On Monday Owl class spent the day in Bushy Park discovering more about the meaning of biodiversity and the impact on animals and wildlife. The children were involved in three different activities: pond dipping, meadow sweeping and bird watching. They were able to use keys to identify the species they found and consider why and how their environment enabled them to reproduce and survive.
The bird hide was particularly impressive – especially when a beautifully coloured Woodpecker came up close; we also saw Blue tits and Greenfinches. After pond dipping the children were able to take specimens back to the classroom to observe closely through a special microscope. A
minute snail, smaller than the tip of a finger, called a Ramhorn can be found in the bottom of ponds – through the microscope we could even see its little heart beating. We found tadpoles and frogs at all stages of their development, including a newt tadpole which had gills that looked like flaps of lace attached to its side.
This was a day full of learning and hands-on investigating. A big thank you to all the Royal Park educational staff and volunteers and parents who make these visits possible.
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