I am lucky to have a small lake/pond nearby that I use on a regular basis for fishing (member of a club) and often sit on the bank not catching much, but appreciating the nature that is around. Its an open season pond so not affected by the course closed season on most rivers.
People often stop and ask, why do you fish? my response is simple. Just stop, listen for 5 minutes then you will understand. The stillness of the water, the bird song filling the air, the flowers around, its not always about catching any fish, but being with nature.
This is one of my favourite times of year as a lot of things happen, such as the Lilly Pads start to appear and the flowers will soon follow. The banks are alive with plant and insect life.
Whilst I was on the bank it was great to watch the myriad of tadpoles rising to the surface for a bit and then diving back down to the depths. A newt appearing and basking in the sun, just under the surface, whilst water boatmen skim along the surface as easy as we walk along the pavement.
Yellow flowers of the Iris that adorn the bankside blooming, whilst the nettles and brambles try to take hold.
I will break down more about the pond in future blogs.
Next time your at a pond or lake, stop, listen and see – what will you discover.
Sparrowhawk Bushcraft 