RSPB Campfield Marsh Hotspot Launch Day
Join us to celebrate RSPB Campfield Marsh’s new status as a Dragonfly Hotspot.
Dragonfly Hotspots are special places, carefully chosen because they support a good variety of dragonfly and damselfly species, are easy to access, and can provide opportunities for local communities to learn about dragonflies and get involved with dragonfly conservation and events.
Campfield Marsh is an excellent regional site for Odonata and has good numbers of nationally declining species. The large pond and avenue near the visitor centre have proved to be good for Emperor Dragonfly and Migrant Hawkers, recent arrivals in North Cumbria. The peatbog habitat is naturally the place to encounter the Common Hawker, Black Darter and Emerald Damselfly. Earlier this year, the site began the reintroduction of the white-faced darter – find out more about this exciting conservation project here.
Launch activities:
Explore the reserve with experts to learn about dragonfly identification, their fascinating life cycle and where to find them. The day will be jam packed with exciting activities:
- Guided dragonfly walks (times to be confirmed, booking will be required)
- Pond dipping (drop-in)
- Dragonfly craft activities for families
- Spotter sheets of the species to see on site
- Knowledgeable guides on hand for any questions
The hotspot launch coincides with a reserve open day, with refreshments available and the opportunity to learn more about the other wildlife and conservation activities at Campfield Marsh.
A new interpretation board will be installed on site providing an insight into the dragonflies and damselflies that call Campfield Marsh their home.
Site information:
Please see the RSPB Campfield Marsh page for information on site accessibility, facilities and what other wildlife you can see on site.
The dragonfly walk listed in Dragonfly News has been cancelled due to the site’s health and safety policy changes. We apologise for this change to our events programme.
Image by Paul Ritchie.
Morning walk (approx. 3 hours) to look for a broad range of dragonfly species, including Norfolk Hawker and Variable Damselfly.
Leader / contact: Dr Pam Taylor – Norfolk Dragonfly Recorder
Email: to book or phone 01493 509596
Meet: 10.00am at Upton Fen car park, TG379136. Postcode NR13 6EQ (Low Road).
From Acle, Norwich or Wroxham head towards South Walsham, then follow signs for Pilson Green. Local public transport services are limited. The nearest train station is Acle (3.5 miles).
Image: Norfolk Hawker by Pam Taylor
Guided Dragonfly walk at Emberton Country Park, Bucks.
Meet at 10.30am for an 11am start, for a dragonfly walk that will run until 1-2pm.
An opportunity to see the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies, Small Red Damselflies and 16 other species that have made the Red River Valley Local Nature Reserve at Great Wheal Seton, Rosewarne Mill and Bell Lake Marsh their home.
An opportunity to see the newly discovered Southern Emerald Damselflies in Cornwall and to help explore & establish their range across the dune complex in this restricted access area. Moving on to other sites afterwards. Numbers limited to 20, booking essential.
Image: Female Lestes barbarus by Antonio A Goncalves
Joint meeting with Cleveland Field Naturalists. Due to popularity a return visit to explore this private rewilding project. To date 18 species have been recorded.
Leader – Keith Gittens
Image: Migrant Hawker by Dave Smallshire
Joint meeting with Freshwater Habitats Trust to explore the numerous ponds of the Military Training Area. An FHT Flagship Ponds site, to date 19 species of Odonata have been recorded. Distance 3 – 4 miles. Leaders – Keith Gittens, Anne Carter.
Image: Common Darter by Dave Smallshire
An opportunity to visit the Forestry Commission’s Beaver Project where dragonfly recording has occurred over the last five years. While the chance of seeing a Beaver is slim, you will be able to see the incredible work they have done along with the Odonata that inhabit the pools. To date 17 species have been recorded including Golden-ringed Dragonfly.
In the afternoon there should be the opportunity to go to Tranmire Bog for Keeled Skimmer.
Image: Keeled Skimmer by Dave Smallshire
Join the Scotland team on Saturday 5th April 2025 for our 2025 Scotland Conference in the Soutar Theatre at the AK Bell Library, Perth. There will be talks, workshops and a chance to connect with like-minded dragonfly enthusiasts.
Refreshments will be provided but not lunch. Please book your place using the form below.
| Name | Talk |
| Lorna Slater MSP | Nature Champion for the Northern Damselfly: ‘On holiday with the Damselflies’. |
| Stephen Corcoran | Corrour peatland restoration and Northern Damselfly project |
| Pat Batty | Corrour survey results |
| Scott Shanks | Dragonflies on the Bog |
| Jen Davidson | Conservation work |
| Genevieve Tomkins | Cairngorms to Coast: the hunt for a rare dragon and damsel |
| Emma Stevens-Veitch | Playing hide & seek with Northern Emerald larvae |
| David Penman | Carse of Stirling Dragonflies |
| Workshops | Exuvia & larva ID |
Book your place using the form below: