Diary - Field Trips and Other BDS Events
BDS Field Meetings, Courses and other events for 2009
This page is being updated with the diary of special events, courses, field trips and holidays for 2009. Diary entries for May, June, July, August, September and Octoberare available now. Be sure to check back for additional events.
For Safaris and Couses run by the Dragonfly Project please see their web site.
Dragonfly Week The BDS Dragonfly Week will run from Saturday May 23rd to Sunday May 31st.
This is the seventh year that the BDS has held this successful series of events to introduce our favourite insects to the general public.
Once again a wide range of BDS events are taking place around the country for our members and friends to attend.
The Dragonfly Week events are highlighted below.
If you are organising a dragonfly-themed event of any kind and it's not on here already, please contact our Conservation Officer with the details for including on our site. We can also help out with materials and ideas for activities if required.
| Sunday 3rd May 2009 |
NWT Upton Fen, Norfolk |
| Leader/Contact |
Dr Pam Taylor Tel 01692 670311 |
| Aim |
This will be the first field meeting for those interested in joining a BDS Local Group for East Norfolk. One of the main aims of the new group will be to promote dragonfly recording for both the natioanl atlas project and a revised Norfolk Atlas. A short indoor discussion will be followed by a walk around the fen. |
| Meet |
9.30am at Upton Fen car park, TG379136. Postcode NR13 6EQ (Low Road). From Acle, Norwich or Wroxham head towards South Walsham, then follow signs for Pilson Green. |
| Requirements |
Wellies or boots, insect repellant. Packed lunch if you wish to stay on site independently for the afternoon. |
| Saturday 23rd May 2009 |
Stover Country Park, Devon |
| Leader/Contact |
Dave Smallshire on 01626 853393
or e-mail davesmalls 'at' supanet.com |
| Aim |
A walk around the lake and its accompanying ponds, looking in particular for Hairy Dragonfly and Downy Emerald. There will be a focus on finding evidence of breeding, so we will be looking for emerging dragonflies and their exuviae. If weather dictates some time indooes, there will be a session on identifying larvae and exuviae as well as an update on Key Species and Key Sites in the county, and an Atlas update. |
| Meet |
At 10.00 am at the visitor centre (SX 833 751): entrance off A382 to Newton Abbot, 300m from A38, 10 miles from M5. Finishing at 4:00pm. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch (drinks provided), wellies and close-focus binoculars. Pay and display car park. |
| Saturday 23rd May 2009 |
Snettisham Coastal Park Nature Reserve |
| Leader/Contact |
Simon Davidson Tel 07973 559618 |
| Aim |
This will be the first field meeting for those interested in joining a BDS Local Group for West Norfolk.
One of the main aims of the new group will be to promote dragonfly recording for both the national atlas project and a revised Norfolk Atlas. |
| Meet |
at 10.00 am at the Snettisham Beach Car Park park halfway up on the right side (charge £3/car) TF647335.
On the A149 going north opposite Snettisham turn off; take left turn off A149, marked for the Beach. We shall leave promptly at 10.15 am.
