CHILDREN and their families enjoyed splashing about in the ponds and getting close up to nature at a special outdoor session.

Dozens of children have been enjoying doing pond dipping at the Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea.

The sessions, which run twice every weekday, sees them collect creatures ranging from water boat men to phantom midges and even newts.

Steve Andrews, education co-ordinator for the park, said: “It has been really popular.

“We have been packed out and have had to run extra sessions with hundreds of people joining in each week. Everyone always looks like they really enjoy it. We have six ponds and they can dip in those and bring the creatures to trays where they can examine them closely.”

Visit wattylercountry park.org.uk