Aquatic surveys possible with new pond dipping equipment

A grant of £160 improves understanding of pond life

There are a good number of watercourses and some ponds in South Stoke.  The South Stoke Wildlife & Conservation Group were looking to survey these and enter the data to iRecord as part of their mission to better understand the flora and fauna of their parish.  TOE was delighted to provide funding for the equipment they needed to start.

This mini mission is one of a number of goals to engage the community in nature recovery by providing fun events to encourage public participation, especially with children.  WWT guidelines for pond-dipping were followed which allows the data to be recorded and submitted towards the larger national picture.

The pond dipping was undertaken in ponds and water courses in the marsh and fen area to the east of the Thames between Ferry Lane and Withymead Nature Reserve in Goring. 

“The benefits provided by the pond dipping project allow the public to better understand the species in our environment and raise awareness of the aquatic environment encouraging people to look after the existing watercourses and even to build new ponds.  Children love pond dipping and there is an amazing environment to learn about” said South Stoke Wildlife & Conservation Group when thanking us.