We will return around 1pm and have a short discussion about the atlas project and dragonfly recording. |
| Requirements |
Boots or preferably wellies. Binoculars a good idea. Bring a picnic lunch if you wish. |
| Saturday 23rd May 2009 |
Alvecote Pools, Pooley Fields, Warwickshire |
| Leader/Contact |
Peter Reeve Tel 01926 632400 |
| Aim |
To assess the status of and enjoy the Hairy Dragonfly population and other early flying dragonflies at the key Warwickshire site. |
| Meet |
At the Pooley Country Park car park (charge £1/car), SK 258 303. Met at 10.15 am, we leave the car park at 10.30 am promptly. For up to date details and a map see www.reeve60.uklinux.net/wdg [opens in a new window]. |
| Requirements |
Bring strong footwear and a packed lunch. |
| Saturday 23rd May 2009 |
Chartley Moss, Staffordshire |
| Leader/Contact |
Leader: Tim Coleshaw (NE) Contact: Caroline Dahn (NE) Tel: 0300 060 0583 Email: caroline.dahn@naturalengland.org.uk |
| Aim |
Bouncing Bogs and Dragonflies. With Natural England. Involves a tour of this amazing floating peat bog with a chane to observe a variety of the reserves 20 dragonflies, including our rare White-faced Darter Dragonfly. |
| Meet |
Chartley Moss - details on booking. |
| Requirements |
Booking essential via Caroline Dahn (see above). Bring strong footwear (wellies recommended) and a packed lunch. |
| Sunday 24th May 2009 |
Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve, Suffolk |
| Leader/Contact |
Dr Pam Taylor Bookings via RSPB - Tel: 01842 863400 or e-mail lakenheath 'at' rspb.org.uk |
| Aim |
Walk to identify a braod range of dragonfly species and other wildlife on the relatively new RSPB reserve. To link with the national atlas project, an introduction to dragonfly recording will be given. |
| Meet |
11.00am at Lakenheath Fen (TL 722 864), finishing at approx. 2pm. The RSPB reserve is 2 miles north of Lakenheath village between the river and the railway. For further directions see http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lakenheathfen/directions.asp [opens in a new window]. |
| Requirements |
Booking via the RSPB is essential. Numbers strictly limited. The RSPB will be charging a small fee for this event: £4 adults, £2 children, half price for RSPB members. |
| Sunday 24th May 2009 |
Earshaig Lochans and Neath Hill Pools |
| Leader/Contact |
Andy Riches (Council Ranger Service) To check if this event is still running on the day email lochmabenbirds 'at' aol.com or ring 07792 142446 |
| Aim |
An afternoon walk to look for a variety of adult species including the Golden-ringed Dragonfly and the Azure and Variable Damselflies. A short introduction to dragonfly recording will be included to link with the national atlas project. |
| Meet |
13:00 - 15:00 hrs at the Car Park NT 050 024 on the Crooked Road which is a single track route into the hills and is very close to the M74 junction 15 and the A701 Dumfries to Edinburgh road 2 miles south of Moffat. |
| Requirements |
The route is not arduous but does cover about 3 miles of the Southern Upland Way and the weather can turn suddenly nasty as it did for most of summer 2008. Not suitable places for wheelchairs or dogs. |
| Monday 25th May 2009 |
Tophill Low NR, East Yorkshire (TA073486) |
| Leader/Contact |
Paul Ashton 07984 980583 email vc61 'at' erdragonflies.co.uk |
| Aim |
A joint event as part of the Tophill Low Open Day. Several events will be taking place throughout the day including dragonfly walks and pond dipping. |
| Meet |
From 10am at Tophill Low car park. (See Diary page on www.yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk for directions). |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch, binoculars and wear appropriate footwear. |
| Saturday 30th May 2009 |
Castle Loch, Lochmaben |
| Leader/Contact |
Andy Riches (Council Ranger Service) To check if this event is still running on the day email lochmabenbirds 'at' aol.com or ring 07792 142446 |
| Aim |
A short afternoon walk in a Local Nature Reserve intended to introduce beginners to adult dragonfly identification and recording and in particular the Coenagrionidae. |
| Meet |
13:00 - 15:00 hrs at Castle Car Park NY 088 812 off the B7020 Lochmaben to Dalton Road. |
| Requirements |
