Dragonflies in the Garden talk – Ruary Mackenzie Dodds
Renowned naturalist and author of The Dragonfly Diaries Ruary Mackenzie Dodds, described by TV personality Chris Packham as “the greatest ambassador these insects have had in the UK…” will be in the gardens to talk to visitors about dragonflies and Exbury’s very special ‘hotspot’ status on 6th and 13th July at 11.30am and 2:30pm.
Copies of his book The Dragonfly Diaries are available to purchase in our Gift Shop.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity which is free with a gardens admissions ticket or a Friends of Exbury Membership.
Image by Exbury Gardens
Monitoring biodiversity is vital for making evidence-based decisions when it comes to our impact on nature, be that conservation, planning decisions or implementing guidance and best practice.
The Biological Recording: Local To National Virtual Symposium will explore how biological recording is undertaken at varied geographic scales, from site-based recording informing the ongoing management of a site to national surveillance schemes that inform government policy and legislation.
Biological recorders, citizen scientists, conservationists and biodiversity-sector professionals are all invited to join us for a celebration of the importance of recording wildlife.
Speaker Programme
This event will be hosted by Dr Sarah Whild (National Forum for Biological Recording) and feature four presentations, each focusing on the relevance of biological recording at a different geographic scale, in addition to Q&A sessions with each speaker:
- Charismatic Clearwings in Mid Wales with Dr Norman Lowe (Brecknock Moth Group)
- Tracking the Impact: Landscape Scale Monitoring Across the Chilterns with Nick Marriner (Chilterns National Landscape)
- 30 Years of Garden BirdWatch with Susan Jones (British Trust for Ornithology)
- Getting To Scale: Biodiversity Monitoring for Local Change Detection with Caroline Coogan (Joint Nature Conservation Committee)
The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and lists of useful links via a password-protected website following the event.
Join us for this year’s BirdFair on 11, 12 & 13 July 2025 where nature lovers and birdwatchers gather to celebrate the natural world.
Come and find our stand in the exhibitor’s marquees to find out more about our conservation work and learn about dragonflies – we look forward to meeting you there!
Our stand will be accessible 9am to 5.30pm daily. Last admission to marquees is at 4pm.
The event hosts a mix of talks, events and workshops as well as other stalls from wildlife charities and other organisations.
We are excited to be exhibiting at Chatsworth Garden and Plant Fair!
We will be showcasing the wonder of dragonflies, highlighting the species you may find in your garden and how we can all do our bit for their conservation by adding a pond to our gardens.
The event will also have opportunities to browse specialist plant nurseries, meet garden experts, and experience a variety of talks and tours, plus live music and local food.
Click here for more information.
[Image: Garden pond by Dave Smallshire]
Have a go at some activities and crafts to celebrate Dragonfly Day and learn more about these amazing insects.
Drop into the Education Centre at Whisby Nature Park to have a go at pond dipping and to learn more about dragonflies. Have a go at some art and craft activities to create your own dragonflies to take home.
Activities are available free, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
For more information, please get in touch with our Education Team; email: whisbyeducation@lincstrust.co.uk or by phone: 01522 696926.
Click here for more information.
[Image: Common Darter by Dave Smallshire]
The Hawk Conservancy Trust’s Big Wild Weekend is a festival of British nature, showcasing the wonderful natural world on our doorsteps. A range of wildlife activities and stands from UK Conservation charities will be present for the weekend.
Join us for family-friendly dragonfly crafts and activities to celebrate these incredible insects.
The event runs 10am-5.30pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th.
Pre-booking advised. Paid entry to the Centre required.
[Image: Banded demoiselle by Stephen Evans]
We are excited to be running a stand at Green Gathering, an off-grid, grassroots festival, exploring low-impact living through music, arts, activism, spoken word, crafts and so much more.
We will be showcasing the wonder of dragonflies, running craft activities and inspiring conservation actions for all to take part in.
So grab your tickets now and make sure to stop by and say hello!
Come and join the Dragonfly Society and WWT at the Wild Weekend, part of the Natural History Consortium’s Festival of Nature.
Join us for dragonfly crafts and activities to celebrate WWT’s Dragonfly Festival and learn more about these incredible insects.
We will have a stand in Millennium Square for the whole weekend, from 10am-6pm on Saturday 14th and 10am-5pm on Sunday 15th.
You can also take part in the Water Parade on at 2.30pm with your dragonfly creations made in our craft workshops: https://www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/event/wild-weekend-water-parade/
The Festival of Nature (7th-15th June) includes many free family-friendly nature activities, exhibitor stalls, wildlife film screenings, talks and performances, music and parades, in Bristol. https://www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/
[Image: Northern Damselfly by D Muir]
Discover the Magic of Dragonflies at Panshanger Park!
Join dragonfly experts Tim Hill & Steve Brooks from HMWT for a fascinating guided walk along the Panshanger Park Dragonfly Trail. Dive into the world of these incredible insects as you learn about their lifecycles, hunting techniques, and unique resting behaviours. Along the way, you’ll also get the chance to identify different dragonfly species in their natural habitat.
Distance: Approx. 2 miles over uneven ground/tracks
Dogs: Welcome on a lead
Who Can Join? Suitable for adults, families, and children aged 8+
Weather Notice: The walk may be cancelled in the event of strong winds or rain.
Limited Spaces – Booking Essential! Secure your spot to avoid disappointment. Book via Eventbrite.
For any questions, please contact dan.hamley@maydencroft.co.uk.
This FREE guided walk is part of Tarmac’s community programme at Panshanger Park—a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and explore the beauty of dragonflies up close!
This event is running several times. See Eventbrite page to book any of the following slots:
17th May 11am
17th May 1.30pm
14th June 11am
14th June 1.30pm
12th July 11am
9th August 11am
13th September 11am
[Image: Panshanger Park by Jen Gilbert]
Discover the Magic of Dragonflies at Panshanger Park!
Join dragonfly experts Tim Hill & Steve Brooks from HMWT for a fascinating guided walk along the Panshanger Park Dragonfly Trail. Dive into the world of these incredible insects as you learn about their lifecycles, hunting techniques, and unique resting behaviours. Along the way, you’ll also get the chance to identify different dragonfly species in their natural habitat.
Distance: Approx. 2 miles over uneven ground/tracks
Dogs: Welcome on a lead
Who Can Join? Suitable for adults, families, and children aged 8+
Weather Notice: The walk may be cancelled in the event of strong winds or rain.
Limited Spaces – Booking Essential! Secure your spot to avoid disappointment. Book via Eventbrite.
For any questions, please contact dan.hamley@maydencroft.co.uk.
This FREE guided walk is part of Tarmac’s community programme at Panshanger Park—a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and explore the beauty of dragonflies up close!
This event is running several times. See Eventbrite page to book any of the following slots:
17th May 11am
17th May 1.30pm
14th June 11am
14th June 1.30pm
12th July 11am
9th August 11am
13th September 11am
[Image: Panshanger Park by Jen Gilbert]