Families Can Dive into a Pond Dipping World of Wonder at WWT Arundel this Summer
The summer holidays are in full swing and whether it is pond dipping with backstroking beetles, running through wild outdoor playgrounds or enjoying close encounters with otherworldly creatures, there’s a bunch of wonderful experiences offering more than one great day out at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre.
Throughout the school holidays a full programme of fun has been designed for families to explore and enjoy wetland nature during the long summer days. Activities include boat safaris, a summer postcard trail, and talks about some of the animals that call WWT Arundel their home, including pelicans and diving sea ducks.
One of WWT’s most popular activities for families is pond dipping. A fun way to explore the hidden world of creatures that live in ponds, Lizzy Pearce on the Learning Team shares how, under WWT’s friendly guidance, families can connect with the amazing water-loving creatures in WWT Arundel’s specially designated dipping pond.
WWT Pond Dipping Tips by Lizzy Pearce
- Use only equipment provided by WWT. There is everything you need at the centre – nets, magnifying glasses, trays and identification charts. Our little creatures want to keep unwanted bugs out of their homes.
- Don’t lean over too far. It casts a big shadow over the water and scares away the otherworldly creatures living beneath the water.
- Use a figure of eight. Dip the net just below the water surface and make a nice and steady sweep in a figure of eight with your net. This keeps the net moving without losing all the hidden treasures you’re about to discover.
- Gently remove the net to uncover the creatures. Gently lift the net out of the water and steadily take it to your tray where you can turn the net inside out into the tray water and gently wash out the contents to see what underwater inhabitants are staring back at you.
- Take a closer look. Remove the net from the tray. Now take a closer look at what you’ve uncovered, being careful to handle the animals and insects so as not to harm them. They’ll be oh so grateful for your sensitivity.
Return pond life to its natural habitat. Don’t forget, we all like an adventure but there’s no place like home. Do return all animals, insects, and plant matter to the water where you found it. - Record what you’ve seen. Whether it’s taking a quick pic, scribbling a note, or writing a line or two for a poem, now is the time to capture this connection with nature. Share on social and tag us at @WWTarundel on Facebook or Instagram to get a smiley face from us.
Great for all ages and abilities, pond dipping sessions have easy pathways for wheelchair and pushchair access. Sessions are sprinkled throughout the day, book one at the admissions desk and any donations will be greatly appreciated. Animals and insects, you can hope to see include dragonfly nymphs, water spiders, diving beetles, pond skaters and so much more.
Other activities happening at WWT Arundel during the school holidays include:
- “Wish You Were Here” Postcard Trail
- Nature craft activities, 1:30-3:30 pm Monday – Friday
Wetland Discovery Boat Safari, £3 per person, book at the admission desk. - Diving Duck feed and Keeper Talk, noon daily
- Pelican Keeper talk, 2 pm daily
Participation in any of the WWT Arundel summer activities is included with an admission ticket or is free to WWT members, unless stated. Activities run until the end of the school summer holidays.
WWT Arundel is open 7 days-a-week and more information and a full event list can be found at https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel