LIV Form Pond Dipping
On a very hot and humid day, the LIV Form went to Castle Meadow to do some pond dipping and experience the work of an ecologist. They walked briskly to the pond and, after a safety briefing, started collecting organisms in trays. Having identified lots of organisms (tadpoles, newts, water boatmen to name just a few), they discussed the usefulness of the method. Ecologists use water invertebrates to assess the cleanliness of waterways; some species are adapted to thrive in polluted water while most other species prefer clean water. The invertebrates identified by the girls only live in clean water, so the pond is obviously not polluted!
