Events

Dragonflies at Thursley

19th July 2023, 10:30 - 12:30

 

Dragonflies at Thursley

 

Wednesday 19 July 2023

10.30am – 12.30pm

 

 

Join us for a guided walk by Natural England ranger, James Giles, on the new 1.3km boardwalk at this SSSI Nature Reserve which is alive with dragonflies and damselflies.

The Thursley National Nature Reserve at 325 hectares is one of the largest remaining fragments of heathland in Surrey.The reserve has extensive areas of open dry heathland, peat bogs, pine and deciduous woodlands.

James will explain and talk about the 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies which live around the open ponds and ditches of the reserve.  He will also tell us about the array of birds which include dartford warblers, stone chats, long-tailed tits, gold crests, red starts, white throats and wheatears.

As we walk  along the newly rebuilt boardwalk with viewing platforms, (the old one having been destroyed by a devastating fire) we will learn about the management of the site and its importance in the area. We’ll also pass an eye-catching sculpture of a dragonfly landing on a former electricity pylon.

Please dress appropriately for being outdoors at this time of year and wear a hat and sunscreen if hot.

Please wear suitable footwear (closed shoes) for walking around the reserve. If the weather is warm, it may be worth bringing a bottle of water with you. If you have them, it is worth bringing a pair of close focussing binoculars to help spot dragonflies and other wildlife on the site.

Please note that there are no toilets on site. The nearest toilets can be found in the neighbouring pubs and coffee shops in Elstead village.

If there is heavy rain forecast then the event organisers may decide to cancel the event, although there may be an opportunity to look for hobbies (birds of prey) instead.

No dogs please.

The boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges, but there are some small non-boardwalk sections where the terrain is more challenging. Help will be available, and most should be able to achieve this.

Cost to Members: £10
Cost to Non-members: £6
Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteer ticket: £6

The cost includes a donation to the British Dragonfly Society.

Deadline for booking  14 July 2023
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Any enquiries please contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org

By continuing and making a booking you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the Terms & Conditions specified in our Cancellation Policy and Responsibility Statement, both of which can be viewed by clicking here

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