BDS Annual Meeting 2026
More information to come.
The UK’s popular insect citizen science survey is back – bigger, earlier and bolder than ever. Bugs Matter the bug-splat-counting survey, organised by Buglife and Kent Wildlife Trust, launches on Wednesday 1 April and runs through to Wednesday 30 September. That’s a full month earlier than previous years, timed to coincide with Citizen Science Month and tocapture precious early-season data.
Twice a year, we run a Big River Watch, and the next one will take place between 24th and 30th April 2026. Anyone can take part in these week-long citizen science surveys that help to build an important picture of river health across the UK and Ireland.
Our rivers are far from healthy. They’re polluted with sewage, plastic, chemicals and nutrients, and just 15% of river stretches in England are in good overall health.
To restore them, we need more information about how they’re doing. You can help us identify and locate the problems. With the Big River Watch app, you can help us identify the issues, which help us influence policymakers and hold polluters to account.
Image by Neil Howard
A joint meeting of BDS Hants, Surrey, Berkshire Group with Butterfly Conservation, Surrey branch, led by Francis Kelly, an expert in both.
Wildwood is an abandoned golf course with numerous “water features”. 24 species of Odonata have been recorded across 18+ ponds. Also look out for the very rare Brown Hairstreak butterfly.
A return visit following last years’ trip during dull weather, to further explore the various habitats at this wetland complex. Previous records for July include a good range of species, with the possibility of Lesser Emperor.
Wellies or waterproof footwear recommended for the cattle-grazed marsh in the morning, then an afternoon look at the open water on nearby Spynes Mere.
A joint meeting of BDS Hants, Surrey, Berkshire Group with Butterfly Conservation, Surrey branch.
In 2025 we saw mating Scarce Chaser there for the first time. Also: Hairy Dragonfly, Downy Emerald on Wey/Arun Canal; spring Skippers.
Afternoon carshare to Oaken Wood for Wood White butterfly.
Aims: A survey of the grounds of this JLP country club on the banks of the Thames. We will look especially for emerging Common Clubtail (Gomphus vulgatissimus) and White-legged Damselfly.
Leaders: Alan Holmes & Brian Clews
Image copyright: Danny Chapman
The Biodiversity Shorts are a series of webinars that delve into a range of natural history topics, with live discussion and tuition from an expert tutor. All webinars will be hosted on Zoom, and they will be approximately one hour long, including time for questions from participants.
This River and Riparian Stewardship course is a four-day extended residential experience with additional online learning and assessment delivered in partnership between the Field Studies Council and Riverlution. Designed for those looking to build real-world skills, the course combines hands-on river and habitat management with expert tuition.
The Aquatic Insects Special Interest Group event brings together researchers, conservation practitioners and enthusiasts to explore cutting-edge approaches in aquatic ecosystem monitoring and management.
Through hands-on workshops and expert presentations, participants will gain practical skills in modern analytical techniques while engaging with current challenges in freshwater biodiversity conservation.
The event will comprise of a full day meeting on Thursday 26 February with an optional morning workshop on Friday 27 February (included in the price).
Join us as part of the Northern Damselfly Project in Deeside to improve the habitat for these beautiful and rare damselflies. Meet at 10am at the Muir of Dinnet/ Burn o’ Vat NNR visitor centre at What3Words ref https://map.what3words.com/frightens.land.stretcher
Wear wellies (or waders if you have them), as well as waterproofs and warm clothes, including gloves. We’ll be putting in dams and removing pine regen and it will be a wet and muddy job (though great fun)! Bring your lunch and a drink though biscuits will be provided.
Please book by emailing Project Officer Mark Tasker with your phone number so we know how many tools & biscuits to bring. Please note this task is subject to receiving landowner approval and the weather not being too icy or snowy.
We look forward to seeing you there!
During 2023-2025, the BDS trained a group of young people to identify and survey dragonflies at
Stover. The results will be presented, and the opportunity will be taken to provide updates on dragonflies
in South-west England to a BDS and wider audience.
