Before the excitement began, we took time to discuss how to river dip responsibly, exploring wildlife with curiosity while treading as lightly as possible on the environment. Using a mixture of vegetation sweeping and kick sampling, the boys got to work, and what a haul they brought in! We identified Freshwater Shrimp, Blackfly Larvae, Dragonfly Larvae, Freshwater Snails, Water Hoglouse, Water Boatmen and Caseless Caddis, as well as a particularly exciting find: Bullhead Fish.

Bullhead fish are a rare and protected species, and their presence is a wonderful indicator of clean, well-oxygenated water, a real testament to the health of our river. The boys handled them with great care before returning them safely to exactly where they were found. They did, however, insist on names first, so do keep an eye out for 'Rocky' and 'Tiny Tim' next time you cross the bridge!

The glorious weather made it a perfect day for exploration, and the boys were, as ever, an absolute joy, engaged, enthusiastic and genuinely caring about the world around them.

Mrs Nicola Cadoux-Hudson
Science Teacher