03 Jul
Conservation Concerns for the Southern Damselfly Along the River Test
03/07/2025
While the River Test is famous for its beauty and as a top spot for trout fishing, it also supports one of Britain’s rarest Dragonflies – the Southern Damselfly.
British Dragonfly Society volunteer, David Murdoch, has been surveying the species along the River Test for many years. Unfortunately, his survey this weekend with our Conservation Officer produced very few counts, although the breezy conditions didn’t help!
His concerns reflect those of many in the local community, who care about this iconic river. Low rainfall through the spring and early summer, coupled with increased abstraction, have led to worryingly low water levels in the river.
Last year the River Test made the headlines as river keepers and residents staged a protest outside Southern Water facilities demanding investment to reduce the sewage pollution entering the waterway.
Learn more about chalk streams: www.chalkstreams.org/
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