Book tickets here
09:30 Arrival, refreshments
10:00 Welcome and introduction (Dave Smallshire, BDS County Dragonfly Recorder for Devon)
10:05 Stover Country Park and its Dragonflies (Dave Smallshire)
10:30 Restoring Stover Park: Desilting the Lake (speaker tbc)
10:50 Monitoring the Dragonflies of Stover Lake (Dave Smallshire)
11:30 Break – refreshments
11:50 Dragonfly larvae (Jon Van Gowler, Joint Somerset CDR)
12:30 Lunch (please bring your own)
13:30 Cornwall update (Steve Jones)
13:50 South Devon update (Dave Smallshire)
14:10 North Devon (update – Andy McGeeney; South West Water and new discoveries – Liz Crow;
Lundy vs the mainland – Mandy Yates)
14:55 Break – refreshments
15:15 Somerset update (Chris Cardno/Mark Webb?)
15:35 South Peatland Restoration (Steve Edmonds)
15:55 Priority Sites in Devon: targets for 2026 (Dave Smallshire)
16:15 Final words and depart
The theme of the 2026 conference is ‘Peatlands Under Pressure’, and it will be exploring the challenges peatlands face from development, intensive land management and a changing climate, as well as the opportunities presented by scaling up nature-based solutions to environmental pressures.
The conference takes you to Swansea University’s Bay Campus in South Wales, a beautiful location with its own beach, seafront promenade and on-site accommodation, and the perfect base from which to explore the peatlands of South Wales. Over three days, there will be plenary sessions, workshops, topic deep dives and field visits bringing together research, policy and practice. Alongside this diverse programme, there will be additional opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing, with dedicated poster sessions and networking events, and an exhibition area throughout the event.
Join BDS and Angus Alive Rangers to help improve the dragonfly ponds at our first ever Dragonfly Hotspot, Crombie Country Park, near Monikie in Angus. Meet at 10am in the car park at What3Words ref https://map.what3words.com/centrally.torn.centrally
Wear wellies (or waders if you have them), as well as waterproofs and warm clothes as we’ll be removing sedges from one of the ponds and it will be a wet and muddy job (though great fun)! Bring your lunch and a drink though biscuits will be provided.
Please book by emailing Ranger Calum on Callum.Lyall@angusalive.scot so we know how many tools & biscuits to bring.
We look forward to seeing you there!
There are two walks on this day:
Morning: 10:30-13:00
Afternoon: 14:00-16:30
Book your tickets here – limited spaces available
£5 per person (kids go free); please bring it on the day.
These are joint walks between Natural England and the British Dragonfly Society.
This guided walk will introduce you to the rare quaking bog habitat and the endangered White-faced Darters that live there.
Meeting/ parking place: Grid reference: SK 02219 28970. Meeting point is on A518 Stafford to Uttoxeter road, 4 miles west of Uttoxeter and 7 miles east of Stafford. Approaching from the Stafford direction, please park on the wide grassy road verge 1 mile beyond Chartley castle. Approaching from Uttoxeter the meeting point is 0.3 miles past the timber yard/ former filling station. A useful landmark at the meeting point is a tarmac farm drive with green iron gateposts and a number of copper beech trees. Please be extremely careful when parking, this is a very fast and dangerous stretch of road.
Image by L.B. Tettenborn
Fun family day with over 30 societies and universities.
The 8th edition of the European Congress on Odonatology (ECOO) will take place for the very first time in Poland!
The organizing team is working tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable experience and a warm welcome to the land of Polish dragonflies. Poland is home to over 70 species of Odonata – from the commonly seen to the exceptionally rare. Among the rarest are Cordulegaster boltonii, Aeshna subarctica, and Coenagrion armatum. Learn more at https://wazki.pl/start.html
Conference Venue
The congress will be held from 23 to 26 June 2026 in Teresin, located just 40 km west of Warsaw. The venue is the historic Niepokalanów Monastery, founded over a century ago and run by the Conventual Franciscan Friars.
What to Expect
Over three days, participants will enjoy a rich program of engaging presentations, discussions on the latest research in Odonatology, and of course—good coffee and delicious pierogi!
