Thanks to the hard work put into restoring our pond area this year—and the fantastic support from our wider community—we are now able to use this wonderful space to enhance pupils’ learning experiences.

Today, members of the Eco Club embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm, joining a conservation officer from Smestow Valley for an exciting pond dipping session. The pupils investigated the pond’s inhabitants, using magnification to closely examine a fascinating variety of aquatic life.

Among the discoveries were lesser and greater water boatmen, mayfly nymphs, leeches, midge larvae, water hoglouse, and even several smooth newts!

The group also learned about how aquatic organisms are indicators of water quality. Encouragingly, the findings suggest that our pond is thriving and supports a healthy, balanced ecosystem.