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Growing up next to the Peak District, I spent much of my childhood scrambling around the national park with nets and jars, attempting to catch insects. Since then my fascination with natural history has continued to strengthen, and this motivated me to undertake a BSc Zoology with Conservation (Bangor University) and an MSc Biodiversity and Conservation (Leeds University). After graduating, I spent a year wading around in RSPB wetland reserves as a Warden Intern, performing practical habitat management with volunteers. I also spent two seasons as the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project’s Senior Research Assistant, monitoring upland wildlife. During this time I had the opportunity to observe Odonata in a range of habitats, and found that the more I learnt about their ecology the more I wanted to discover. I feel so fortunate that I now have a job that allows me to work with fellow dragonfly enthusiasts across the country, as well as contribute to the conservation of some of Britain’s most charismatic insects.
I worked for the BDS from 2013 to 2017, with a break to study for an MSc in Sustainability in 2018. I am delighted to return to work with dragonflies, this time with more of an emphasis on the conservation of the rarer species in Scotland. I am looking forward to working with these beautiful insects again, as well as engaging volunteers to help improve habitats for dragonflies on our Hotspots, Key Sites and other wetlands.
I have enjoyed over 20 years working in conservation, mainly as a Countryside Ranger in Fife, Tayside and Stirlingshire areas. Over that time I developed great working partnerships with volunteers and external organisations, and gained a Masters degree in Countryside Management. I have also enjoyed many years as a volunteer myself, gaining experience in a wide range of projects stretching from Northumberland to Orkney, covering many different species and habitats and meeting wonderfully knowledgeable people. A large amount of this work included the creation and restoration of wetland habitat, such as creating open water on lowland raised bog to benefit damselflies and dragonflies, and building satellite ponds to protect great crested newts.
The mission continues with my working alongside British Dragonfly Society volunteers and partners who are committed to the protection and enhancement of habitats, particularly for the rarer species in Scotland affected by climate change. These include the Azure Hawker, White-faced Darter, Northern Emerald and Northern Damselfly, although every species is just as valuable. There is a lot of worthwhile conservation work going on and we have a great opportunity to make a big difference. Everyone is welcome to join us!
For matters relating to events please contact our Events Officer whilst our Engagement Officer is on maternity leave:
Through working for conservation organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB, Freshwater Habitats Trust and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, I have developed a specialism in freshwater conservation. I have a particular passion for ponds and amphibians that has grown since my childhood. I have a MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford, and have published research on newt habitat requirements. I am delighted to be joining the team to run a range of dragonfly engagement events across England and Wales this year.
Growing up in South Wales I was not short of amazing wild spaces to explore, I soon became obsessed with botany and a wide range of invertebrate groups. I went on to study a BSc Biology at Cardiff University followed by MSc Environmental Biology at Swansea University. I have worked for several organisations; Natural England, Field Studies Council and Bumblebee Conservation Trust, in which I have focused on public engagement, working with volunteers and creating training. I spend most of my time outdoors and can be found looking for plants and insects as well as hiking in the mountains. I feel very privileged to join the team and to share with others the magnificence and importance of dragonflies. I am looking forward to playing a part in the conservation effort for dragonflies and the habitats they need.
For queries about Media, Engagement, Our magazine, Membership or our e-Newsletter please contact us via our contact form.
To join the Society go to our Membership page where you can now join online or download a membership application form.
For matters relating to fundraising please contact our Fundraising Officer:
Sarah Miller
Development and Operations Manager
Development and Operations Manager
16 Blacksmiths Field
Crowhurst
Battle
East Sussex
TN33 9AX
For matters relating to dragonfly recording, BDS records database or our website please contact the Records Officer:
My background in computing and degree in Biological Sciences should be useful in this role, having been a long-time supporter of the BDS. I'm also interested in local food, sustainable transport and the effects of rising human population on the natural world.
For more information about the British Dragonfly Society please contact the Secretary:
I have been obsessed with dragonflies for quite a few years now, and spend as much time as possible watching them each summer. I am lucky to have enjoyed several holidays in Europe focused on dragonflies, while at home I record sightings and try and improve my photography! I have worked for Anglian Water for nearly 30 years in many roles from scientific to project management, and currently I lead a small team focused on gathering insights about our customers' priorities and preferences, which drive our future business planning. I am also a volunteer Ranger at the Great Fen Project, managed by the Wildlife Trust. I am delighted to be joining the Trustee Board of the BDS having been a keen member for some time, and hope I can use my experience and skills to benefit the society.
For financial matters please contact the Treasurer:
To purchase items from our shop please go to the BDS Shop where you can now order items online.
Contributions to the Journal of the British Dragonfly Society should be sent to the Journal Editor:
For matters related to the Dragonfly Conservation Group, research and grant applications contact the Dragonfly Conservation Group (DCG) Convenor:
My childhood interest in bird-watching expanded over the years to include other wildlife including mammals, butterflies and finally, in 1986, dragonflies. This interest in dragonflies and their wetland habitats coincided with surveys for a Norfolk dragonfly atlas. I soon became involved in recording activities and by the mid-1990s I was Norfolk’s County Recorder. I first became a BDS Trustee in 2000; taking over as Dragonfly Conservation Group Convenor in 2001. I was elected BDS President in 2008 and served in that capacity for five years. Following a break from national duties, I once again became DCG Convenor early in 2016.
My main interests remain with dragonfly conservation and all the work I do is aimed at protecting their habitats and making people more aware of this fascinating group of insects.
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this web site please contact the Webmaster:
My background in computing and degree in Biological Sciences should be useful in this role, having been a long-time supporter of the BDS. I'm also interested in local food, sustainable transport and the effects of rising human population on the natural world.