One full day will be dedicated to a field trip to Kampinos National Park and its surroundings, including unique peat bogs and raised bogs. Located near Warsaw, Kampinos is one of Poland’s largest national parks, offering a rare mix of forests, wetlands, and dunes.
For the more adventurous, a post-congress tour is planned for 27 June to 3 July 2026, exploring the wild and beautiful nature of northern Poland, including the scenic Kashubian region.
Stay Tuned
We are currently finalizing all organizational details. Information about registration, travel, accommodation, and meals will begin to appear starting this autumn via our newsletter, website, and social media channels.
Register here
This will be an online event held over Zoom open to members and non-members. It will be free but donations are welcome.
Talks
Dragonflies of Poland, and the European Congress of Odonatology 2026 ~ Agnieszka Tańczuk, PhD, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University
In 2026, European Congress of Odonatology will take place in the heart of Europe – Poland. The main event will be held near the capital city – in Niepokalanów monastery, in Teresin, from the 23rd until the 26th of June. The mid-congress trip is going to be organized in Kampinoski National Park, known as “the green lungs of Warsaw and Mazovia region”. Post congress trips, from 27 th of June until 2 nd of July, will be located in Kashubia ethnocultural region in the northern Poland. There will be the possibility to see such precious Odonata species as: Sympecma paedisca, Ischnura pumilio, Coenagrion hastulatum, Nehalennia speciosa, Aeshna juncea, A. subarctica, A. viridis, Ophiogomphus cecilia, Cordulegaster boltonii, Somatochlora arctica, Leucorrhinia dubia, L. rubicunda, L. pectoralis, L. albifrons, L. caudalis and Sympetrum danae.
Organizing Committee: Adam Tarkowski, Paweł Buczyński, Edyta Buczyńska, Maria Gołąb, Krystian Ołdak, Szymon Śniegula.
See you in Poland!
Quarries and Nature ~ David Payne, Senior Planning Advisor, Mineral Products Association
Quarry restoration projects that are supporting Odonata and nature conservation in Britain.
Going Peat-free ~ Sally Nex, Peat-free Partnership
Peatlands are among our most precious natural resources – yet they’re still being dug up to grow petunias, despite the government promises to bring in a ban. Sally Nex talks about her work as advocate for the Peat-free Partnership and why we must get the peat out of our gardens, once and for all.
Marsh Wood Pond, a case study of Odonata population changes in Oxfordshire ~ Stephen Burch, County Dragonfly Recorder for Oxfordshire.
With seemingly ideal conditions for dragonflies in 2025, it was surprising that casual observers reported a general lack of activity at multiple sites in Oxfordshire during the height of the season. Systematic recording data from four sites were therefore analysed and found to be consistent with this trend in most cases. Possible reasons for this decrease are outlined.
The Weird World of Dragonfly Larvae ~ Jon Van Gowler, a County Dragonfly Recorder for Somerset, and wildlife photographer Mark Webb
Did you see the emerging Emperor on Attenborough’s Will London? Hear from the man who raised them. Dive into the mysterious underwater world of Dragonfly larvae.
Over 200 New Ponds and Counting: How the National Education Nature Park Is Supporting Biodiversity in Schools ~ Victoria Burton and Tom Lawrence, Natural History Museum, London
The National Education Nature Park is a free, Department for Education–commissioned programme supporting schools, colleges and nurseries across England to create and enhance habitats on their grounds. Since 2023, over 8,000 settings have joined, backed by more than £12 million in grants. This has already resulted in over 200 new ponds and many other wildlife improvements. Alongside habitat creation, young people and educators are mapping their sites and recording species, contributing data that helps reveal biodiversity on educational land – one of the most under‑recorded types in England. This talk will highlight what the programme is achieving and how you can get involved or offer support.
Nature over Natter x BDS Colab ~ Tammie Esslemont Co-founder of Nature Over Natter
This is a community-based social media campaign that aims to prove that there’s a way everyone – including you – can get involved and make a difference.
