Wildlife

Dragonfly Welfare and Freshwater Habitat Conservation

Dragonflies and damselflies are indicators of freshwater habitat quality and have declined significantly due to water pollution, drainage, and climate change affecting breeding ponds.

Key Facts

UK has 57 species of dragonfly and damselfly
Larvae live in freshwater for 1-5 years before emerging as adults
Highly sensitive to water pollution and changes in aquatic vegetation
Several species have expanded northward with climate warming
Drainage of ponds and wetlands eliminates breeding habitat

Welfare Considerations

Dragonfly populations indicate the health of freshwater ecosystems. Pollution that kills their aquatic larvae eliminates local populations completely. Garden ponds with clean water and marginal vegetation provide breeding habitat that genuinely benefits these ancient insects and the wider wetland food web.

What You Can Do

Create or maintain a wildlife garden pond with varied depths
Avoid using pesticides or fertilisers near water features
Participate in British Dragonfly Society recording schemes
Support wetland restoration projects
Campaign for clean water standards in freshwater environments