Membership News 2024

A Note from the Membership Office As we look forward to the new dragonfly season, it is also the time of year for your membership renewal of the BDS. BDS subscription fees have remained constant for over a decade. However, due to the increasing costs, adjustments are now necessary in order for us to continue…

Study finds pollution from flea treatment in the New Forest pools

A study has found that a the common insecticide used in ‘spot-on’ flea treatments, imidacloprid, was detected at four waterbody locations where dogs have access. At one site  the levels were nearly double the internationally agreed toxicity threshold for aquatic invertebrates. Previous research have shown that prolonged exposure to imidaclopridthese chemicals can negatively impact dragonfly…

Norfolk Hawker makes headlines

The Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isoceles) made headlines this week; the species has undergone impressive range expansion since 1990 – good news for a species which was categorised as Endangered in the 2008 Red List. Read the full article on BBC News   Image: Ouwesok, flickr

Volunteers needed in Shropshire Hills

If you live near the Shropshire Hills join the Stepping Stones Project volunteer team! We need volunteers to assist in locating dragonfly habitat, monitoring local populations, and assisting in habitat management. The Stepping Stones is a landscape-scale nature conservation project aimed at restoring the natural habitats of the Shropshire Hills. Watch this introductory video to…

New Vacancy: BDS Trustees

We are looking for three new trustees to join the BDS team! What difference will you make? As a Trustee of the British Dragonfly Society you will contribute to the effective delivery of good governance through active participation in Board discussions and decision making. You will play a key role in the leadership, strategic and…

POST review of freshwater habitat restoration in the UK

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) works to ensure that the best research evidence is brought to bear on the legislative process of Government. POST recently published a report reviewing evidence relating to the restoration of freshwater habitats in the UK. Overall the report highlights the value of freshwater wetlands and how many…

New free guide to pond restoration, creation and management.

Two thirds of the ponds in England and Wales have been lost; the countryside is littered with dried out farmland ponds, over shaded by tree growth. Many freshwater species are now rare or threatened, and ponds provide an important refuge for them. This new guide aims to assist land managers in restoring and creating new…

New Vacancy: Scotland Conservation Officer

British Dragonfly Society Scotland Conservation Officer Reporting to: Development and Operations Manager and Trustees of BDS Responsible for: Managing BDS conservation work in Scotland including managing volunteers and contractors Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours). Permanent contract. Salary band: £28,000-£32,000 (It is our policy to recruit at the beginning of the salary band) Location: Scotland – the…

Donate your spare exuviae

Have you got a stash of spare exuviae? Please consider donating them to the BDS! They are a vital resource we need to teach the life cycle and larvae/exuviae identification. Please post them to: British Dragonfly Society c/o Natural England Parkside Court Hall Park Way TELFORD, TF3 4LR   Thank you!   Image by Bruce…