Our People

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> Staff

> Useful Contacts

> Trustees

> Patrons and Ambassadors

> County Dragonfly Recorders

> Scottish Group Area Co-ordinators

> Local Groups and Information

> Key Volunteers

> Youth Panel

Staff

For matters relating to Dragonfly conservation, habitats, recording or general information about Dragonflies, please contact a Conservation Officer:

Eleanor Winnett
Scientific Officer

Mobile: 07772815940
Email
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.
Daniele Muir
Scottish Scientific Officer

Mobile: 07749 768117
Email
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.
Emma Stevens-Veitch
Dragonflies On The Bog Project Officer

Email

I’m pleased to be working with two of my favourite things – dragonflies and beautiful bogs!

I became properly inspired by dragonflies in recent years when I started working with NatureScot on some of their famous peatland NNRs, and getting to see them regularly zooming around and in their larval form during pond dipping sessions. At the same time as my work on the reserves, I was studying as a mature student for a BSc in Wildlife and Conservation Management (SRUC/University of Glasgow). I chose to specialise in researching the Northern Emerald’s habitat preferences for my honours project, which, happily for me, meant lots of bog hopping around some of Scotland’s most special peatland places looking for this elusive and fascinating species. My previous work history included business development, fundraising and project management roles.

For matters relating to events, communications and outreach, please get in touch with our Engagement Officer:

Lauren Kennedy
Engagement Officer

Mobile: 07798627651
Email
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.

Useful Contacts

 

General enquiries, Media, Engagement, Our Magazine, or the BDS e-Newsletter

Please use our contact form.

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Eleanor Winnett
Scientific Officer

Mobile: 07772815940
Email
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.

Membership or Financial Matters

Please contact the Treasurer:

Katherine Cavanagh
Treasurer

Email

Recording, the BDS Database or the BDS Website

For matters relating to dragonfly recording, BDS records database or our website, please contact the Records Officer:

David Hepper
Records Officer

Telephone: 01252 721053
Mobile: 07768 452365
Email
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.

British Dragonfly Society Information

For more information about the British Dragonfly Society, please contact the Secretary:

Maria Giulia Checchi
Secretary

Email
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.

Journal of the British Dragonfly Society

Contributions should be sent to the Journal Editor:

Dr Peter Mill
Journal Editor

8 Cookridge Grove
LEEDS
LS16 7LH

Email

Dragonfly Conservation Group, Research and Grant Applications

For matters related to the Dragonfly Conservation Group, research and grant applications contact the Dragonfly Conservation Group (DCG) Convenor:

Pam Taylor
Trustee & DCG Convenor

Email
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.

Event Registration

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:

Mike Averill
Field Meetings Organizer

Email

Odonata Rarities Committee

For enquiries and comments relating to migrant and rare species contact our Odonata Rarities Committee:

Adrian Parr
Migrant Dragonflies Project Coordinator

Email

BDS Publications

For queries and requests for BDS publications, contact the Librarian/Archivist:

Dave Goddard
Librarian/Archivist

30 Cliffe Hall Avenue
Stapleford
NOTTINGHAM
NG9 7HD

Email

Trustees

Carolyn Cooksey
Trustee

Ashcroft,
Brington Road,
Old Weston,
Huntingdon,
PE28 5LP

Email
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.
Pam Taylor
Trustee & DCG Convenor

Email
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.
Jonathan Willet
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.
Katherine Cavanagh
Treasurer

Email
Maria Giulia Checchi
Secretary

Email
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.
Toby Hill
Trustee

Toby’s passion for nature began early, growing up in Hertfordshire immersed in local ecology. While reading engineering at the University of Cambridge, a chance encounter with an emerging Four-spotted Chaser in the university botanic gardens sparked a fascination with dragonflies, leading him to join the BDS shortly after. Now a qualified patent attorney, Toby brings a unique blend of legal analysis, project management, and strategic oversight to the society. Since 2022, he has been an active member of the Dragonfly Conservation Group (DCG), successfully pivoting his early interest in wildlife photography into a dedicated focus on conservation. Beyond the BDS, Toby serves as the webmaster for the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and regularly supports guided walks at his local patch, Panshanger Park, a designated Dragonfly Hotspot.

Volunteers

John Winterbottom
Proofreader

Mark Tyrrell
Journal Producer

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