We were so fortunate that the weather was looking kind, in what was otherwise a rather wet and windy week. Diane and Jill greeted 7 Chi Nats members and introduced us to Arline, another RSPB volunteer who was to prove most informative and a mine of information on pond life. It was explained how the pond had been flooded with salt water back in April . High spring tides were exacerbated by storm surges resulting in the Discovery Area and Visitor Centre being inundated. But the pond was recovering - the power of nature.

Our leaders had set up the equipment by the pond - nets, trays of pond water and ID charts and after instruction, off we went to different areas of the pond.

We found a great many creatures at the bottom of the pond food chain eg  phantom midge and daphnia. We learnt what creatures were herbivores and which carnivores and the following terms, which can cause confusion!

Nymphs - an immature form of an insect that does not change greatly as it grows eg a dragonfly or mayfly. (Exopterygota)

Larvae - a distinct juvenile form that many animals undergo before metamorphosis into their next life stage eg amphibians as well as many insects. (Endopterygota) 

With the help of our leaders, hand lenses and ID charts ( Gatekeeper Educational limited - ‘Guide to freshwater invertebrates’ proving especially helpful) we identified several species. These included Backswimmers and scurrying Whirligig beetles (both carnivores) and Damselflies and Mayflies (both as nymphs with three tails, but the former being carnivores and the latter herbivores) . A complex picture was building up. We saw a tiny dragonfly nymph eating a daphnia and then moving off with its ‘jet propulsion’. Fascinating. As the sun made itself felt, we looked for hawkers and darters, noting migrant hawkers (more of these to be seen in the afternoon at the rescheduled Medmerry Survey) and a cast off exuvia on a reed. (See photos).

Our final treat - a cover was lifted on a nearby compost heap and, as hoped, a clear view of a coiled female adder. ( See photo.) 

Many thanks to Jill Wardle, Diane Grosvenor and Arline for their friendly leadership and knowledge and to the Chi Nats attendees for making it such an enjoyable session.

Gill Hance

Adder