Boots or preferably wellies and insect repellent. No dogs. Access to the site involves crossing a boardwalk and step bridge. |
| Saturday 30th May 2009 |
NWT Upton Fen, Norfolk |
| Leader/Contact |
Dr Pam Taylor Tel: 01692 670311 Email: BDSPamTaylor 'at' dragonflysoc.org.uk |
| Aim |
Morning walk to look for a broad range of dragonfly species, including Norfolk Hawker, Hairy Dragonfly and Variable Damselfly. To link with the new national atlas project, an introduction to dragonfly recording will be included. |
| Meet |
10.00am at Upton Fen car park, TG379136. Postcode NR13 6EQ (Low Road). From Acle, Norwich or Wroxham head towards South Walsham, then follow signs for Pilson Green. |
| Requirements |
Booking essential, preferably by email. Numbers strictly limited. Wellies or boots, insect repellent. Packed lunch if staying on the site for the afternoon. |
| Saturday 30th May 2009 |
Chartley Moss NNR, Staffordshire |
| Leader/Contact |
Tim Beynon Tel: 01538 724130 after 18:00 hrs. (On the day 07913 671604 for any last minte problems). |
| Aim |
Key species: White-faced Darter. Best UK lowland site for bog flora. Good for Raptors and Warblers |
| Meet |
11:00hrs at SK 022 289: wide grass verge on N side of A518 STafford-Uttoxeter road, about 7 miles east of Stafford. |
| Requirements |
Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited to 12. Please leave your contact number when you book. Wellies, paked lunch, binoculars, camera, net and pots of you like, no dogs (sorry). Very uneven surface in places so a walking stick/pole can be useful. Insect repellent possible, although the open moss is pretty biter-free. Suncream maybe (let's hope!). Old fertilizer bag or the like, (large padded envelope/jiffy bag recommended by Dragonfly News Editor) for sitting and remaining dry at lunch. |
| Sunday 31st May 2009 |
Countess Weir and Exminster Marshes, Devon |
| Leader/Contact |
Dave Smallshire Tel: 01626 853393; e-mail: davesmalls 'at' supanet.com |
| Aim |
An introduction to the dragonflies and damselflies of the still and flowing waters in the area, with chances of seeing Red-eyed Damselfly, White-legged Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle, Hairy Dragonfly, Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer and Scarce Chaser. |
| Meet |
At 10:00am inthe rowing club car park at SX 942 895 (turn left off the A379 westbound, immediately before the swing bridge) moving to Exminster Marshes (SX 950 880) for lunch; finish by 4pm. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch and ideally binoculars. |
| Sunday 31st May 2009 |
Broomfleet, East Yorkshire SE865281 |
| Leader/Contact |
Paul Ashton Tel: 07984 980583 email vc61 'at' erdragonflies.co.uk |
| Aim |
Key species for Broomfleet are Variable Damselfly and Hairy Dragonfly. Time permitting a visit to North Cave Wetlands is also possible. |
| Meet |
Railway bridge underpass by Market Weighton canal, off Common Road, Broomfleet at 10am. (See Diary page on www.yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk for directions). |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch and wear appropriate footwear. |
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| Saturday 6th June 2009 |
Isle of Rum, Scotland |
| Leader/Contact |
Jonathan Willet Tel. 07740 216595 |
| Aim |
To search the bog pool system on the west of the island for Azure Hawker and other species. |
| Meet |
10.00am Warden's Office, Kinloch. NM402992 |
| Requirements |
The day will be spent on rough boggy ground with no path, so boots/wellies, waterproofs, midge net/repellent and packed lunch required. Colanders and plastic tubs for catching and viewing larvae would be handy. |
| Notes |
Rum is an island. Visiting here will require at least one overnight stay, the ferry leaves from Mallaig see www.calmac.co.uk. Camping and hostel accommodation are available see www.isleofrum.com/placestostay-bb,.html. At present 6 beds are being held at the hostel for BDS members who want to come to the island. They are for the nights of the 6th and 7th (there is no Sunday ferry). These will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so contact me to book them ASAP. Beware! Rum has awful midges, possibly the worst in Scotland, you have been warned. |
| Saturday 13th June 2009 |
