Contacts
For matters relating to Dragonfly conservation, habitats, volunteer recording or general information about Dragonflies please contact a Conservation Officer.
Eleanor Colver
Conservation Officer
Email
Conservation Officer
c/o Natural England
Parkside Court
Hall Park Way
TELFORD, TF3 4LR
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 became interested in natural history from a very early age probably going back as far as a toddler when I would watch birds feeding in the garden with my Mum. After spending a good few years working as a Manager within the Customer Service, Retail and Hospitality sectors I moved across to Adult Education Teaching and whilst there I became aware of the possibility of a career in nature conservation. I studied for my BSc at the University of Hull and since graduating I have worked for a number of conservation organisations and also ecological consultancies. I now have my own company offering wildlife tours in West Perthshire. My love of nature knows no bounds and working with dragonflies in going to be a sheer joy
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.
For matters relating to outreach, engagement, media, events and volunteering please contact our Conservation Outreach Officer
Wildlife is my biggest passion and I started working in wildlife rehabilitation in my home county of Lincolnshire, which naturally led to the world of wildlife conservation. After studying Wildlife Conservation Science at Nottingham Trent University I volunteered extensively on wetland reserves and as a seabird researcher before working for RSPB Scotland on a freshwater loch site. Freshwater life has always fascinated me and led onto working for rivers and fisheries trusts and learning even more about what lies beneath the water’s surface and how to care for it. I have created partnerships, delivered river restoration projects, tackled invasive & non-native species, and worked with lots of fantastic volunteers to set up a network of community groups across the Anglian region. I love working with people as much as I love working with wildlife and I am so excited to get stuck into helping the dedicated team at BDS to save species and encourage even more wonderful people to get involved in this important work. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know more about the Dragonfly Hotspots project.
For matters relating to dragonfly recording, BDS database and 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.
Henry Curry
Secretary
Email
Secretary
British Dragonfly Society
23 Bowker Way
Whittlesey
PETERBOROUGH
PE7 1PY
As a child I was fascinated by insects and natural history. Though my career took me into electronic engineering and telecommunications, I retained my interest in entomology, taking a mixed science degree with the Open University followed by an uncompleted MSc at Birkbeck Polytechnic. A keen interest in photography led me to look more closely at dragonflies, and I am proud to have been involved in the Dragonfly Sanctuary, the Dragonfly Museum and the Dragonfly Project at Wicken Fen prior to joining the Board of Trustees of the BDS in 2006. I have been observing and studying dragonflies for over 20 years and my wife Lynn and I enjoy travelling to see and photograph them all over UK and abroad.
To join the Society go to our Membership page where you can now join online or download a membership application form.
Lynn Curry
Membership Officer
Email
Membership Officer
BDS Membership Office
23 Bowker Way
Whittlesey
PETERBOROUGH
PE7 1PY
For financial matters please contact the Treasurer.
Like many I became enthused about odonata by listening to and walking with Ruary Mackenzie-Dodds. I’m no expert but I enjoy seeking out, watching and recording dragonflies and damselflies. I’ve spent the last 25 years working at a senior level in charities and was asked to bring that experience to BDS. I’m happy to pass on that experience while downloading knowledge of odonata from my fellow Trustees.
To purchase items from our shop please go to the BDS Shop where you can now order items online.
Peter Brown
Ordinary Trustee
Email
Ordinary Trustee
Hill House
Flag Hill
GREAT BENTLEY
CO7 8RE
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
Contributions to the Journal of the British Dragonfly Society should be sent to the Editor.
To contribute comments or ideas for Dragonfly News or Darter, the BDS Magazines, or to discuss possible items for inclusion please contact the 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 contact the Field Meetings Organizer (deadline is the end of January each year).
For inquiries and comments relating to migrant and rare species contact our Odonata Rarities Committee.
Adrian Parr
Migrant Dragonflies Project Coordinator
Email
Migrant Dragonflies Project Coordinator
10 Orchard Way, Barrow, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5BX. Tel: 01284 810 465
Telephone: 01284 810 465For queries and requests for BDS publications contact the Librarian/Archivist
Chairman and Trustees
Brian Walker
Chairman
Chairman
I am a Chartered Mechanical Engineer who became a bird watcher while at school and gradually developed an interest in other wildlife. I was drawn into the dragonfly community when I bumped into someone looking at Variable Damselflies at Hatchmere in Cheshire and was recruited to help with the Cheshire Atlas and into BDS. I subsequently moved to Oxfordshire and became more involved while retaining my broader interests.
Mick Parfitt
Ordinary Trustee
Ordinary Trustee
My interest in dragonflies began in the early 1990s at the (now closed) National Dragonfly Museum at Oundle and it has continued ever since. While at the Dragonfly Museum I worked in the gift shop, guided people around the site, became involved in habitat management and helped to build platforms and paths in the main dragonfly areas. I continue to raise public awareness of dragonflies today by leading guided walks, giving talks and helping with events at Wicken Fen nature reserve in Cambridgeshire where our Dragonfly Centre is now based.
Carolyn Cooksey
Ordinary Trustee
Ordinary Trustee
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.