Wooden pond-dipping platform replaced at Filey nature reserve

The old pond-dipping platform at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) run reserve has been replaced with a new one.

The old wooden platform installed more than 15 years ago was sinking and approaching the end of its useable life.

The work has been carried out by trainees from the Tomorrow’s Natural Leaders project – a £998,000 five year project led by the YWT to train and inspire 16-24 year olds within the conservation sector. By building and installing the new pond dipping platform the trainees were able to gain hands on experience in construction.

The YWT was also able to purchase new pond dipping kits, complete with binoculars, nets, trays and coloured ID-sheets for school and community groups to help them identify the varied wildlife at the reserve and give them an unforgettable experience.

The extra equipment was purchased after the YWT received a £12,000 grant from Tesco’s ‘Bags of Help’ initiative.

Pond dipping and bird watching sessions will be run by volunteers from Filey Bird Observatory Group.

Anna Hamshaw, one of the people involved in building the platform, said: “The pond-dipping platform has been a fantastic project to be involved with.

“Thanks to the support of Trust staff and volunteers, my colleagues and I have overseen this project from design to installation.

“We decided to replace the former wooden platform with a recycled plastic one to ensure durability.”