To register your event in the Dragonfly News magazine (deadline: end of January) or to discuss organising a field meeting, contact the Field Meetings Organiser:
For enquiries and comments relating to migrant and rare species contact our Odonata Rarities Committee:
For queries and requests for BDS publications contact the Librarian/Archivist:
I have recently retired from a career in countryside and wildlife management, latterly with Natural England where I was responsible for the management of National Nature Reserves in the West Midlands, including a key site for White-faced Darter. For the last 20 years I have acted as host for and worked alongside the BDS Conservation Officers in NE’s Shrewsbury and Telford offices so have a good knowledge of the Society. Apart from invertebrate conservation my main interests are photography and sailing.
I have been obsessed with dragonflies for quite a few years now, and spend as much time as possible watching them each summer. I am lucky to have enjoyed several holidays in Europe focused on dragonflies, while at home I record sightings and try and improve my photography! I have worked for Anglian Water for nearly 30 years in many roles from scientific to project management, and currently I lead a small team focused on gathering insights about our customers' priorities and preferences, which drive our future business planning. I am also a volunteer Ranger at the Great Fen Project, managed by the Wildlife Trust. I am delighted to be joining the Trustee Board of the BDS having been a keen member for some time, and hope I can use my experience and skills to benefit the society.
I’ve have been fascinated by wildlife since I was a young boy and I’m now fortunate enough to live on my own small nature reserve on the North East Essex coast. We have a nice variety of habitat on site, including deer passing through, birds from gold crests to marsh harriers and a good selection of insects including several dragonfly species. I work as an IT Consultant in the finance sector and I’m looking forward to helping run the BDS
My childhood interest in bird-watching expanded over the years to include other wildlife including mammals, butterflies and finally, in 1986, dragonflies. This interest in dragonflies and their wetland habitats coincided with surveys for a Norfolk dragonfly atlas. I soon became involved in recording activities and by the mid-1990s I was Norfolk’s County Recorder. I first became a BDS Trustee in 2000; taking over as Dragonfly Conservation Group Convenor in 2001. I was elected BDS President in 2008 and served in that capacity for five years. Following a break from national duties, I once again became DCG Convenor early in 2016.
My main interests remain with dragonfly conservation and all the work I do is aimed at protecting their habitats and making people more aware of this fascinating group of insects.
Carmel Edwards
Trustee
Trustee
I have a background in sustainable food and land use policy and programmes and working in environmental NGOs, including WWF and RSPB. I bring to the trustee team a range of skills, including in policy, campaigns and fundraising. I am lucky enough to live near one of the UK’s dragonfly hotspots, Paxton Pits in Cambridgeshire. My favourite pastime is getting out in nature (walking, kayaking and wild swimming) to watch the wildlife.
Josh Younespour
Trustee
Trustee
Wildlife and nature have played a central role in my life, like many people I have fond memories of exploring the countryside’s rivers, woods and fields, finding all manner of creatures. I’m happy to say that dragonflies have been a regular sight since moving to the Cambridgeshire Fens.
I bring with me many years of experience working in policy and stakeholder management roles within the public and charitable sectors. I hope to help the BDS’s staff and volunteers to take the work being done even further and reach an even greater audience.
Nicole Digruber
Trustee
Trustee
Nicole is a Local Nature Reserve Manager based in Glasgow and is also currently
studying for an MSc. in Wildlife and Conservation Management. She has a keen
interest in dragonflies and their conservation and is a member of BDS and the BD
Scotland group, where she has been an active participant in our Ponds for People
project.
Richard Greene
Vice Chair
Vice Chair
Raised in North Yorkshire, Richard has long been fascinated by dragonflies is a keen wildlife and landscape photographer.
After training as a doctor, Richard developed a career in higher education, initially
focusing on neuroanatomical research and medical education before moving into
leadership roles, latterly as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at De Montfort University. The
key features of those roles included academic strategy development and delivery,
resource management and the building of external partnerships. Recently retired,
Richard is looking forward to using his experience to benefit the BDS as well as
rolling his sleeves up to help with the more physical aspects of the Society’s work.
Jonathan Willet
Trustee
Trustee
I have been interested in dragonflies for almost 30 years, so long ago that I sent my first records in using the RA70 record cards, mentored by the late, great Betty Smith (the first Scottish Dragonfly Recorder) who gave me plenty of brilliant sites in the Highlands to investigate. I have been active as a volunteer for the BDS giving talks, recording, running ID courses and generally enthusing people about dragonflies all over Scotland but mainly in the Highlands. I am the current Chair of the BDS Scotland Group and have been since 2015. My day job is as the Beaver Project Manager for the Cairngorm National Park Authority. My favourite species is the Brilliant Emerald.
I have been fascinated by wildlife ever since I can remember and came to the UK to study for a degree in Animal Behaviour. During my time in Cornwall and Scotland, I focussed on improving my ID skills and understanding of UK species, which is how I first became interested in the world of dragonflies. I am now taking steps to pursue a career in conservation, with my main focus being species restoration. Although my knowledge is still limited, I look forward to contributing to the Society through the role of Secretary and as a youth panel member. My favourite Odonata is the Golden-ringed Dragonfly.
Webmaster’s note: Email links on this page are designed to compose a new message in your chosen email program, with the appropriate email address filled in. This helps to hide our addresses from web ‘bots’ that collect addresses to send us spam and malware. However, if you use Webmail rather than a separate email Client program but your web browser or your operating system is not set up correctly with a default email hander (e.g. for Gmail) then these links may not work.
If the links don’t work for you, please complete this General Contact Form and I’ll route your enquiry to the right person at BDS.
Title image: Common Blue Damselfly by Bruce Hyde