Programme
| 09:30 | Welcome |
| 09:45 | Agnieszka Tańczuk |
| 10:15 | David Payne |
| 10:45 | Break |
| 11:00 | Victoria Burton and Tom Lawrence |
| 11:30 | Stephen Burch |
| 12:00 | Break |
| 12:15 | Q&A morning speakers |
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 13:45 | Jon Van Gowler and Mark Webb |
| 14:45 | Break |
| 15:00 | Sally Nex |
| 15:40 | Q&A afternoon speakers |
| 16:10 | Tammie Esslemont |
| 16:20 | End |
Freshwater invertebrates are a diverse and vital part of aquatic ecosystems in the UK, inhabiting rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. These diverse animals include insects, molluscs, crustaceans, and leeches. They play a key role in food webs and are often used as indicators for water quality.
This self-led course equips participants with essential identification skills for studying freshwater invertebrates. Providing an introduction to the main taxonomic groups commonly found in the UK’s freshwater habitats, this Freshwater Invertebrates course will help you develop a deeper understanding of their diversity and ecological importance.
Freshwater invertebrates are a diverse and vital part of aquatic ecosystems in the UK, inhabiting rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. These diverse animals include insects, molluscs, crustaceans, and leeches. They play a key role in food webs and are often used as indicators for water quality.
This self-led course equips participants with essential identification skills for studying freshwater invertebrates. Providing an introduction to the main taxonomic groups commonly found in the UK’s freshwater habitats, this Freshwater Invertebrates course will help you develop a deeper understanding of their diversity and ecological importance.
You are invited to the next Royal Entomological Society Outreach SIG meeting at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh on 22 November.
Be inspired…
By guest speakers:
Entomologist, farmer and conservationist Dr Sarah Beynon, shares her experience of Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm and her latest conservation projects.
Naturalist, ecologist and TV presenter Nick Baker, who is embarking on a new Scottish wood ant project.
Be creative…
In workshops with:
Curator Ashleigh Whiffin & artist Ed Harrison will share how the Wild Wings of Hope project was delivered at NMS and give delegates a taster of these creative workshops.
Jessica Symons, the anthropologist and digital consultant who brought us Giant Insect World, will be guiding us to create modern, dynamic experiences.
Be collaborative…
Throughout the day, with:
A dedicated poster session to network, chat and see what exciting entomology outreach projects have been going on.
Opportunities to meet like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture, whether it’s a small local project or a major event for Insect Week!
If you love entomology outreach, this is the place for you!
Join BDS and NatureScot to help improve the dragonfly ponds at wonderful Dragonfly Hotspot, Morton Lochs, near Tayport in Fife. Meet at 10am in the Morton Lochs car park at What3Words ref https://what3words.com/processes.booms.carry
Wear wellies (or waders if you have them), as well as waterproofs and warm clothes. Bring your lunch and a drink though tea/ coffee and biscuits will be provided.
Please book by emailing site manager Marijke on marijke.leith@nature.scot so we know how many tools & biscuits to bring.
We look forward to seeing you there!
An illustrated talk with Kate Hawkins, introducing the dragonflies and damselflies of the Isle of Man, with tips on their ecology, behaviour and identification.
The event is free with no need to book, however donations are welcome.
There will also be some light refreshments.
Image by Dave Smallshire
NBN Trust, publishers of BDS Recording Scheme data on NBN Atlas, is holding its annual conference on Thursday, 20 Nov 2025 aboard SS Great Britain at Bristol.
Please refer to the event link for more info, including the conference programme and booking details.
Speakers range from those running schemes & projects that provide data (including eDNA) to the Atlas, through UK data users, to aggregators of global data for whom NBN Atlas is one resource among many.
Records Officer, David Hepper, will be there to represent BDS.
Come and join us for this year’s annual Insect Show, hosted by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society (DaNES).
Delve into the wonderful world of insects and their relatives through interactive displays, mounted specimens and live exhibits. A variety of local and national organisations will have stands and fascinating talks will be held throughout the day, with something to interest all ages.
The show will take place in the Bramley Building, which is part of NTU’s Brackenhurst Campus. It is easy to find, located next to the A612 just south of Southwell. The Nottingham-Southwell bus stops outside, and for those coming by car there will be ample space for parking. There is also a lift by the entrance to the show and wheelchair access.
