted or have a lot of algae.
• Be gentle with the creatures you catch.
• Release the creatures back into the pond as soon as you are finished looking at them.

Pond dipping is a great way to learn about the natural world and have some fun at the same time. So get out there and explore the hidden world of pond life!