The 2026 edition of the IVN Dutch Ditch Days will take place between 5 and 7 June. During these days, IVN guides children in taking a closer look at the aquatic animals and plantlife in Dutch ditches. NIOO uses the observations of the children to study trends in water biodiversity and water quality.
IVN nature guides will be ready with landing nets, magnifying glasses and species worksheets to teach children aged 4 to 12 and their (grand)parents all about life in these waters. At the same time, the children participate in a citizen science project. They can record all the animals they find on a special form and enter them at waterdiertjes.nl.
- Join the Ditch Days: www.ivn.nl/aanbod/slootjesdagen
- Find Ditch Days activities near you: www.ivn.nl/activiteiten
- IVN and NIOO work on a citizen science project together with www.waterdiertjes.nl, a website where freshwater animal observations can be reported throughout the year.
- View the species worksheet for the most common small aquatic animals at www.ivn.nl/leren-over-de-natuur/waterdiertjes/ or at the IVN Ditch days locations.