Yardley Chase (Please note that this is a private site with no public access). |
| Leader/Contact |
Mark Tyrrell on 01933-389748, e-mail mark.p.tyrrell 'at' ntlworld.com. See Northants Local Group website www.northantsdragonflies.org.uk |
| Aim |
To observe the Downy Emerald at its only site in Northants. This species was discovered here in 2006, and since then we have established that there is a strong breeding population across the 14 or so World War II bunkers on this private site. Yardley Chase is a key County site and has exceptional dragonfly fauna including the Hairy Dragonfly, and a strong population of Azure and Large Red Damselflies as well as the largest colony of Southern Hawker in Northants. |
| Meet |
Numbers are strictly limited to 15, and the number of cars allowed on-site should be minimised. Pre-booking is essential, so please contact the meeting leader for joining instructions at least 2 weeks prior to the visit. Full joining instruction and directions will be provided. |
| Requirements |
This site can be hazardous and damp so strong waterproof boots are required. Bring a packed lunch, mobile phone and binoculars. |
| Saturday 20th June 2009 |
Woolmer Forest, Hampshire |
| Leader/Contact |
Bill Wain |
| Aim |
Opportunity to visit two ponds within MoD Firing Ranges If NOT required for urgent military training. Normal June odonatological fauna for acid heaths with good population of Small Red Damselflies. Hobbies, Woodlarks, Dartford Warblers, Nightjars. |
| Meet |
Car Park off A325, Map Ref SU 786 319 at 10:30. |
| Requirements |
Phone Bill Wain on 01420-472329 on Friday 19th to confirm that the Firing Ranges are open. If leaving a message, leave your phone number. Wellies and Lunch required. No pubs, no loos. Risks of uneven ground, adders, deep water and unexploded military devices. |
| Sunday 21st June 2009 |
The Axe Valley and Lower Bruckland Ponds, Devon |
| Leader/Contact |
Dave Smallshire Tel: 01626 853393; email davesmalls 'at' supanet.com |
| Aim |
To look for Scarce Chasers and White-legged Damselflies along the river and Red-veined Darters, Red-eyed and Small Red-eyed Damselflies at nearby fishing ponds. |
| Meet |
At 10.00 a.m. in large gateway on the north side of the A3052 east of Colyford at SY260927. This is between the River Axe and the A358 turning to Musbury on the Exeter to Lyme Regis road. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch. There is a small fee for parking and access to the ponds. Close-focus binoculars will be helpful. |
| Sunday 28th June 2009 |
Spurn Point NNR, East Yorkshire TA416158 |
| Leader/Contact |
Steve Warrillow Tel: 07896 097269 email whirlygigwarrillow 'at' googlemail.com |
| Aim |
To search for Red-veined Darter and other species at this important East Coast site. |
| Meet |
At 10.30am at the Bluebell Café car park. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch, binoculars and wear appropriate footwear. |
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| Saturday 4th July 2009 |
Hawk and Owl Trust, Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve, Norfolk |
| Leader/Contact |
Dr Pam Taylor Bookings via Hawk and Owl Trust Tel: 01328 856788 or Email: leanne.thomas 'at' hawkandowl.org |
| Aim |
Beginners course on adult dragonfly identification, biology and ecology. Morning indoor session on the key points of identification and dragonfly behaviour, followed by an afternoon on the reserve putting theory into practice, weather permitting. |
| Meet |
10am for registration and tea/coffee in the Education Centre. Start 10.30am. Finish approx 4pm. Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve is on the A148 Fakenham to King's Lynn Road, opposite the village of Sculthorpe just outside the market town of Fakenham in Norfolk |
| Requirements |
Booking via Hawk and Owl Trust essential. Numbers strictly limited. The Hawk and Owl Trust will be charging £25 for this course. Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. |
| Sunday 5th July 2009 |
The Lower Tamar Valley, Cornwall/Devon |
| Leader/Contact |
Dave Smallshire Tel: 01626 853393; email davesmalls 'at' supanet.com |
| Aim |
