A nature reserve in Aberdeen has been designated an ideal dragon’s lair by a national conservation group.
The British Dragonfly Society (BDS) has dubbed Scotstown Moor, in the Bridge of Don area, as the most northerly “hotspot” for the creatures in the UK.
The rare insects have quite specific environmental requirements when it comes to choosing their habitat, such as calm waters for laying eggs, and plenty of smaller bug life for them to hunt on the wing – all factors present in the small patch of granite city moorland.
To celebrate the reserve’s new status, a guided walk will be held this Friday from 1pm-3pm, hosted by wildlife rangers from Aberdeen City Council and Daniele Muir, Scotland officer for the BDS.
On the free, tour nature fans will be able to spot a number of different species of dragonflies that have already been positively identified at the site, including black darters, common hawkers and emerald damselflies.
Ms Muir said: “Scotstown Moor local nature reserve is one of the best places in the city to spot dragonflies.
“I would hope we’ll see at least five different species and we’ll look at the best ways to tell them apart and how easy it is to record your dragonfly sightings.
“Dragonflies are beautiful insects that have been around since before the dinosaurs, and I’m really pleased to be working with Aberdeen City Council’s ranger service at this dragonfly hotspot.”
Places on the walk are limited, and can be booked by calling the city council’s ranger service on 01224 897400, or e-mailing lochinch@aberdeencity.gov.uk.