How to pond-dip your garden pond

Find out how to attract wildlife to your garden pond.

Pond dipping is a great way to find out what's living in your pond. Arm yourself with a fishing net and a few jam jars, and release your inner child.

A pond is one of the best features in your garden for wildlife, and in this practical video guide, wildlife gardening expert Kate Bradbury shows you how to pond dip. She outlines the equipment you need, what to look out for, and advises on safety around the pond.

You Will Need

• Fishing net
• Jam jars

Step 1

Choose an edge of the pond where you can kneel or squat in comfort and safety. Part-fill your largest jam jar with pond water and put aside.

Step 2

Gently sweep your net in an 'S' shape in the water. Check if you have any creatures in your net and transfer them to your jam jar as soon as possible.

Step 3

Different creatures live at varying depths, so adjust your net sweep. Separate some invertebrates, such as newts and tadpoles, so one doesn't become dinner for the other.

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Return the creatures to your pond

Don't forget to return the creatures you have looked at to the pond as soon as possible.