New Dragonfly Pond Bursts into Life at Castle Fraser
23/07/2026
Just four months after excavation was completed, a brand-new dragonfly pond at Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate in Aberdeenshire is already proving to be a remarkable success for wildlife.
The National Trust for Scotland has spent the past two and a half years delivering a two-phase conservation project to safeguard the future of the endangered Northern Damselfly (Coenagrion hastulatum) at Castle Fraser – one of the few places in Scotland where this rare species can still be found. The project has been delivered in collaboration with the British Dragonfly Society, whose expertise helped shape both the habitat improvements and interpretation for visitors.
Protecting a precious population
The first phase of the project focused on protecting the existing Northern Damselfly habitat at the estate’s Flight Pond. Following damage caused by Storm Babet, work included repairing a sinkhole created by leaks at the pond’s outflow and strengthening erosion protection to safeguard this important wetland.
The project also tackled an unexpected threat by removing invasive goldfish that had been illegally released into the pond, helping to restore a healthier ecosystem for dragonflies, damselflies and other aquatic wildlife. Visitors can now also learn more about these fascinating insects thanks to new interpretation panels developed with support from the British Dragonfly Society.
Creating a new home for “flying jewels”
The second phase looked to the future.
After extensive habitat surveys and careful planning throughout 2025, work began in January 2026 to excavate a brand-new wetland known as Birks Pond. Completed in early February, the pond was created to provide additional habitat and, ultimately, help the Northern Damselfly expand its range across the estate. The new pond forms part of a wider network, or mosaic, of habitats that will improve the long-term resilience of dragonfly and damselfly populations at Castle Fraser.
A thriving new wetland
Although it was expected that dragonflies and damselflies might take several seasons to discover the new pond, nature had other ideas.
During a site visit in mid-June, the pond was already buzzing with life. A formal survey carried out on 24 June recorded five species of dragonflies and damselflies actively breeding at Birks Pond, with pairs observed mating and laying eggs.
The breeding species recorded were:
- Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)
- Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)
- Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)
- Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)
- Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)
Considering the nearby Flight Pond supports around ten species of Odonata, it is an incredible achievement that half of these have naturally colonised Birks Pond in just four months.
The pond is also attracting a wealth of other wildlife, including pond skaters, water boatmen, freshwater snails, Mallard ducks, and regular feeding visits from House Martins and Swallows. In only a matter of months, Birks Pond is already demonstrating the enormous biodiversity benefits that creating new wetlands can deliver.
The Northern Damselfly has not yet been recorded at the new pond, but further surveys are planned later this summer and hopes remain high that this endangered species will soon discover its new home.
Recognition for a conservation success
The project’s achievements have already received wider recognition, having been shortlisted for the Climate Action Award in the Aberdeen City and Shire regional finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards.
The nomination celebrates how habitat restoration can support biodiversity while helping landscapes become more resilient for the future. Winners will be announced in September, with regional winners progressing to the national finals.
Everyone at the British Dragonfly Society will be keeping their fingers crossed and congratulates the National Trust for Scotland team on this fantastic achievement.