Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is seeing the benefits to the dragonfly population near Cricklade after a project lasting four years comes to fruition.

In 2012, new ponds were created at the Trust’s Lower Moor Farm complex to help dragonflies move more freely and start to populate other parts of the country and now large numbers of dragonflies and damselflies can be seen across the Sandpool section of the site.

There are 34 species of dragon and damsel fly recorded in Wiltshire of which 20 are found at the Lower Moor Farm complex.

Working together with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, and with generous funding from The Hills Group via the Landfill Communities Fund, the aim of the project was to stop the decline and isolation of dragon and damsel fly populations in the county.

Neil Pullen, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust reserves manager said, “The funding from Hills has allowed us to create dragonfly habitats and make links for species across the landscape.

“This has been a great success and we want to continue the work.

“So over the winter, volunteer work parties will help cut back and pollard willows and other vegetation growing around the ponds to ensure that dragonflies always have somewhere to lay their eggs.”

To get involved, you can join Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and help provide habitat for dragonflies and other wildlife on their regular monthly volunteer sessions.

They meet on the first Sunday of the month from 10.30am at the Lower Moor Farm visitor centre. No experience necessary just a passion for helping wildlife. Tea, coffee biscuits, gloves, training all provided.