Young Explorers Dive into Nature at Freshwater Adventures Event in Harmony Woods

Curious young minds gathered at Harmony Woods this morning for a day of discovery, creativity, and outdoor fun at the Nature Explorers: Freshwater Adventures event. Under clear blue skies, children took part in a hands-on exploration of the freshwater habitats nestled in the heart of the woodland.

The day began with a guided pond dip, where children, nets in hand, investigated the pond's lively ecosystem. With guidance from nature leaders, the young explorers found and identified a range of fascinating aquatic creatures, including dragonfly larvae, water beetles, snails, and even elusive newts.

“It’s amazing to see how much life is just below the surface,” said event organiser Matt, one of the day’s leaders. “For many of the children, it’s their first real encounter with the hidden world of pond life.”

After a well-deserved snack break, the group channelled their excitement into art. Drawing inspiration from the creatures they’d found, the children created colourful models and drawings of their very own pond species, blending creativity with science in a fun and engaging way.

To finish off the day, the young adventurers took part in a series of nature-themed games, with the crowd favourite being "Meet the Trees" — a sensory activity encouraging children to connect with the woodland environment in a playful and memorable way.

The event was led by the enthusiastic team of Matt, Natalia, and Hebe, who guided the children through each activity with energy and expertise.

“The best part was finding a baby newt and then making my own pond monster,” said one young participant, beaming.

Organised as part of the Nature Explorers series, the Freshwater Adventures event is one of several educational outdoor sessions planned for the summer. The series aims to inspire children to engage with the natural world, build environmental awareness, and — most importantly — have fun.

Organisers have encouraged families to stay tuned for upcoming sessions throughout the summer holidays.