Hampshire Dragonflies
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Dunyeats Hill Higher Hyde Heath
Grid Reference SY 85430 89941
Kilwood Copse

A small, unassuming yet rewarding wooded nature reserve reclaimed from old gravel pits with an extensive heath to the north.

Go through the gate and follow the path until you reach an open glade. This area is good for Ruddy Darters in season. At the end of this open glade is a bird hide overlooking the upper pond which has recently stripped of a lot of it's bank-side vegetation. This has caused some controversy among loyal visitors but for the dragonfly enthusiast at least allows better access to the pond.

Opposite the bird hide is a steep path leading down to the lower pond which, due to the recent clearing work, is a lot brighter and accessible. This pond is favoured by the Hairy Dragonfly among others.

From the bird hide continue along the track to reach the open heath to yet more pools more suited to heathland species. Turning left before the heath you'll find a disused concrete yard which has been reclaimed by nature, with Sand Lizards basking atop discarded roofing tiles.

The back wall has been host to the finest Downy Emerald presence I've yet encountered and all margins should be explored. You never know what might turn up.

Key Species
Southern Hawker Migrant Hawker Emperor Hairy Dragonfly Golden-ringed Dragonfly
Downy Emerald Ruddy Darter Common Darter Broad-bodied Chaser Four-spotted Chaser
Azure Common Blue Red-eyed Common Emerald Large Red
Dunyeats Hill Index Kilwood Copse

All Content  © Paul Ritchie 2010