Summer pond dipping at WWT Martin Mere

From dragonfly nymphs to back-stroking beetles – discover the magnificent wetland creatures living just below the surface.

Pond dipping is a fun way to meet the incredible insects and awesome amphibians who call our humble ponds home. From spiky dragonfly nymphs and slippery newts to back-stroking beetles and graceful water boatmen, you’ll come face to face with all kinds of weird and wonderful wetland creatures.

Simply borrow one of our nets and head to our specially designed guided pond dipping area to see what’s lurking below the murky water. When you look closely, you’ll discover our ponds are full of life. You can even examine your discoveries up close with a magnifying tool and use our ID guide to identify each creature.

Extremely popular with children and families, pond dipping is a hands-on way to get closer to nature, make some surprising new discoveries – and learn about different kinds of aquatic animals and wetland habitats.

When can I go pond dipping at WWT Martin Mere?

Date: On weekends only until Sunday 28 September.

Time: 1:30pm – 3pm.

Cost: Free with your entry ticket price or as part of your WWT membership.

Pond dipping FAQs

Do I need special kit for pond dipping at WWT Martin Mere?

Yes, but you don’t need to bring anything yourself. We provide all the essential pond dipping kit, including:

• Pond nets to collect aquatic life
• Trays to hold and observe your finds
• ID charts to help identify different species of pond life

This ensures a safe and fun pond dipping experience – perfect for beginners and families to discover more.

Will I get wet while pond dipping at WWT Martin Mere?

Your hands and arms (up to elbows for little arms) will get a little wet, but the rest of you should stay dry. Our pond dipping areas are:

• Safe and stable, with no risk of falling in
• Dry and mud-free, making it easy to stay clean
• Designed so you can dip your nets into the water from a safe distance

We also provide hand washing facilities for an easy clean-up afterwards.

How long do pond dipping sessions last at WWT Martin Mere?

A typical pond dipping session lasts around 20 minutes, but you can enjoy dipping for as long as you like during our drop in session. This is the ideal amount of time to:

• Explore the pond environment
• Collect, observe different pond life
• Identify the wetland creatures you find using an ID chart or use our spotter guide to get ready before your visit
• Find out more about the amazing hidden wildlife that live in our peaceful ponds

Is pond dipping free at WWT Martin Mere?

Yes, pond dipping is included in your entry ticket price or as part of your WWT membership.

Is summer a good time to go pond dipping?

Yes, summer is the best season to enjoy this activity. The warmer months offer perfect conditions for wildlife spotting:

• More active pond life – you’re likely to see more of the many species that live in our ponds during this time of year.
• Better weather – it’s easier to stay warm while handling wet wildlife.

Pond dipping is available on weekends before the summer holidays and then every day during the summer holidays (Tuesday 22 July – Monday 1 September 2025) at WWT Martin Mere.

What wildlife can I find when pond dipping at WWT Martin Mere?

Each pond is home to a unique mix of species, so there’s always something new to see. The underwater wetland creatures you might find include:

• Dragonfly nymphs
• Diving beetles
• Newts
• Water boatmen
• Pond skaters
• Water fleas

We’ll give you an identification guide so you can learn the names of each creature you discover.

Get ready before your visit and find out more about the most common weird and wonderful wildlife that live in ponds with our spotter guide. After your visit, find out how to attract a cast of comic, dazzling or intriguing wetland creatures to your garden, with our ideas and tips for making a mini pond at home. You don’t need lots of space or equipment, an old sink, metal tub, or a container under your drainpipe can do the job.

How accessible is pond dipping at WWT Martin Mere?

We have three ponds, with two different heights available for those who need a higher or lower pond. The area is wheelchair accessible.

• In this section
  • Adventure play areas
  • Pond dipping
  • Canoe safari and boat tour
  • Wetland superstars
  • For the family
  • Nature reserve
  • Mere Tun
  • Bird Observatory
  • Talks and tours
  • Reedbed walk
  • Wild Walk
  • Paddle and Play