Mid-summer update

As we approach the end of June most of the dragonfly and damselfly species that are known to be breeding in Hertfordshire have now been reported during 2018, although we may have to wait a bit longer for the first records of late summer/autumn species such as Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) and Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis).

Sighting of some of the earliest flying species, in particular Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) but also chasers like the Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) shown below, will now start to tail off, but many of the more obvious species such as Brown & Southern Hawkers (Aeshna grandis & A. cyanea) and Ruddy & Common Darters (Sympetrum sanguineum & S. striolatum) will become more numerous during July and August.

Exciting news this year is that the Green-eyed Hawkers (Anaciaeshna isoceles - also known as Norfolk Hawkers - but that name doesn't seem appropriate any more) that arrived at Amwell four years ago seem to be expanding their Hertfordshire distribution and have so far been reported from three additional Hertfordshire sites, all close to Amwell.

Beautiful Demoiselles, which established a population just outside Hertfordshire a few years ago, on the Turkey Brook at Forty Hall, Middlesex, also seem to be spreading into Hertfordshire, with two reports of what were presumably wandering individuals in the east of the county and reports from Cuffley Brook in the south-east (not too far from Forty Hall). If anyone wants to see this species locally it is best looked for at Forty Hall with the bridge over Turkey Brook at TQ342987 being a good spot. To see them in Hertfordshire the points where public footpaths cross Cuffley Brook at TL315009 and TL310015 seem to provide the best opportunity, but they are at very low density along the brook. More on the Beautiful Demoiselles and Green-eyed Hawkers will follow in the next few days.

Please submit records of any dragonflies and damselflies that you see, including common species, using the record submission form on the HNHS website (http://www.hnhs.org/submit/dragonflies-and-damselflies), via iRecord, or by email to the following email address: dragonflies@hnhs.org  

 

New 'Hertfordshire Dragonflies and Damselflies Facebook group

I have set up a Facebook group that anyone with an interest in the dragonflies and damselflies of Hertfordshire, who uses Facebook, may like to join to share sightings and photos.

A link to the group can be found here: Herts dragonflies Facebook group   

 

HNHS Award winners announced at Autumn Conference

Congratulations to our 2026 HNHS Award winners: Ian Denholm (left), presented with the Trevor James Award for an outstanding Hertfordshire naturalist and Malcolm Hull, who received the 1875 Award for an outstanding contribution to Hertfordshire natural history.

Ian's award recognises a 40-year contribution to knowledge about the county's plants and wildlife, including his particular expertise in botany that has made him a national authority on orchids. Malcolm is the Chair of the Herts and Middlesex branch of Butterfly Conservation since 2015 and whose important contribution to butterfly recording has been matched by enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with policy makers and community conservation groups.

The awards were presented at the Autumn Conference on Saturday 7 November at the Affinity Water offices in Hatfield, attended by almost 80 members and friends. Further website information about both winners and can be found on our HNHS Awards pages.

Autumn Conference and 2026 AGM - Saturday 7 November

Members and friends are warmly invited to join us for the 2026 Autumn Meeting and Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7 November at the offices of Affinity Water, Tamblin Way, Hatfield, AL10 9EZ (2-5.30pm).

The featured speakers this year are Martin Ketcher, voluntary warden of the Purwell Nine Springs nature reserve in Hitchin for 46 years and Wendy Morrison, Director of the Chilterns Heritage & Archaeology Partnership. Winners of the annual HNHS awards will be announced.

HNHS Award nominations: 2026

Members are invited to submit nominations for the HNHS 2026 Awards, which will be presented at the Autumn Conference on Saturday 7 November.

Our two annual categories are the Trevor James Award for an outstanding Hertfordshire Naturalist and the 1875 Award for an outstanding contribution to natural history in Hertfordshire. Further information – including information about past winners – can be found on this website, together with a one page nomination form that covers the main criteria.