May Day Hi-Tech Pond Dipping

High-Tech Wild-Trek portable science lab visits the Meadow.

The Meadow was visited by the “Hi-Tech Wild-Trek” this past Saturday, 2 May 2009. Its a magic trailer full of equipment linked to microscopes and computers – a giant projection screen enlarges all the tiny creatures that are being examined.

Dr.Richard Osmond demonstrates how to best collect samples from the Meadow's stream.

The event was led by Dr. Richard Osmond, an ecologist and a great enthusiast of natural history and education.

The large screen display made monsters out of the mini-beasts caught in the Meadow’s two ponds, the stream and its old sluice.

Families examined what they had collected before taking the samples back to the lab.

The aim of the visit was to find as many different animals as possible and create a list to show the amazing biodiversity within the Meadow’s waters.

The 2009 Carnival Princess hunts for bugs!

The children and adults had a fantastic day learning about the pond and stream animals close to their natural habitat. Even the carnival princess in her majestic new dress was spotted pond-dipping straight after the crowning ceremony!

Close-up of a Newt found during the high-tech pond dipping on the Meadow

The Wild Trek visit has kicked-started a long term series of observations of aquatic biodiversity on the Meadow: Regular collecting events are very important as a means of monitoring the site and being aware of any changes that might be occurring — the first return visit was on the 19th of August 2009.

Kids and adults see the little bugs they caught magnified on the big screen.

A board shows the 37 critters found on the Meadow.

The pond and stream dipping resulted in Richard identifying 37 kinds of bugs  – near his record high.  Perhaps we can help him find over 40 the next time he visits!

Richard Osmond’s list of critters found is HERE.

Here’s a video of the fun, including the crowning of the Carnival Queen, which took place on the same day:

Whitchurch Meadow Science; and Festival Queen Crowning (2 May 2009) from Andrew Reeves-Hall on Vimeo.

A big thank-you is extended to the sponsor of the event: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.