10th June 2006

In search of dragons and damsels…

Large Red Damselflies mating by Bob Smith If you know where to look in the Blackwater Valley you’ll find both dragons and damsels... Not fire-breathing dragons or damsels in distress as featured in heroic adventure stories of old, but fast-flying dragonflies
and delicate damselflies with their flashing wings and iridescent bodies, which can be found darting around acidic pools and ponds and along the waterways in the area.

If you would like to find out more about these fascinating creatures join Ken Crick
on Wednesday 18th June when he will be leading a walk for the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust. Author of Blackwater Valley Dragonflies, Ken has been interested in dragonflies since he was a
boy and has been actively recording and photographing the activities of the dragonflies in the Valley for over 12 years.

“I find them endlessly fascinating,” says Ken, “and because the Blackwater Valley has so many ponds and lakes as well as the river itself, it is literally a dragonflies’ paradise. In fact of the 39 breeding species found in the British Isles 30 have been observed in the Blackwater Valley catchment area.”

The walk will be looking at a variety of watery habitats, including the River Blackwater, the Basingstoke Canal and some of the ponds and lakes found at Lakeside Nature Reserve at Ash. However it will only take place if the weather permits so you are advised to phone 01252 2331353 before making a special journey. Meet for a 1.30pm start at the offices of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS. Sorry no dogs. For more details ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk

Blackwater Valley Dragonflies, a 48-page full colour booklet giving details of all 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly found in the Valley costs just £3 including p+p from Blackwater Valley Countryside, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.