Skip to content
The Parks Trust
Go to Cart
A child is crouched down on some decking looking into a plastic tray that contains some water, small pond creatures and debris. They are holding a plastic spoon in the water and are surrounded by identification guides.

Pond Dipping and Adaptations

Take a close look at the wildlife that lives in our waterbodies and find out about how animals have adapted to this environment. 

A pond in a parkland. There are yellow daffodils growing on one bank, trees and shrubs on the other, and a grassy hill and path in the background.

Summary

Explore the creatures that live below the surface of our waterbodies, and learn how they have adapted to this habitat!

Learn the skill of pond dipping and discover different creatures that live below the surface of the water. We will also investigate an "adaptation trail" learning about the survival features of different animals. We will use our favourite adaptations to build our very own imaginary "super beast"!

Please note: This session is only available March to October and in parks with safely accessible ponds. We may not be able to cater this session to your local park.

This session involves working close to the water’s edge and walking around a trail. We can adapt the length of the trail and give extra help with pond dipping for groups with mobility issues.

Under water image of a great diving beetle. The beetle is reddish brown in colour with a lighter, almost yellow outline. It has small hairs on its legs and there are green pond plants in the background.

National Curriculum Links

  • Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
  • Identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals.
  • Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
  • Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of specific adaptations, such as being on two feet rather than four, having a long or a short beak, having gills or lungs.
More information about this session
Session Plan

Pond Dipping Session Plan

Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms and Conditions

Outdoor learning team in purple Parks Trust uniform stood in park
Contact Us

If you would like further details, please contact our friendly Outdoor Learning team to discuss your requirements.

Phone: 01908233600
Email: outdoorlearning@theparkstrust.com

Schools and Groups Booking Enquiry Form

Organisation Type
Please select the group age (Primary):
Please select the group age (Secondary):
Please select the group age (Specialist):
What activity would you like to do in your session? (If known)
What Secondary School activity would you like to do in your session? (If known)
What Adult Community activity would you like to do in your session? (If known)
What Youth Community activity would you like to do in your session? (If known)
Key Stage 1

Check out our range of curriculum based sessions for KS1.

View all Primary School sessions
White pyramid sculpture at the top of Campbell Park in Milton Keynes
Art in the Park

This session allows your students to discover the public art in Campbell Park.
A light brown dormouse is curled up in a grassy nest. Its tail is covering the top of its head.
Cosy Critters

Learn everything you ever wanted to know about hibernating animals in this exclusive seasonal session. 
Two young children are stood in a pile of fallen leaves. One is holding a litter picker, putting some litter into the bag that the other child is holding.
Environmental Heroes

This interactive session is based around the 3 main principles of the Countryside Code: Respect, protect and enjoy.
Two young boys stare inquisitively into a small plastic container which has a small insect inside
Marvellous Minibeasts and Habitats

Zoom in on micro-habitats and learn what life needs to flourish in these miniature ecosystems.
A red fox staring almost directly into the camera
Nocturnal Animals

Discover all about animals that roam in the evenings, and how they are adapted to life in the dark. 
A child is crouched down on some decking looking into a plastic tray that contains some water, small pond creatures and debris. They are holding a plastic spoon in the water and are surrounded by identification guides.
Pond Dipping and Adaptations

Take a close look at the wildlife that lives in our waterbodies and find out about how animals have adapted to this environment. 
A patch of native British bluebells.
Seasonal Walks

Join us for an interactive, activity-based guided walk around your local parks to learn about seasonal changes and how wildlife adapts. 
A young boy wearing a red summer hat using some binoculars in a sunny woodland
Seasons and Senses

Discover the natural world around you using all of our wonderful senses.
A young girl sitting in a sunny field of long dried grass, holding some in her hand.
Wild Wellbeing

Designed to create a peaceful and mindful environment, this sessions' activities will encourage play, exploration and reflection.
A lady in medieval costume is talking to a group of school students. They are sat on the grass out the front of an old building.
Change Through Time

Watch as history unfolds before your eyes to reveal the inhabitants of Great Linford Manor Park.
Key Stage 2

Check out our range of curriculum based sessions for KS2.

View all Primary School sessions
White pyramid sculpture at the top of Campbell Park in Milton Keynes
Art in the Park

This session allows your students to discover the public art in Campbell Park.
Two young children are stood in a pile of fallen leaves. One is holding a litter picker, putting some litter into the bag that the other child is holding.
Environmental Heroes

This interactive session is based around the 3 main principles of the Countryside Code: Respect, protect and enjoy.
A great crested newt floating in the water. There are pond weeds in the background. The new tis dark brown in colour with a bright orange stripe on the underside of its large tail, and orange tips on its fingers and toes
Endangered Species and Their Habitats

Discover the threatened species that call Milton Keynes home, and the pressures that local wildlife are facing. 
child looking at rock in her hand
Geology Rocks

Check out our Primary School session which allows your students to get up close and personal with ancient rocks and fossils, many of which have been found in Milton Keynes.

Some children and a leader stand in long grass looking for insects. The leader is pointing at something in the grass.
The Life of Plants

Get to grips with the complicated lives of plants and trees with topics such as identification, reproduction and global importance. 
A young child holding a metal compass in their hand and looking at it
Maps and More

Explore Campbell Park through the wonderful world of maps and orienteering. 
Two young boys stare inquisitively into a small plastic container which has a small insect inside
Marvellous Minibeasts and Habitats

Zoom in on micro-habitats and learn what life needs to flourish in these miniature ecosystems.
A red fox staring almost directly into the camera
Nocturnal Animals

Discover all about animals that roam in the evenings, and how they are adapted to life in the dark. 
A child is crouched down on some decking looking into a plastic tray that contains some water, small pond creatures and debris. They are holding a plastic spoon in the water and are surrounded by identification guides.
Pond Dipping and Adaptations

Take a close look at the wildlife that lives in our waterbodies and find out about how animals have adapted to this environment. 
A river running through a countryside scene. The grass and trees are green, sun is shining and the sky is blue and clear
River Explorers

Discover the fascinating and ever-changing geography or rivers as they continue to create their own paths in our landscapes.