The summer holidays are in full swing and whether its pond dipping with backstroking beetles, running through wild outdoor playgrounds, enjoying close encounters with otherworldly creatures or sharing a feast with a feathered friend, there’s a bunch of wonderful experiences offering more than one great day out at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre.
Running 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 canoe safaris, walks with wardens, a summer postcard trail, and talks about some of the animals that call WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre their home, including flamingos, storks, cranes and nenes.
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, our rangers share how families can connect with the amazing water loving creatures in WWT Llanelli’s specially designated dipping ponds.
WWT Pond Dipping Tips by (Learning Manager, Sarah Mitchell)
- Use only equipment provided by WWT.Ā There is everything you need at the centre ā nets, magnifying glasses, trays, microscopes and identification charts.Ā Our little creatures want to keep unwanted bugs out of their homes.
- Kneel or sit on the platform.Ā It keeps you safe and prevents casting a big shadow over the water and scaring away the otherworldly creatures living beneath the water.
- Use a figure of eight.Ā Ā Dip the net just below the water surface and make a nice and steady sweep in a figure of eight with your net.Ā This keeps the net moving without losing all the hidden treasures you’re about to discover.
- Gently remove the net to uncover the creatures.Ā Gently lift the net out of the water and steadily take it to your tray where you can put the net into the tray water and gently wash out the contents to see what underwater inhabitants are staring back at you.
- Take a closer look.Ā Remove the net from the tray.Ā 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.Ā Don’t forget, we all like an adventure but there’s no place like home.Ā 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.Ā Share on social and tag us at @wwtllanelli to get a smiley face from us.
Great for all ages and abilities, pond dipping sessions take place every afternoon with easy pathways for wheelchair and pushchair access.Ā Animals and insects you can hope to see include dragonfly nymphs, sticklebacks, water spiders, diving beetles, pond skaters and so much more.
Other activities happening at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre during the school holidays include:
- White Stork talk
- Meet the Flamingos talk
- Marvellous Minibeasts and Majestic Moths
- Crafts and colouring
- Wild play areas, den building, and a giant maze
Participation in any of the WWT Llanelli’s summer activities, including pond dipping, is included with an admission ticket or is free to WWT members. Activities run from until the end of the school summer holidays.
WWT LlanelliĀ is open 7 days-a-week and more information and a full what’s on calendar can be found at wwt.org.uk/llanelli
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