The British Dragonfly Society relies upon the hard work of thousands of dedicated volunteers, from dragonfly recorders to event helpers. Whatever your experience and interests, and however much time you have to give, there will be an opportunity for you to help dragonflies.
Register as a volunteer
Please fill out the BDS volunteer form if you are an existing or new volunteer. Once registered we can keep in touch regarding important updates and new oppotunities.
Register here
Recording
You don’t have to be an expert to take part in dragonfly recording. We have a range of recording projects to accommodate everyone’s level of ability. You can find out more under the Recording tab in the top menu.
Link > Introduction to recording and the BDS recording scheme
Support your local Dragonfly Hotspot
Dragonfly Hotspots are special places where local communities can learn about dragonflies and get involved with their conservation and events.
Most sites have volunteer teams that help with:
- practical habitat management
- visitor engagement and event management
- recording
See what opportunities are available at your nearest Hotspot.
Outreach Volunteers
Want to share your enjoyment of the outdoors and dragonfly knowledge with others? Join our team of outreach volunteers who run field meetings and training courses across the country, as advertised in our events section.
Contact our Outreach Officer to find out more.
Writers and reporters
We are always on the lookout for interesting articles, photos, and research to include in our communications, which includes:
If you have an idea for a story or content get in touch with our Outreach Officer:
Fundraise
Put your skills and hobbies to good use and help to raise money for us.
Become a Trustee
Want to take your volunteering further? Become a Trustee!
We need passionate dragonfly enthusiasts to help take the BDS up, up and beyond!
Trustee positions offer the opportunity to be involved in shaping the charity’s future, learning fun new skills and work with dragonfly conservation champions from across the UK.
The role can be shaped to fit your existing skill sets and personal interests.
To find out more about existing vacancies please contact the BDS Chairman for more details.
Dragonfly Conservation Group
The Dragonfly Conservation Group is a volunteer team that helps coordinate the conservation, education, research, and training aspects of the Society. It is made up of both professional academics and amateur Odonata experts who use their combined experience and knowledge to support BDS staff and Trustees. If you would like to learn more and are considering joining please click here for more information.
Free stuff
We have lots of resources to help you volunteer or if you’re just looking for some fun dragonfly-related activities.
Title image: Rodley Dragonfly Hotspot Volunteers, by Brian Walker.
Support your local Dragonfly Hotspot image: Llangorse lake by BBNPA.
Dragonfly Conservation Group: Larval surveying by Daniele Muir