CHILDREN and families in Barford St Martin have been given a rare glimpse beneath the surface of the River Nadder during a hands-on wildlife event that organisers say could inspire future conservationists.

The special river dipping sessions, organised by the Barford St Martin Community Fund in partnership with the Wessex Rivers Trust, saw youngsters wade into the water armed with nets to discover what lives in the river’s gravel and weeds.

Led by Trust senior education officer Tracy Standish and local conservation expert Pete Thompson, the event turned the riverbank into an outdoor classroom.

Participants carefully collected creatures before transferring them into trays for identification, using guides to learn more about their finds.

Among the species spotted were sticklebacks, bullheads, baby trout, minnows, freshwater shrimps, snails and even dragonfly nymphs.

All wildlife was safely returned to the river afterwards.

Some of the river dipping group searching for creatures in the River Nadder. (Picture: Pete Thompson)

Pete said: “For children to see and be able to study creatures such as bullhead fish closely is an opportunity for them to experience creatures that they have probably not seen before.

“This was an important introduction to the natural world, that will hopefully grow into a life-long passion. Going out and exploring nature in its natural environment is a wonderful way to inspire young minds and the youngsters that attended today certainly showed their enthusiasm.

“The parents thoroughly enjoyed it too!”

Alongside the discoveries, children also learned about the importance of protecting river habitats and the work needed to keep them healthy.

Organisers hope events like this will spark a lasting interest in nature – and perhaps even inspire the next generation of environmental experts.

The community fund, which supports conservation and environmental projects in the village, said it was delighted with the turnout and success of the day.