Dragonfly Safari

Pick up a spotter sheet and discover dazzling dragonflies on this self-led quest all around WWT Arundel!

To help your hunt, search for our signs that mark dragonfly habitats – your patience may be rewarded with a zipping dragonfly or a darting damselfly.

The dragonfly quest is a stealthy challenge for the whole family. Dragonflies are quick flyers, and can change direction quickly in mid-air! Some can be difficult to ID until they perch up on a reed or a stick. Remain still and chill and they are more likely to land.

Event Info

Date: Daily 24 July – August 31

Times: 10 am – 4 pm

Place: departs from the Boat Jetty

Cost: free, pick up a free spotter guide at the Festival Hub in the visitor centre and look for the Dragonfly habitat signs along the paths

Ready to take the challenge? Grab your free spotter guide and head to these locations:

The Dragonfly Pond

This deep, still pond at the entrance to the reedbed boardwalk is an almost can’t-miss spot for seeing dragonflies and damselflies. Look out for broad-bodied chasers.

The Reedbed

Lookout for dragons and damsels while you submerge yourself in head-high reeds along this winding, wooden boardwalk. Common darters love to sun themselves on this walk way and dart down the channels cut into the reeds.

Tranquil Trail

This route winds alongside the channels of the Wetland Discovery boat safari, making it a great spot to watch for dragonflies. Breaks in the hedgerow offer views of reeds and open water, and your binoculars will give you close-ups of these iridescent wonders on the wing. Over the water look for patrolling species like the emperor dragonfly – it looks like a mini helicopter! Near the path look migrant hawkers – they ‘hawk’ for insects along hedgerows.

The Holt Jetty

This spot at the far end of the boat ride channels is close to the breeding grounds of the common club-tail dragonfly – a nationally scarce species that only breeds in five rivers in the UK. Black-tailed skimmers love this end of the reedbed as well.

The Raised Pond

This pond is a haven for damselflies. Although it can be busy with family’s at pond dipping sessions, there are plenty of damselflies in the air nearby, emerging from the pond and laying their eggs near the lily pads here. Look out for delicate blue-tailed damsels and willow emerald damselflies. You might even see a red-eyed damsel with its distinct red eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this activity for?

This workshop is for everyone who wants to give it a go! You can use the spotter guide to learn the difference between damselflies and dragonflies and to ID specific species – or you can make it simpler for younger children and simply count how many dragons and damsels they see during their visit.

Is this event accessible?

There is step free access to all spots that are dragonfly habitat on the grounds of WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. The paths are paved or made from slip-resistant wooden boards.

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