Racing to the rescue of damsels in distress (From Western Telegraph)

Racing to the rescue of damsels in distress

Dating back 300 million years, dragonflies have been around longer than the dinosaurs.

Adult dragonflies are among the largest and most spectacular insects alive today with their bright colours and acrobatic flying skills.

Dragonflies and damselflies, along with their habitats, are in decline in Britain and two species are now so rare that they are protected by law. Most of their lives are spent in a larval form in freshwater ponds and lakes. Often regarded as the essence of summer the adults emerge in late spring and early summer.

With his wealth of knowledge, local naturalist Peter Brown is on the search again this summer for damsel and dragonflies as part of the Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festivals conservation work.

The damsel and dragonfly project was launched in July 2001 with the support of Barclays. The aim of this conservation work is to raise awareness of the threat to these organisms as well as creating a database of information about them.

Several hunts took place last year and several hunts have been organised for 2002. In all instances they will take place from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. They are: Wednesday, June 5th, Bosherston Lakes, meet in car park near church; Sunday, June 30th, Preseli, near Eglwyswrw, meet at the T-junction of A487 and B4329, in the lay-by opposite filling station; Saturday, July 6th, Dowrog Common, near St Davids, meet in Tourist Information Centre car park, situated on left as you enter St Davids on A487; Saturday, July 20th, Orielton Field Centre, near Pembroke, meet in front of house; Saturday, August 10th, Orielton Field Centre, near Pembroke, meet in front of house.

The events will go ahead whatever the weather, so dont forget to bring waterproofs and wellingtons.

The event is free but places are limited and must be booked through the Festival Office, telephone (01646) 699220 or e-mail HYPERLINK mailto:darwin@darwincentre.com.