Pond Dipping

Participants use purpose-designed nets and white sampling trays to collect specimens from the pond, with instructors providing expert identification support using field guides and sharing fascinating natural history context about each creature found. The activity changes meaningfully across the year — spring brings tadpoles and early invertebrates, summer sees the greatest diversity, and autumn provides its own interesting collection of species. Throughout the session responsible sampling technique is central, with participants learning to handle all creatures carefully and return them to their habitat. The session links strongly to KS1 and KS2 science curricula, particularly living things and habitats, life cycles, and ecosystems.

Don't underestimate pond dipping — it's a legitimate science lesson in waders. Cubs work directly towards the Naturalist Activity Badge, which requires identifying living things from categories including pond dwellers and minibeasts, visiting natural areas and learning the Countryside Code — all covered in the session. Scouts and Explorers build evidence for their own Naturalist Activity Badge through extended fieldwork and species recording. Girlguiding members earn the Land Adventure Badge through this out-of-routine natural environment experience. DofE participants undertaking ongoing environmental volunteering or conservation study can log it towards the Volunteering or Skills section. For schools, it delivers KS1–KS2 Science content on living things and habitats, KS3 Biology on ecosystems and interdependence, and the statutory KS2 PE outdoor and adventurous activities requirement. Curiosity, scientific enquiry and a genuine respect for the natural world are what participants carry home.

There is no formal NGB for pond dipping. The activity is delivered in accordance with environmental best practice — all aquatic animals are handled carefully and returned to their habitat. Instructors follow guidance relevant to outdoor science education, ensuring the session is safe, educational, and ecologically responsible.

Pond Dipping creates genuine moments of wonder that are difficult to replicate in any other setting. The excitement when a child discovers a water creature for the first time is unmatched, and it is one of our most effective activities for building a lasting connection between young people and the natural world.