Pond Dipping, Bug Hunting and Nature Walks

The three youngest classes of Masham C.E. Primary School visited Foxglove Covert today. 41 children and their teachers piled off the bus at the gate and walked through the reserve to the field centre. Some of our more timid reserve species were nowhere to be seen due to the children’s noisy enthusiasm, but they got good views of the family of Moorhens on the lake and butterflies and Damselflies sunning themselves along the boardwalk.

The children spent time minibeast hunting under logs, and found a range of creatures including Slugs, Woodlice, Newts and Toads. They learnt about different habitats on the reserve and how creatures camouflage themselves to avoid being predated on a nature walk. They practiced their skills at pond dipping, with the highlights being a Water Scorpion, Sticklebacks and a large Leech.

These amazing underwater pictures, taken for us by Ian, show some of the underwater creatures in Foxgloves ponds.

The grey clouds looming at the end of the day managed to hold off long enough to allow the children to get back on the bus without getting wet. 

Thank you to those who helped out with todays visit.