Pond dipping offers the opportunity to learn about food chains and food webs as well as discovering some of the amazing insect transformations during their lifecycles. It doesn’t need to be limited to a pond either – you can give it a go in a river or stream too.
Top Tip: May to August are the best months for pond dipping!
With so many species harbouring in our ponds it can be tricky to identify what you catch, but don’t worry! We have created a pond identification sheet which you can download below and print out to help. There are also lots of other resources you can find online, or sometimes a simple google will do the trick!
Don’t forget to think about safety when pond dipping! You can download our Pond Dipping Safety and Tips resource below.
What you will need:
- A light-coloured shallow tray or container
- A few teaspoons
- Magnifying glasses (optional)
- Paper and pencils for recording
- Printed identification sheet
- Nets (for younger children, a small aquarium net is ideal). Optional: You can make your own nets by following the downloadable guide below!
How to pond dip:
- Put a small amount of pond water into your tray. Now dip your net in the pond and pull it through the water – try a figure of 8 movement! Always have children kneel when doing this.
- Empty your net into the tray, wait for the water to settle and look carefully – some creatures are very small! You can use a spoon to scoop up any creatures for a closer look – don’t use your hands.
- Use the identification sheet to help you record what you find. When finished, gently empty trays into the pond. Wash all hands afterwards and disinfect your nets and trays (this helps stop the spread of diseases).
To add some extra elements to the activity, your group could also:
- Draw pictures of the creatures they found
- Write a short story or poem about their experience
- Research a creature and its lifecycle under the water and present to the group
Share your pond dip finds with us by using #DiscoverLearnPlay
