Pond Warden Course


Following last weekend's successful courses, I had good fun today with the first part of a two day course for the new crop of Kent Pond Wardens.

There were 13 people on the course, all with a diverse range of backgrounds. Following a few indoor sessions that explored the importance of ponds for biodiversity, we roamed around the Canterbury Environmental Education Centre discussing the various habitats. We were lucky enough to find a juvenile viviparous lizard under one of Anne Riddell's old carpet tiles. In one pond recently managed by the centre, we saw the tell-tale folded leaves that indicate hidden newt eggs. After examining the leaves I was able to show the group a great crested newt egg. Following a quick break for food, we returned to the centre and were rewarded with good views of some 20 adult crested newts! A further one adult male was later observed in a different pond.

All in all, a good day. Many thanks to Mike for organising the course and helping on the day.

Posted: Sat - March 13, 2004 at 08:20 pm        

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