A joint Cornwall/Devon BDS/Devonshire Association meeting. To look for White-legged Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle and - who knows - maybe rediscover Orange-spotted Emerald at its former location (recent information has come to light suggesting that the species may have been present here as late as the 1960s). There may also be chance to see Heath Fritillaries at a re-establishment site. |
| Meet |
At 10.00 a.m. at Gunnislake Station (free) car park (SX427708): this is just south of the A390 Callington-Tavistock road, one mile SW of Gunnislake. It may be necessary to reduce car numbers while travelling to the final destination. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch. Close-focus binoculars will be helpful. |
| Saturday 11th July 2009 |
Otley Wetland NR, Otley, West Yorkshire (SE 200455) |
| Leader/Contact |
Tom Hubball Tel: 01535 678334 email vc63dragonfly 'at' blueyonder.co.uk. Details of other Yorkshire Branch field trips can be found on the Diary pages of the Yorkshire Branch of the BDS. |
| Aim |
A joint visit to with Wharfedale Naturalists to one of their nature reserves. Fifteen species of odonata have been recorded at this site. |
| Meet |
Promptly at 10am as gate will be locked after entry to this private site. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch, binoculars and wear appropriate footwear. |
| Saturday 11th July 2009 |
Arboretum Gardens, Castle Howard, North Yorkshire SE706697 |
| Leader/Contact |
Keith Gittens Tel: 07968 840623 email keith 'at' brilliantemerald.wanadoo.co.uk |
| Aim |
A chance to explore the Kew at Castle Howard Arboretum Gardens. Entrance is free to BDS members coming for the morning walk. Note - Members coming specifically for the afternoon walk/talk there will be a £4 charge. Please mention Yorkshire Branch of the BDS on arrival. |
| Meet |
10am and 14.30pm in the Arboretum Car Park. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch (or visit the on-site café) and wear appropriate footwear. |
| Wednesday 22nd July 2009 |
Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, Kinross, Scotland |
| Leader/Contact |
Craig Nisbet of Scottish Natural Heritage on 01577 864439; email Craig.Nisbet 'at' snh.gov.uk |
| Aim |
With hidden ponds and secluded locations around this vast lowland loch, the wide range of species on display reflects the varied choice of habitat, with Black Darter, Azure Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly all thriving. |
| Meet |
1pm - 3pm at Larder Car Park, Channel Farm off the A911. Grid Ref. NO160041 |
| Requirements |
Boots and wellies are advised. We hope waterproofs won't be necessary, but... A few nets and chest waders will be provided. |
| Saturday 25th July 2009 |
Timble Ings, North Yorkshire SE165529 |
| Leader/Contact |
Tom Hubball Tel: 01535 678334 email vc63dragonfly 'at' blueyonder.co.uk |
| Aim |
To see how the work undertaken by Yorkshire Water and others for the benefit of dragonflies is progressing. |
| Meet |
Swinsty Reservoir Car Park Grid Ref: SE187538, off A59 Harrogate-Skipton road. We will car share to Timble Ings where parking is limited. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch, binoculars and wear appropriate footwear. |
| Sunday 26th July 2009 |
The Dragonfly Centre, Wicken Fen National Trust Reserve, Wicken, Cambridgeshire |
| Grand Opening |
The BDS and The Dragonfly Project are delighted to announce the grand opening of the Dragonfly Centre at the National Trust nature reserve at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire. TV naturalist Chris Packham will cut the ribbon on Sunday 26th July at 2:30 p.m. Afterwards he will lead a guided walk and talk on Dragonflies. Admission to the fen boardwalk that afternoon will be free thanks to the generosity of the National Trust. |
| Sunday 26th July 2009 |
Whitehall Farm, Toft, Dunchurch, Near Rugby, Warwickshire |
| Leader/Contact |
Peter Reeve Tel: 01926 632400) email: peter 'at' reeve60.uklinux.net |
| Aim |
By kind permission of the owner, Jim Russell, this is an opportunity to visit his farm which won the Silver Lapwing Award in 2006. The farm demonstrates how dragonflies and modern farming can coexist. There are several pools of different character and other areas devoted to nature. Also the river Leam runs through the farm. We should see both Demoiselles, White-legged Damselfly, Emerald Damselfly, Ruddy Darter and more.
