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Enjoying
Ponds in the
countryside can differ greatly to garden ponds and it can be
interesting to compare them.
'Wild' ponds may be larger, subject to less management or
contain a host of different species to those you might record in
your own garden pond.
,
as you would your own. Not only is this relaxing but it gives a
great opportunity to study some of the visiting wildlife.
– note how species and their behaviour vary in different areas.
Your observations might one day even be useful for helping
others learn about the changing climate.
depending on where the pond is and how accessible it is you may
need to get permission first. You can buy nets or pond-dip packs
from many online shops or you can make your own using wire, a
bamboo cane and netting. Carefully collect water in a plastic
kitchen container (white is best). Put the net into the water
and sweep it slowly backwards and forwards. Gently empty the
contents into the container full of water and see what you have
caught. Make sure you carefully return the animals to the pond
soon afterwards. Classify the creatures you find using a
wildlife book or a Field Studies Guide and compare them to those
in your own and other ponds. Classic pond invertebrates to look
out for include water boatmen, pond skaters, dragonfly nymphs
and caddisfly larvae.
develop your patience and reactions by trying wildlife
photography, capturing wildlife visitors on film. There are a
number of competitions you can enter if you get a good shot and
Froglife are always happy to receive your photos.
Find out more about the
Million Ponds Project, led by Pond Conservation. This
project will create an extensive network of new ponds in the
countryside across the UK.
Identifying amphibians.
Frogwatch.
Froglife shop.
Post your photos on our
Facebook page.
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