What unseen creatures lurk beneath the River Nadder

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What unseen creatures lurk beneath the surface of the River Nadder?
Children and adults are invited to come and get their feet wet at a fascinating River Dipping event on the River Nadder in Barford St Martin on Saturday 4th April from 11.30am to 1.00pm. The event, organised by the Barford St Martin Community Fund, is guaranteed to be a fascinating experience for all those attending.
This intriguing event is being run by the very experienced duo of Peter Thompson, and Tracy Standish, Senior Education Officer for the Wessex Rivers Trust.
Pete Thompson explains more about the unseen wildlife in our rivers, He said, "In the UK we have over 4,000 freshwater invertebrate species that spend at least part of their lifecycle in freshwater, such as mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies-collectively called riverflies that spend at least part of their lifecycle in fresh water. These species play a vital role in maintaining clean water, recycling organic matter and providing a food source for fish, birds and mammals. Without these creatures the food web would collapse.
"For children to see and be able to study creatures such as water scorpions closely is an opportunity for them to experience creatures that they have probably not see before. It is an important introduction into the natural world, that will hopefully grow into a life-long passion."
Pete and Tracy will use special river nets to catch whatever species happen to be in the river and will explain some of the extraordinary life cycles of the different creatures that will be seen including vibrant dragonfly and damselfly larvae. They will also explain the conservation measures needed to ensure the future of these important creatures.
The River Dipping event on Saturday 4th April runs from 11.30am to 1.00pm. There is no charge for children and £5 per adult. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event, which is raising funds for the Barford St Martin Community Fund invites Nadder Valley residents and children to put on their wellies and explore some of the extraordinary creatures in the River Nadder.
To attend the River Dipping day on the Nadder, please contact Stephanie Wheatley to book your place and for meeting details. Either email: stephanie.stephanian@hotmail.co.uk or telephone: 07840 617512

Date and Time: On Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:30 - Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:00

Venue details: Barford Saint Martin, Salisbury, England, SP3 4AB, United Kingdom

Category: Community | Fundraisers | Charities