We will look especially for Black Darter, a species in decline across Southern England. Other mid-season species should be in evidence across these under-recorded sites.

Leader: Alan Holmes

Join us for our first visit to Swanwick Lakes, between Southampton and Fareham, a site run by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, in the company of local expert and new HSBG member Alison Barker. Please see the location website link for more info about the site.
Target species: Downy Emerald and other summer species.

Parking is free but the car park is not large so please car-share where possible.

Heathland species including Brilliant Emerald and Black Darter.

Walk along forest tracks and some limited pushing through bracken (sorry). Please wear hiking boots and bring packed lunch.

Thursley is a BDS Hotspot for its variety & numbers of dragonflies and a set of habitats rare so close to London. On a similar day in 2021 the number of Four-spotted Chasers and other species at The Bog / Pudmore was off the scale.

There is the possibility of seeing both Downy Emerald and Brilliant Emerald, along with Keeled Skimmer and many more.

An opportunity to join the ranger and see beyond the permissive path at the edge of this extensive urban wildlife reserve. Still under development and restoration, the site supports a good diversity of birds and Red-veined Darter was photographed here in 2025.

Former clay pits associated with an abandoned brickworks, now managed for wildlife by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Join the wardens to explore a mosaic of habitats including woodland, grassland, lakes, various ponds and adjacent watercourse.