So … with plenty to see and do, the Orangery café for refreshments, and Brackenhurst’s idyllic rural grounds to explore for some late-season insect life … why not come along and make a day of it!
Join Canvey Wick Community Warden, Katie, for a special summer Walk the Wick event: Dragonfly Safari!
A social walk to connect with nature. All welcome!
Meet for refreshments and a chat from 10am at Morrison’s Community Room.
Joint meeting with Cleveland Field Naturalists. A series of three ponds on a private farm within the Howardian Hills Natural Landscapes. The farm is managed in an environmentally sensitive way. To date 18 species have been recorded.
Leader – Keith Gittens
Meet 10.30 am at the farm on Mowthorpe Lane in Terrington.Birkdale Farm, Mowthorpe Lane, Terrington What3Words – blotting.firms.turkeys
Image: Blue-tailed Damselfly by Dave Smallshire
A chance for members of the BDS Youth Panel to meet up, catch up and develop their skills in dragonfly identification and recording.
Image by Adrian Snood.
Our London BDS Dragonfly Hotspot is hosting a dragonfly extravaganza including an insect circus, myths, crafts and more.
A series of BDS-led dragonfly walks to learn more about dragonfly biology and identification will take place at:
- 12 and 2pm on Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th
Walks will last approximately 30-40 minutes each.
The walks are free, but there is an admission cost to the London Wetland Centre.
More information on the full event line up is available on the WWT event webpage.
Image by WWT
All our members are invited to participate in our AGM to hear the Trustees’ annual report of the charity’s performance, finances, and activities, and to elect new Trustees.
The AGM will be followed by a talk on the Dragonflies on the Bog BDS project by Emma Stevens-Veitch (Project Officer).
Register here.
New Trustee for Appointment
Maria Giulia Checchi as Secretary
Maria Giulia is an active member of the BDS Youth Panel. She has been fascinated by wildlife ever since she can remember and came to the UK to study for a degree in Animal Behaviour. During her time in Cornwall and Scotland, she focused on improving her ID skills and understanding of UK species, which was how she first became interested in the world of dragonflies. She is now taking steps to pursue a career in conservation, with a main focus on species restoration. She looks forward to contributing to the Society through the role of Secretary and as a continuing Youth Panel member. Her favourite Odonata is the Golden-ringed Dragonfly.
Minutes for Approval
Financial Statement for Approval
Join us online for a day of talks and discussion on Dragonflies in Britain.
This year’s Annual Meeting will be taking place online to increase access and minimise cost.
This event is free, but donations are welcome to help cover running costs.
Register here today
Please revisit this page for updates.
Programme
10:30 Introduction and announcements
10:45 Edwin Peeters, PhD (Associate Professor, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University) ~ The relationship of dragonflies and damselflies with the aquatic environment is different for adult and larval stages.
11:15 Laura Weldon, PhD (Founder, The eDNA Consultancy) ~ Applications of eDNA as a wildlife monitoring tool.
11:45 Break
12:00 Eleanor Baker (Monitoring Officer, South West Peatland Partnership (South West Water)) ~ Restoring peatlands across Cornwall, Dartmoor and Exmoor.
12:30 Q&A with morning speakers
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Hannah Boyes (WWT Senior Visitor Marketing Manager) and Lukus Robbins (WWT Creative Content Producer) ~ The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s Dragonfly Festival, a summer celebration of dragonflies.
14:30 Kerry Dodd (Conservation Officer, Buglife) ~ Guardians of our Rivers: Next Steps. Connecting communities across Scotland with their local rivers and the invertebrates that call these places home.
15:00 Break
15:15 Kat Mayer (Education and Engagement Officer) ~ Tarras Valley Nature Reserve; a community-led rewilding project.
15:45 Q&A with afternoon speaker
16:15 Close
Promotional materials
Join Dave Smallshire (British Dragonfly Society – Devon Group) to learn about peatland restoration work and to help with monitoring of upland species such as Black Darter and Common Hawker (looking for exuviae etc.) in a remote area of blanket bog.
Image: Black Darter by Richard M. Clarke.