A well organized and interesting course. We were taught pond sampling techniques and most of the day was spent dipping and discussing results from 3 nearby ponds. Essentially the same exercise was carried out at all 3 ponds, with no increase or change in sampling method or difficulty. In fact the last and largest pond was the least productive due to 100% duckweed on the surface and thick rotting leaf layer on the bed. I felt that we had we had learned sufficient after the first 2 ponds and the third session would have been better spent in a fresh direction. For example, pond creation and maintenance were covered quickly but could be the subject of a useful, in-depth examination including design, siting, lining, water management (oxygenation, ph etc), best and worst pond plants etc.
