2012 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar and the British Dragonfly Society (BDS) is delighted to celebrate these spectacular insects throughout National Dragonfly Week. National Dragonfly Week, Saturday 9th–Sunday 17th June 2012, launches with a Dragonfly Day at Rodley Nature Reserve, Leeds this Saturday. BDS will use National Dragonfly Week to encourage the public to discover more about these beautiful aerial insects and to highlight the importance of conserving dragonflies, damselflies and their wetland habitats. Further information can be found on our website: www.british-dragonflies.org.uk.
Male Azure Hawker (Max Whitby).
"National Dragonfly Week is launched at Rodley Nature Reserve, in partnership with the Friends of Rodley. Rodley is a wonderful wetland reserve brimming with dragonflies, damselflies and other wildlife. It is a great place to visit for all the family", comments Dr Pam Taylor, BDS President. "Dragonfly Day at Rodley Nature Reserve has a diverse range of activities including dragonfly-hunting, pond dipping, butterfly walks, childrens activities and birdwatching. We hope it will be a fun and educational day for all."
2012 is also the final year of dragonfly recording for the Dragonflies in Focus Project and will result in the publication of a comprehensive new Atlas in Autumn 2013. BDS is keen to receive records of dragonflies and damselflies during this final season of recording. Despite the recent inclement weather, dragonflies and damselflies continue to be seen on the wing across the UK. Species so far include Banded Demoiselles, Broad-bodied and Scarce Chasers, Large Red Damselfly, Hairy Dragonfly and Norfolk Hawker.
Red-eyed Damselfly (Fiona Barclay).
