Pond Dippping

Kit

Kneel down next to the pond.
Look for animals on the surface before you disturb the water or start dipping.
Fill your viewing tray half full with pond water.
Using the pond net, sweep around vigorously, a figure of 8 pattern is best. For best results dip at the pond surface, midwater and among marginal vegetation. Try not to turn the net inside out while dipping as creatures could escape.
After each sweep, empty the contents of your net in the viewing tray. Remove any large plants from your tray, put these back in the pond – make sure you check for creatures hiding on the plants before you put them back.
Try to prevent clogging the net with mud by sweeping mainly in the submerged plants or the plants that are emerging from the surface. If you get too much mud in the water, try swishing the net in the water before emptying it.
If the tray gets too muddy it will be difficult to see any creatures and you may need to start again.
Have a look at the creatures you have found. Use ID sheets (see resources) to help you identify them.
When you have finished, carefully put the creatures back in the pond.
At the end of the activity, swill out and clean the trays using clean water from the pond. Also carefully check the net for any creatures that may still be there and remove any vegetation. It is a good idea to wash the nets and trays under tap water (where available) prior to returning them.