The Forum is pleased to announce that for Dragonfly Week 2024, some of its volunteers will be on the ground at the RSPB Nature Reserve Arne, where they will join forces with the British Dragonfly Society (BDS) to become a part of an annual, UK-wide public celebration of our dragonflies and their smaller cousins the damselflies.
Setting out their stands in early July, the friendly team of volunteers will be sharing identification tips with visitors, and recommending some of the best spots at Arne to discover and enjoy these charismatic insects.
Dragonflies are all dash, flash and attitude, and so addictive to watch! Did you know that have been called ‘the birdwatcher’s insect’ and as is the case with many birds, different species can be distinguished by their colours, markings and signature flight movements?
Healthy aquatic habitats are vital for Dragonfly life cycles and Arne’s many heathland ponds are proving to be ideal homes to both, with some 22 species or more having been been recorded on the reserve in recent years. Anyone wishing to find out about the importance of freshwater habitats for wildlife can chat with the team and hear about pond monitoring that takes place across the wider Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve.
So, why not come along to RPSB Arne, say hello to the volunteers and have your own close encounter with these ‘summertime spirits’? With a few rays of sunshine and a bit of patience you may spot them out hunting, patrolling or mating. You could meet a stately emperor or an inquisitive hawker, watch delicate blue damsels or stalk basking skimmers!
Pop-up stands will be found – weather permitting – both pondside and at the entrance of the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve:
This event is held at RSPB’s Arne Nature Reserve on Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th, Wednesday 10th, Friday 12th and Saturday 13th July 2024 from 10.30 until 16.30.
For more information about Dragonfly week: Dragonfly Week – British Dragonfly Society (british-dragonflies.org.uk)
Photo header: Four-spotted Chaser. Copyright © Paul Budgen, 2024.
