Pond dipping runs daily during school holidays, and at weekends between the Easter holidays and May half term.
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 pond dipping areas 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 Slimbridge?
Date: Daily during May half term (23 May to 31 May 2026) and summer holidays (21 July to 31 August 2026), and at weekends between the Easter holidays and May half term.
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Cost: Free with your entry ticket or as part of your WWT membership
Quiet and Calm pond dipping
We are also running Quiet and Calm Pond Dipping sessions. These are designed for families with children who have different sensory needs and who benefit from a quieter environment.
Date: Daily during May half term (23 May to 31 May 2026) and summer holidays (21 July to 31 August 2026), and at weekends between the Easter holidays and May half term.
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Cost: Free with your entry ticket or as part of your WWT membership, but must be pre-booked at Admissions on arrival so that we can manage capacity
Ready to explore?
Pond dipping sessions cannot be booked in advance, however, you can save time by booking your entry tickets online.
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.
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.
A typical pond dipping session lasts around 20 minutes. During the session you will have the chance 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
It’s just the right length to have fun, meet some amazing creatures and learn some fascinating facts, but you are welcome to stay longer, during the advertised pond dipping session time.
Yes, pond dipping is included in your entry ticket price or as part of your WWT membership. Just head to our Pond Zone and our friendly team will be there to guide you and provide all the equipment you’ll need for the session.
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 Slimbridge.
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
Tadpoles
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.
Our Pond Zone area and pond dipping sessions are wheelchair accessible. For any other accessibility needs, please do get in touch with us.
