THREATENED and endangered dragonfly species are set to benefit from a new five-year partnership between the British Dragonfly Society (BDS) and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).
The collaboration aims to build on previous successful work between the two organisations, including pond creation and habitat monitoring in local woodlands such as Mabie Forest. That project, started in 2022, delivered a significant boost for species like the Common Hawker, now listed as “Endangered” on the European Red List.
“The commitment of continuing to work together aims to raise awareness, share good practice, and identify opportunities for dragonfly habitat management whilst carrying out the business of forestry operations on the ground with a positive biodiversity twist,” said Jen Davidson, Scotland conservation officer of the British Dragonfly Society.
Under the new agreement, the BDS and FLS will focus on ecosystem restoration and regeneration across forests managed by FLS. The work supports Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan to 2030 and is expected to provide significant long-term benefits for dragonfly populations in both Dumfries and Galloway and across the country.
Davidson added that attention will also be focusing on breeding the Northern Damselfly, which is another population that is considered “Endangered” on the UK Red List.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the creation of new ponds at Mabie Forest provided ideal breeding conditions and demonstrated how forestry land can be managed to benefit biodiversity.
Colin Edwards, FLS environment manager, welcomed the agreement and the opportunity it brings for further progress, saying: “This is an exciting partnership with BDS that will ensure that we make full use of the specialist advice available so that Scotland’s national forests and land are looked after, and that their biodiversity is protected and enhanced.”
