FAMILIES across the Nadder Valley are being invited to pull on their wellies and discover the hidden wildlife living beneath the surface of the river.

A ‘river dipping’ event will take place on the River Nadder in Barford St Martin on Saturday, April 4, from 10am to 12 noon.

The activity is being organised by the Barford St Martin Community Fund and aims to give both children and adults a hands-on opportunity to explore the fascinating creatures that live in freshwater environments.

Leading the event will be wildlife experts Peter Thompson and Tracy Standish, senior education officer for the Wessex Rivers Trust.

Using specialist river nets, the pair will help participants catch and study a range of species living in the river, while explaining their unusual cycles and the role they play in the wider ecosystem.

A water scorpion.

Peter Thompson 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 a really important introduction into the natural world, that will hopefully grow into a life-long passion.”

During the session, visitors may also get the chance to see colourful dragonfly and damselfly larvae and learn about conservation efforts needed to protect these important species.

The event is free for children and £5 for adults, with all proceeds supporting the Barford St Martin Community Fund. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to book in advance by contacting Stephanie Wheatley by email at stephanie.stephanian@hotmail.co.uk or by calling 07840 617512.