Dragonflies Take Centre Stage at WWT Castle Espie This Summer
Castle Espie is inviting families to discover one of wetlands' most remarkable residents as the Dragonfly Festival returns for the school holidays.
Running from 30th June to 1st September, the festival celebrates the dazzling dragonfly species that thrive across the reserve, offering visitors the chance to get closer than ever to these extraordinary insects through a season of wildlife encounters, creative activities and outdoor adventures.
From the electric-blue Common Blue Damselfly to larger hawker species patrolling the ponds, dragonflies can be seen darting across the water, hunting insects and defending territories in spectacular displays of speed and agility. Dragonflies are vital indicators of healthy wetlands. Both their aquatic young and flying adults rely on clean, thriving habitats, making them an important symbol of the wider wildlife that wetlands support. WWT Castle Espie hopes to inspire more people to appreciate these remarkable insects and the habitats they depend upon.
The Dragonfly Festival has been designed to help visitors uncover the hidden world behind these iconic wetland insects. Families can join expert-led dragonfly walks to learn about their fascinating life cycle, which begins underwater before emerging into the winged hunters seen gliding across the reserve. Guided pond dipping sessions offer a glimpse into this underwater stage, alongside a host of other aquatic creatures living beneath the surface.
Visitors can explore the wetlands in search of dragonflies while taking part in a programme of hands-on activities inspired by their colours, movement and remarkable adaptations. Weekly arts and crafts workshops with The Greenhouse Makers and Boom Studios will encourage young nature lovers to create dragonfly-themed artwork, while specialist watercolour dragonfly workshops led by Dawn Crothers will give children the opportunity to capture the beauty of these insects through watercolour painting.
The festival atmosphere will be brought to life each weekend with appearances from Bella Butterfly, Effy Vescent the Bubble Fairy and colourful stilt walkers from Circusful, whose performances celebrate the magic of insects and the natural world. Live music from local musician Mark Hamilton will provide a relaxing soundtrack every Sunday afternoon, creating the perfect setting for families to enjoy the wetlands at their most vibrant.
Alongside the festival programme, children can immerse themselves in nature through the site's woodland play area, secret swamp and zipwire, while bug-hunting opportunities across the reserve will reveal the rich diversity of insects that share dragonflies' wetland home.
Evidence shows that spending time in nature can improve children's wellbeing, boost confidence and encourage curiosity about the natural world. By combining wildlife discovery with creative play, the Dragonfly Festival offers families the opportunity to experience these benefits while learning more about one of Britain's most captivating insect groups.
Paul Stewart Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, said:
"Dragonflies are among the most spectacular wildlife species found on our wetlands. Their incredible life cycle, dazzling colours and acrobatic flying abilities make them a favourite with visitors of all ages. The Dragonfly Festival is a wonderful opportunity for families to discover these amazing insects, learn about the important role they play in healthy wetland ecosystems and enjoy a summer packed with nature-based adventures."
