Freshwater Shrimps feed on detritus, or rotting plant material like leaves. They need clean conditions with lots of oxygen and are often found in large numbers in the fast flowing River Darent.

Ramshorn Snails are very common in the River Darent and are often found under stones. Most are fingernail size, but can be larger. They

are herbivores and eat algae which grows on plants and rocks. The shell is flat and spiral in shape with no point. Small Ram's Horn snails are frequently eaten by fish. 

Caddis Fly Larvae use silk to build protective cases from gravel, twigs, needles, or sand. Different species build different sorts of cases from small particles of gravel, grass stems and twigs. Sometimes tiny stones hide a larva on a large rock. These casings give the larvae protection in the fast flowing water of the River Darent.

Pond Skaters float on the surface of water sensing vibrations and ripples with the sensitive hairs on their legs and bodies. They are about 20mm long. They are dark brown or grey with round eyes that project from the sides of its head. Except for the front pair, the legs are long. The body and legs are covered in dense velvety hairs, which prevent the pond skater from falling through the surface of the water. They are therefore usually found on the still water of the centre pond.

Water or Hoglice are only found in the Centre pond. They can live in low oxygen levels and still water so are suited to pond conditions. They are usually found creeping through leaf litter in the water during a dipping session.

Pond Snails are adapted to still water and are not usually found in the fast flowing areas of the river Darent. They feed on detritus or algae growing on the surface of stones and larger plants. They are molluscs and have a single shell. They move with a small muscular foot and lay their eggs in a protective mass of jelly which they attach to pond plants.