Launch of the LIFE Dee River project
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has launched £6.8 million project to restore the River Dee and the surrounding landscape, for the benefit of both people and wildlife. While the project will aim to support the entire river ecosystem by tackling environmental issues, such as pollution, it will also target the river’s most vulnerable inhabitants, including salmon, … Continued
BDS congratulates its Patron David Attenborough on second knighthood
The British Dragonfly Society would like to congratulate its Patron, Sir David Attenborough, on his upcoming second knighthood. Sir Attenborough is to be appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael And St George for services to television broadcasting and conservation. He said: “I am, of course, most honoured that my work should … Continued
Fifth edition of Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO) released
“Humanity stands at a crossroads with regard to the legacy it leaves to future generations. Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, and the pressures driving this decline are intensifying. None of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets will be fully met, in turn threatening the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and undermining efforts to … Continued
Southern Damselflies found at new sites in Pembrokeshire
A £19,000 grant from Natural Resources Wales has resulted in the enhancement of over 100 sites in Pembrokeshire. Following habitat management work, surveyors identified Southern Damselflies (Coenagrion mercuriale) at seven news sites including Blaencleddau, Dolau Isaf and Waun Isaf. As the Southern Damselfly is currently categorised as endangered these results have massive implications for the … Continued
Ambitious project to create 40 miles of welsh bog
Cors Caron National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Cors Fochno (part of the Dyfi NNR) in Ceredigion have been selected for the LIFE Welsh Raised Bogs Project. The raised bogs will undergo habitat restoration which will involve re-wetting the drying peatlands, raising the ground water levels. This will encourage the development of bog pools for aquatic … Continued
Most of England’s rivers polluted, reports EA
According to the most recent figures from the Environment Agency 86% of rivers in England are failing to meet ecological standards. While conditions have improved since the 1990s the report reveals that we are completely off track to meet the 2027 target of having 100% healthy waters. The three main culprits behind our polluted rivers … Continued
Pond Ponderings – from St. Andrew’s House in Exmouth
Our newest Pond Ponderings writer is Richard Spencer, who has worked on a fantastic pond project for the benefit of both people and dragonflies in Exmouth: “St. Andrew’s House is a residential project in Exmouth for adults with a history of mental health problems, run by SAHA (Salvation Army Housing Association). Being a converted … Continued
Dragonfly named after BDS County Dragonfly Recorder Bill Budd
Megalogomphus buddi: a Bornean species that breeds in fast flowing forest streams. Until recently it was treated as one and the same as Megalogomphus sumatranus; however, a recent taxonomic review by Dow and Price (2020)1 M. buddi as a novel species based on variations in accessory genitalia. This new species is named after Bill Budd, in … Continued
Our Rarest Damselfly Triples its Population !
The Dainty Damselfly (Coenagrion scitulum), which for the last ten years has existed only in a small colony on the Isle of Sheppey, has been discovered in large numbers at a private site at the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust. Dainty Damselfly is rather local throughout its range, occurring in France, northern Iberia … Continued
Virtual Birdfair 2020 (18th-23rd August)
Today marks the launch of the virtual Birdfair 2020! Join the BDS and all your favourite wildlife organisations at this annual celebration of all things wild! There’s plenty of activities for you to get involved with, from online talks to competitions. Visit the event website here Of course the BDS is in attendance; you can … Continued