Eco Club and our BBQ

It was hot as the children set out to pond dip.  We used all the platforms.  At the first we caught 3 Spined Sticklebacks in a range of size from very tiny to over an inch. (whoops - over 2 cm)  At the new platform we thought we would not catch much, as the vegetation is not growing around the platform, where much of the pond life likes to hide.  However we were really surprised as we were able to look at waterboatman, Whirligig Beetles, Pond Skaters at various stages of development and more sticklebacks.

As we started dipping on the last platform there were high hopes of being able to look at leeches, well some people were hopeful.  Unfortunately not a one was caught!

We did find tiny larvae of damselfly, mayfly and dragonfly.

After welcome refreshments in the cooler Field Centre, butterfly hunting was next on the list.  Armed with an ID chart the children were able to spot Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, skipper sp and Peacock butterflies.  Most of these butterflies were flying or feeding from flowers, but some Peacock butterflies dedcided to rest on a conifer tree!

Thank you very much to everyone who helped today.

Mid afternoon saw Namik and his team arrive to start the BBQ.  As always they did us proud and Friends and Volunteers enjoyed an excellent feast.  The raffle was also drawn and there were several winners present so they were able to collect their prizes.  This raised an excellent £390 towards our Touchscreen Project.

Thank you to Ruth for organising the raffle and to everyone who donated prizes and sold tickets.