There have been significant developments on the nature front since our last visit here. |
| Meet |
10.15 for 10.30 am start at Whitehall Farm (SP487689). The farm is one mile along a private road east of and off the A426 Dunchurch to Southam road. The road entry is at SP479704. For up to date details and a map see: www.reeve60.uklinux.net/wdg. |
| Requirements |
Bring strong footwear and a packed lunch. |
| Sunday 26th July 2009 |
Smallhanger, SW Dartmoor, Devon |
| Leader/Contact |
Dave Smallshire Tel: 01626 853393; email davesmalls 'at' supanet.com |
| Aim |
A wide range of species at this threatened site, including Small Red and Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies, Common Hawker, Keeled Skimmer, Black Darter and maybe Red-veined Darter and Fairy Shrimp. |
| Meet |
10:00 a.m. by the ford at Drakeland Corner (SX572589), finishing early afternoon. |
| Requirements |
Wellies and lunch recommended. |
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| Sunday 2nd August 2009 |
Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve, Suffolk |
| Leader/Contact |
Dr Pam Taylor Bookings via RSPB - Tel: 01842 863400 or Email: lakenheath 'at' rspb.org.uk |
| Aim |
Walk to identify a broad range of dragonflies, butterflies and other wildlife on this relatively new RSPB reserve. To link with the national atlas project, an introduction to dragonfly recording will be included. |
| Meet |
12 noon at Lakenheath Fen (TL722864), finishing at approx 2.30pm. The RSPB reserve is 2 miles north of Lakenheath village between the river and the railway. For further directions see www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lakenheathfen/directions.asp |
| Requirements |
Booking via RSPB essential. Numbers strictly limited.
The RSPB will be charging a small fee for this event: £4 adults, £2 children, half price for RSPB members. |
| Wednesday 5th August 2009 |
Newport Wetlands a Countryside Council for Wales event |
| Leader/Contact |
Kevin Dupé Reserve Manager Newport Wetlands, Tel: 01633 275813 |
| Aim |
Damsels and dragons. A walk to see these fascinating insects that have been around since before the dinosaurs. They are voracious predators yet can't bite or sting you! This walk is particularly suitable for families, but everybody is welcome |
| Meet |
10:00 (till 12:00) at the Newport Wetlands Centre. The Reserve car park is on West Nash Road, 0.3km before the entrance to Uskmouth Power Station, grid reference ST 334834. Follow the *brown tourist* signs from Junction 24 or 28 of the M4 |
| Requirements |
This event will involve walking between 2 and 3 kilometres on surfaced tracks suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Newport Wetlands Visitor Centre is fully accessible and has a café and shop. If you need adviceon the suitability of the walk, please telephone 01633 636363.
Appropriate clothing and footwear is strongly recommended for these events. No dogs, except guide dogs, as they could disturb the wildlife that we are trying to see. |
| Saturday 8th August 2009 |
Dinnet/Braemar Area, Deeside, Aberdeenshire |
| Leader/Contact |
Pat Batty on 01546 605316 (evenings) pat 'at' patbatty0.wanadoo.co.uk |
| Aim |
To search for and record the dragonflies found on the Dinnet NNR and in the Dinnet and Aboyne area. Northern damselfly and White-faced Darter have been recorded. |
| Meet |
Sat 8th meet 10 am at the Burn o' Vat National Nature Reserve Car Park NO429997. Turn off the A93 about 3 miles West of Dinnet onto the B9119, the Visitor Centre car park is just over a mile on the left. |
| Requirements |
Wellies or walking boots required, waterproofs, midge net/ repellent and packed lunch. Colanders and plastic tubs for catching and viewing larvae are handy. |
| Sunday 9th August 2009 |
Invercauld near Braemar Aberdeenshire (Cairngorms National Park) |
| Leader/Contact |
Pat Batty 01546 605316 (evenings) pat 'at' patbatty0.wanadoo.co.uk |
| Aim |
To search for the Northern damselfly larvae and to record 10km squares for the Atlas. |
| Meet |
Meet 9.30 am Invercauld road end north side of road just after the bridge over the River Dee 3 miles east of Braemar NO186910. (please contact leader as meeting place for 2nd day of the weekend may change). |
| Requirements |
Wellies or walking boots required, waterproofs, midge net/ repellent and packed lunch. Colanders and plastic tubs for catching and viewing larvae are handy. |
| Notes |
