Wiltshire
I have not explored Wiltshire to the same extent as the other adjoining counties to Hampshire. If anyone reading this has information on prime locations, please contact me.
However, there are three locations that I have had the pleasure of visiting and which deserve a mention.
However, there are three locations that I have had the pleasure of visiting and which deserve a mention.
Bentley Wood
Bentley Wood, a wooded expanse spanning the boundary between Hampshire and Wiltshire, is renowned for the Purple Emperor butterfly. However, it also harbours several small ponds and wet meadows that serve as prime feeding grounds for various dragonfly species.
The woodland comprises two adjacent ponds: one semi-open and the other surrounded by trees. The former is typically frequented by Chaser dragonflies during the early summer months, while the latter is celebrated for its synchronised emergence of Southern Hawkers.
Access to these ponds can be challenging, as it took me two years to locate them. The woodland rides are patrolled by feeding hawkers and other large dragonflies, and the Eastern Clearing, a designated wet meadow, serves as an exceptional feeding spot.
The woodland comprises two adjacent ponds: one semi-open and the other surrounded by trees. The former is typically frequented by Chaser dragonflies during the early summer months, while the latter is celebrated for its synchronised emergence of Southern Hawkers.
Access to these ponds can be challenging, as it took me two years to locate them. The woodland rides are patrolled by feeding hawkers and other large dragonflies, and the Eastern Clearing, a designated wet meadow, serves as an exceptional feeding spot.
Lower Moor Farm
Grid Reference SU 01073 93735
I first visited Lower Moor Farm on the advice of (thelate) Steve Covey after he witnessed the synchronised eergence of Downy Emerald along the boardwalk.
Regrettably, the weather conditions on the day of my first visit were unfavourable, however I've since revisited on a more favourable day and was amazed at the roost along 'dragonfly alley (wonder where I've heard that expression before). Perfect for capturing photographs of Downy Emerald, Hairy Dragonfly ealy in the season'.
Regrettably, the weather conditions on the day of my first visit were unfavourable, however I've since revisited on a more favourable day and was amazed at the roost along 'dragonfly alley (wonder where I've heard that expression before). Perfect for capturing photographs of Downy Emerald, Hairy Dragonfly ealy in the season'.
Lower Moor Farm has also been blessed with a breeding population of Lesser Emperor - a species gaining foothold at many sites in the south.
Langford Lakes
Grid Reference SU 03963 37081
My primary motivation for visiting Langford Lakes was to observe the Kingfisher, following a recommendation from Stewart Canham of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Situated along the southern bank of the River Wylye, the area comprises lakes, a stream, and a wetland meadow, offering a diverse range of bird species.
In particular, Brown Hawks are abundant in this region, as they are attracted to the foliage-rich pathways, which serve as their feeding and roosting grounds.
In particular, Brown Hawks are abundant in this region, as they are attracted to the foliage-rich pathways, which serve as their feeding and roosting grounds.