‘Dragonfly detectives’ to boost waterway wildlife at Woodberry Wetlands
Winging its way to Woodberry Wetlands? A Banded Demoiselle dragonfly. Copyright: Iain Leach
Volunteers will learn how to identify and protect dragonflies and damselflies, in a project that launches this evening at Woodberry Wetlands nature reserve.
The Water for Wildlife project, organised by the London Wildlife Trust, will see at least 100 volunteers become ‘dragonfly detectives’, surveying and mapping the wildlife species in the waterways of London – with a special focus on the Odonata.
Dragonflies and damselflies (known collectively as ‘the Odonata’) are stunning-looking insects that also provide a firm indication of any change to a freshwater habitat.
Volunteers will learn practical conservation skills so they can survey and monitor ponds and lakes, and look after the insects that live in them.
Then later in the year the London Wildlife Trust and volunteers will work together to make rivers and streams better for wildlife.
The project’s manager, Petra Sovic Davies, said: “Freshwater habitats play an important role in urban areas; not only by providing essential ecosystem services, but greatly improving our quality of life by providing places where people can play, explore and enjoy nature.
“However, many sites are under ecological stress and in need of sympathetic management.
“Water for Wildlife will encourage people to get out there and engage with freshwater sites through surveys and conservation work, and critically, will help us to enhance London’s water bodies into wilder places, benefiting both wildlife and people.”
At least 10 dragonfly and damselfly species are common across London, but the Trust is hoping to shore up its data on another 20 species.
The London Wildlife Trust is encouraging any budding entomologists to take part in the project by visiting their nearest pond or river and report any sightings of the insects.
To volunteer and for more information about the project, see here.
Home to wildlife: Woodberry Wetlands. Photograph: Penny Dixie