Dragonflies on the Bog Volunteer Training for Rare Species ID and survey skills (Glencoe)
Focus species – Azure Hawker, White-faced Darter and Northern Emerald
Who is it for?
This training is for people that are able to make a small commitment to supporting long term volunteer monitoring of the Dragonflies on the Bog project restoration sites across the north-west Highlands. The commitment will involve surveying 1 or more sites, 3-4 times over a 10 year period which will involve 1-2 days of surveying time – so likely around 3-8 days over 10 years. This is probably best suited to people that either live in the area and also those who travel there on holidays/for work and are prepared to incorporate some surveying on their adventures. Please only sign up if you are prepared to commit to this longer term volunteering.
The training will be run by Jen Davidson our Scotland Conservation Officer and Emma Stevens-Veitch our Dragonflies on the Bog Project Officer.
What will it involve?
A brief training presentation and background information will be delivered but this training will be mainly practical and will run in all weathers so be prepared for the best and the worst! We will be visiting a mix of pools across Glen Coe and Glen Etive. We will be surveying for larvae and looking in particular for the rare species but learning about all the species we find. We will familiarise you with the habitats and help you evaluate how the pools are holding up to climate conditions. We will support people to use ID guides, look for key features as well as uploading survey results to iRecord. All equipment will be provided and takeaway ID guides will be supplied. There will be around 4-5 miles of walking across the sites over the few days but it won’t be fast paced and there is a chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes as we move between pools. But please note this training takes place on boggy unstable ground.
When?
15th to 17th August. We ask for people to arrive for the evening of the 15th as the training will start early in the morning of the 16th at 9am with a presentation at the Visitor Centre and finishing up on the 17th at 4pm (or earlier if people need to depart for transport reasons).
Costs and cancellations:
Please note the course and accommodation costs have been fully funded by the Nature Restoration Fund (NatureScot). If for any reasons you have to cancel we ask that you give as much notice as possible. We will hold a waiting list for the course and it will be good to offer this valuable opportunity to others. Our last course had a few no shows and it was really unfortunate that this funding is lost and that those on our waiting list could not be offered the opportunity. We know that life happens and ask that you please communicate as early as possible if you cannot come so spaces can be passed to others.
Your self-funded costs will be travel and food.
Accommodation:
We have booked a selection of bed spaces at Glencoe Youth Hostel in female and male dorm rooms and at the Red Squirrel Campsite we have a number of tent pitches. Please choose in the booking ticket option for the appropriate space you need. You may also arrange your own accommodation if you prefer.
Getting to the training:
We recommend car sharing if possible and if you are open to this please let Emma know (details below) and we will connect you with others. We may be able to pick people up from Glen Orchy train station or connect with others so please tell us if you are travelling by train. There are buses from Glasgow, Fort William and Inverness with stops at the Glencoe Visitor Centre and again let us know if you need a pick up there.
Food:
A packed sandwich lunch will be provided by Glencoe Visitor Centre on the 16th July. You will need to provide all your other meals and snacks so please come prepared.
There are various eating out options in Glencoe in the evening depending on your access to transport otherwise there are self-catering facilities or some other options at the youth hostel.
Weather, midges and terrain:
As you will all know the Scottish Highlands can be hugely unpredictable and you need to be prepared for anything as we will potentially be a long way from shelter and we will go out in all weathers. Plenty of layers, waterproofs, sun screen, hats and midge nets/repellents are a must. Good wellies for the bog are probably preferable as we will be on very boggy terrain but if you need extra support then hiking boots may be better – choose to suit your own needs. Long sleeves/trousers are also recommended as we are in tick territory.
Booking:
Please book here.
If the event is fully booked and you want to be added to the waiting list or if you have any questions please contact Emma Stevens-Veitch at emma.stevens-veitch@british-dragonflies.org.uk
Dragonflies on the Bog Volunteer Rare Species Survey and ID Skills
4th to 6th July – Corrour Estate and Roy Bridge
Focus species – Azure Hawker, White-faced Darter and Northern Emerald
Join the BDS for a guided walk around this Dragonfly Hotspot, where at least 22 dragonfly species have been recorded.
Walks will be held at 11:30 and 14:00.
Walks are free but there is an admission cost.
Registration is not required.
Image: Wicken Fen by Hugh Venables.
Join the BDS for a guided walk around this Dragonfly Hotspot, where at least 22 dragonfly species have been recorded.
Walks will be held at 11:30 and 14:00.
Walks are free but there is an admission cost.
Registration is not required.
Image: Wicken Fen by Hugh Venables.
Join the BDS for a guided walk around this Dragonfly Hotspot, where at least 22 dragonfly species have been recorded.
Walks will be held at 11:30 and 14:00.
Walks are free but there is an admission cost.
Registration is not required.
Image: Wicken Fen by Hugh Venables.
Hotspot Project
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.
What’s On
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.
11:00-12:30/13:00
Guided dragonfly walk (2.5 miles). Booking required (email: events@british-dragonlies.org.uk)
All day
- 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 other wildlife you can see on site.
Image by Rosser
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: pam.taylor@british-dragonflies.org.uk 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.