Kent's Willow Emerald Damselflies (Day Trip)

Join Odonata enthusiast and birder, Marc Heath, at Nethergong Campsite (situated 5 miles to the east of Canterbury) in search of the Willow Emerald Damselfly at one of Britain’s premier sites for this species. The trip is timed for the emergence of the Willow Emerald Damselfly. In 2020, c200 Willow Emerald Damselflies were seen making their maiden flights before the end of July. We will spend parts of the day walking up and down and checking the emergent vegetation and in the ditches around the perimeter of the campsite where, with luck, photographic opportunities may arise.

There is every chance of seeing this species emerging (weather permitting), as well as looking for their exuviae. There will also be an opportunity to do some pond-dipping to look for nymphs and tips on how to identify the species encountered. Other species to be seen at Nethergong include Southern Migrant Hawker (15+ seen in 2021 with egg-laying observed so there is every chance this species may be encountered again). Also, Small Red-eyed Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Southern Hawker, Migrant Hawker, Azure Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Emerald Damselfly, Broad-bodied Chaser, Four-spotted Chaser, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter and Banded Demoiselle are all likely encounters.

The afternoon will be spent again walking around the site and adjacent fields and ditches looking for Willow Emerald Damselflies and other species to study and photograph.