In the past, all villages had a pond where animals were watered. Over the last one hundred years over half of these ponds have been lost either through neglect or through deliberate drainage or filling in. This leaves about 400,000 ponds remaining in Britain today.

Ponds are vital wetland habitats that support a huge diversity of life from plants to birds and mammals amphibians to invertebrates and creating a new pond or improving an existing one is a great way to attract wildlife and help improve your local area.

Pond dipping is an easy and fun way to get children involved in environmental activities. At the Wolseley Centre we have two pond dipping platforms and equipment can be hired from reception. It only costs £1 to have a go but we do ask for a deposit of £5 which is returnable. (All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, ensure any cuts and scratches are covered with waterproof plasters and must wash their hands with soap and water before eating or drinking anything.)