Dragons and Damsels light up Leicestershire Farm

Minister for Nature Conservation Ben Bradshaw was in Leicestershire today to see at first hand how a local farmer is helping the county's dragonflies to thrive.

Julia Hawley's farm at Brentingby near Melton Mowbray includes wetland bordering the River Eye, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The flood plain is being managed under Defra's Countryside Stewardship Scheme without the use of fertilisers or pesticides. Around the rest of the farm, grass margins have been created and hedgerows have been preserved.

The result is a flourishing habitat and hunting ground for wildlife which has attracted a number of the larger species of dragonfly and damselfly, as well as over 65 species of bird.

Life member of the British Dragonfly Society (BDS), Matthew Billings, is enthusiastic about the project.

"I've noted two species of Dragonfly, the Four-spotted Chaser and the Female Emperor, and seven species of Damselfly, most notably the White-Legged Damselfly which is uncommon across England and is the second rarest species in Leicestershire. Along with the White-Legged there are Large Red, Banded Demoiselle, Azure, Common Blue, Blue- tailed and Red-eyed Damselflies. There are literally hundreds."

Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Nature Conservation, commented:

"Dragonflies are among the most ancient creatures on earth, and yet Britain has lost three species of dragonfly over the past 40 years, with around a third of the remainder threatened with extinction in the UK.

"The habitat creation work here at Hall Farm is an inspiration, and I applaud the success that Julia Hawley has achieved. It's very rewarding to see such tangible evidence of the benefits possible under Countryside Stewardship. I'm particularly impressed by the educational work Julia is undertaking, sharing this extraordinary site with local groups and schools so that the conservation message is passed on."

Dragonflies pre-date birds by 150 million years. The largest prehistoric ones had wingspans up to a metre across. The dragonfly family includes damselflies - which have four wings of roughly equal size and shape, and tend to be smaller and weaker in flight - and dragonflies, with unequal forewings and hindwings, which tend to be larger and stronger in flight. The wings beat and twist independently in a figure of eight pattern which gives the insects their remarkable aerial agility. The fastest flight speed recorded for a dragonfly is 24mph.

Julia Hawley said:

"The large numbers of dragonflies and damselflies along the riverside are a beautiful sight and show how important a good habitat is to helping to preserve these species and increase their numbers. The quality of the river is fantastic; there is almost no trace of fertilisers or pesticides, making it an ideal place for the dragonflies and damselflies to settle.

"Being in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme has made a marked difference to the area, in particular it has enabled us to put in the field margins and to restore miles of our old hedges, a valuable wildlife and landscape feature.

"Several interested local groups have arranged to visit the farm to see the dragonflies and damselflies as well as the many other wildlife and historic features on the farm."

Vanessa McNaughton, Technical Adviser with Defra's Rural Development Service, said:

"Sites like this really show what a difference conservation measures can make. With hard work and dedication Julia has enhanced the landscape, providing benefits for the Dragonflies and Damselflies as well as other wildlife. The number of letters Julia has received from local schoolchildren telling her how much they've learnt shows what a valuable resource this is."