I recently blogged about the fabulous new addition of a pond-dipping platform on Horfield Common and the resident bugs and beasties waiting to be caught.

But did you know that there is another place where you can take your children pond-dipping locally?

You and your children can also enjoy pond-dipping in the Golden Hill Community Garden and there are frogs, toads, newts and a whole host of other pond-dwelling beasties waiting to be discovered!

The Golden Hill Community Garden is situated on Monk Road, just behind Horfield Prison and is open to the public every Wednesday from 10am – 4pm.

I took my kids along to Golden Hill Community Garden one recent Wednesday to meet my friend and her children for a picnic and some pond dipping.

When we first arrived it had started raining so we camped out for a time in the community garden’s straw-bale house listening to the sound of the rain drumming down while we enjoyed our sandwiches.

By the time we had eaten our lunch the sun had come out again so we fetched some kneelers (mats to kneel on) and some fishing nets and trays – all available at the community garden – and headed for the pond.

We had great fun catching various bugs and beasties and examining them in the trays!

Of course, one of the hazards of pond-dipping is falling in and unfortunately my friend’s little girl fell in to the pond cutting our visit slightly short. However, although wet and unhappy she was unhurt and the shock did not spoil her day 🙂

If you would like to pop into the community garden one Wednesday with your children, you will not be disappointed. As well as the pond, there are lots of other things to see and do and your kids will enjoy exploring.

Lucy (the garden’s Community Project Worker) and her team of volunteers at the garden are always helpful and friendly and ready to share their knowledge and love of nature with little ones.

You can find out more about the Golden Hill Community Garden here. Enjoy!