News
Bug-Hunting and Pond-Dipping in Holland Park
Tuesday 6th July 2010
When we arrived at the centre the first thing I noticed about it was the clever way everything was set out. They had stuffed and real creatures. When we had put our packed lunches away, we went to sit on the floor in front of Trevor, our guide at the centre.
Trevor showed us various animals including hedgehogs, foxes and moles (all stuffed). He also introduced us to the things we would be seeing, like woodlice, millipedes and snails in the wood; and tadpoles, water-boatmen and fresh water shrimps in the pond.
Then we saw real creatures, including a python, cockroaches and giant centipedes. They were all fascinating creatures and good to watch.
After that we went out of the centre, having been put into two groups and been given a clipboard with a sheet on it. Trevor led us to the reserve and gave us a net and a tray. We got into pairs and filled the tray with pond water and got started. First I got down on my knees, then I put my net in and made a big, deep loop, one tadpole caught! It went on like this for a while until Trevor handed us some magnifying apparatus to cross-examine our pond-life creatures.
After a quick count up we were on to the next thing, bug hunting! We were each given a cup (it was see-through) with a magnifying top and a spoon to scoop the insects with. So off we went, lifting logs and stones. On trying to lift a log I found a centipede. I put it in the cup and looked at it. The next thing I found was a small slug, under a pile of leaves and then I found a woodlouse under a giant log.
After that it was time to go, and with happy hearts we set off back to the centre and back to school. It was a very good trip, and I found it fun and interesting.
by Lily (aged 11), Year 6