Aim to visit sites for Northern damselfly and White-faced darter look for larvae, it is late for flying adults. 10km recording is for the Atlas is also a priority. (If there is no reply to email, please phone). |
| Sunday 9th August 2009 |
Strensall Common SSSI, North Yorkshire SE648611 |
| Leader/Contact |
Keith Gittens 07968 840623 email keith 'at' brilliantemerald.wanadoo.co.uk |
| Aim |
A walk across the MOD ranges to study a series of ponds. |
| Meet |
10am at small parking area near the cattle grid. |
| Requirements |
Bring lunch, binoculars and wear appropriate footwear |
| Sunday 16th August 2009 |
Tentsmuir Forest 3 kilometres south of Tayport, Fife, Scotland |
| Leader/Contact |
Bid Strachan & Jonathan Willet Bid's Mobile: 07766 161547, Email: bid.strachan 'at' forestry.gsi.gov.uk |
| Aim |
To explore several different sites across the Forest and dunes and prove breeding of dragonflies by looking for exuviae and larvae. |
| Meet |
10am at Fetterdale office, Forestry Commission Scotland, near Tayport, grid reference NO47282548. From the B945, look for sign for caravan club site and take unmade road past Morton Lochs SNH reserve. Continue ahead for a further 1 km, until reach green wooden building which is the Forestry Commission office. |
| Requirements |
We will be visiting a number of sites, away from footpaths, with uneven surfaces, tall vegetation and wet ground. Boots, wellies, waterproofs, midge net or repellent and packed lunch required. Colanders and plastic containers for catching and viewing larvae would be useful. |
| Saturday 29th August 2009 |
Higham Ferrers Gravel Pits |
| Leader/Contact |
Mark Tyrrell on 01933-389748, e-mail mark.p.tyrrell 'at' ntlworld.com. See Northants Local Group website www.northantsdragonflies.org.uk |
| Aim |
On this short afternoon walk, we will observe one of the most accessible colonies of Small Red-eyed Damselflies in the area. This site is also good for the usual late summer species. |
| Meet |
at the small car park close to the reserve at SP953687 at 1330hrs. |
| Requirements |
There are no specific requirements as this site has good footpaths. Bring binos and spotting scopes, as this small damselfly often sets up territory some distance from the water margins. |
| Saturday 29th August 2009 |
Wicken Fen National Trust Nature Reserve |
| Leader/Contact |
Ruary Mackenzie Dodds on 01887 830539 (home in Scotland) mobile 07762 895694 (or when in England) e-mail: ruary 'at' waitrose.com
Please let us know if you plan to come. (We need to staff our other activities!) |
| Aim |
This is a good time for dragonflies and damselflies at Wicken. We could see ten species if we're lucky with the weather, maybe more. Wicken is a 'must' in any case, for a thousand reasons. |
| Meet |
10.30am at the BDS/DP Dragonfly Centre in the cottage (beside thatched loos and car park). For Non NT members, we have negotiated the Booked Party rate of £4.75 per person. Please note, parking is free for National Trust Members, but for non-members there is a charge of £2 / car. |
| Requirements |
Bring wellies and waterproofs, insect repellent and, ideally, close-focus optics. Bring picnic lunch if you wish, but there's a good café on site. |
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Saturday 26th September 2009 |
Grendon Common, Near Baddersley Ensor, Atherstone, Warwickshire |
| Leader/Contact |
Peter Reeve (01926 632400) email: peter 'at' reeve60.uklinux.net |
| Aim |
A field meeting with a different emphasis. We will look for late flying dragonflies on this heath land site (is Common Hawker here?) but also the grasshoppers and crickets that breed here. These include Long- and Short-winged Coneheads, Roesel's Bush Cricket and the rare Warwickshire Mottled Grasshopper plus others. If you have a bat detector bring that too, it is an invaluable help to finding crickets and grasshoppers. |
| Meet |
10.15 for 10.30am start. Park on the lane running from the south of Baddersley Ensor to the A5. (Parallel and to the NW of Merevale Lane B4116.) Grid Reference SP281980. For follow the link: www.reeve60.uklinux.net/wdg/meetings.htm. |
| Requirements |
Bring strong footwear and a packed lunch. |
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| Saturday 24th October 2009 |
BDS Members' Day 26th Annual Meeting of the BDS |
| Venue |
Craiglockhart Campus, Napier University, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ |
| Details |
The programme and details of the meeting will follow at a later date. |
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