New Dragonfly Pond At Castle Fraser

20/05/2026

The BDS collaborated with the National Trust for Scotland to design a new dragonfly pond at Castle Fraser, the grounds of which support the endangered Northern Damselfly (Coenagrion hastulatum).

Vivian Bisset, National Trust for Scotland Ranger in the North East, said: “We’re delighted to have introduced a brand new pond habitat to the landscape here at Castle Fraser, a key piece in the mosaic of habitats we’re building for the Odonata assemblages to thrive here. As the only site cared for by the Trust where the Northern Damselfly can be found, the grounds at Castle Fraser are critical for us to contribute to the protection of this priority species in Scotland.

It can take a couple of seasons for the Odonata to find their way to a new home and several years until they hatch, so it may be a while before we see our ‘flying jewels’ hovering around the edges of the new Birks Pond.

The visitor experience has also been enhanced by the addition of interpretation panels and way markers around the Flight Pond, encouraging positive engagement with nature. It’s thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of the Postcode Lottery, that we’re able to continue this vital work to protect Scotland’s natural heritage for all to enjoy, for generations to come.”

 

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Image by Damian Pinguey