Dragonfly-Days
.....for South Wales Dragonfly enthusiasts
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www.dragonfly-days.co.uk © Bill Jones 2008
Locations within Gwent (Monmouthshire) & Glamorgan.
The map outlined below is the area within South Wales that the locations listed below can be found, simply scroll down this page to find the information you need on the location and the species found there.
South Wales consists primarily of the Counties of Gwent (also known as Monmouthshire) and Glamorgan. Much confusion has been caused by the many boundary changes over the years. But for Dragonfly-Days the area on the map to the left is covered.
West Glamorgan has not been included in this locations guide.
Each location has been chosen for it's accessibilty and the variety of habitat and species it supports.
Most locations are within thirty minutes of the M4 motorway or other primary roads.
West Glamorgan has not been included in this locations guide.
Each location has been chosen for it's accessibilty and the variety of habitat and species it supports.
Most locations are within thirty minutes of the M4 motorway or other primary roads.
The River Wye /Afon Gwy
Let us begin our Dragonfly-Days with a visit to the River Wye, this beautiful river is born in Wales lent to England and returns home to meander to the sea at Chepstow in Gwent, the view to the right shows it just before it re-enters Wales.
Along it's journey through Gwent it supports several scarce and uncommon species of Dragonflies and Damselflies as well as some of the more common yet equally interesting ones.
Travel to Monmouth and explore its banks at Dixton and from early May if your are fortunate you may well see Club-tailed Dragonfly a very local insect throughout it's British range.
The White-legged Damselfly is another uncommon species you could see from the end of May on the River Wye.
As natural spectacles go any Wye-side meadow could dance to the movement of newly emerging Banded Demoiselles in early summer, a sight not easily forgotten.
Along it's journey through Gwent it supports several scarce and uncommon species of Dragonflies and Damselflies as well as some of the more common yet equally interesting ones.
Travel to Monmouth and explore its banks at Dixton and from early May if your are fortunate you may well see Club-tailed Dragonfly a very local insect throughout it's British range.
The White-legged Damselfly is another uncommon species you could see from the end of May on the River Wye.
As natural spectacles go any Wye-side meadow could dance to the movement of newly emerging Banded Demoiselles in early summer, a sight not easily forgotten.
The following list includes the species recorded from the Wye (along it's length), but many are to be seen during their flight season on the Wye during it's journey through Gwent.
| Beautiful Demoiselle | Azure Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Black-tailed Skimmer |
| Banded Demoiselle | Common Blue Damselfly | Lesser Emperor | Keeled Skimmer |
| Emerald Damselfly | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Club-tailed Dragonfly | Common Darter |
| White-legged Damselfly | Common Hawker | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Red-veined Darter |
| Large Red Damselfly | Brown Hawker | Four-spotted Chaser | Ruddy Darter |
| Red-eyed Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser | Black Darter |
Note: Downy Emerald and Yellow-winged Darter have not been included on this list, further details on both species status within the area can be viewed in species.
River Usk / Afon Wysg
Flowing through the Brecon Beacons before the rich farmland of the Vale of Usk is reached, this lovely river holds most of the dragonfly species that favour the slower flowing water habitat, the River Usk does very well with 19 species recorded (along it's length)and most have also been found in Gwent.
It can be walked on either bank by using the Usk Valley Walk Footpath from such town locations as Abergavenny or Usk, or explored via delightful villages. It then continues on through the City of Newport to it's meeting with the sea at Uskmouth.
It can be walked on either bank by using the Usk Valley Walk Footpath from such town locations as Abergavenny or Usk, or explored via delightful villages. It then continues on through the City of Newport to it's meeting with the sea at Uskmouth.
Lots of small streams and adjacent meadow ponds and pools can be accessed from the River Usk making it a super place to spend Dragonfly-Days - and is anything more evocative of high summer than lazy days quietly walking along a riverbank - searching out our winged friends.
This list offers the visitor some idea of what species are to be found on the River Usk, but do refer to what time of summer coincides with the insects 'flight season' on the species page.
This list offers the visitor some idea of what species are to be found on the River Usk, but do refer to what time of summer coincides with the insects 'flight season' on the species page.
| Beautiful Demoiselle | Azure Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Common Darter |
| Banded Demoiselle | Common Blue Damselfly | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Ruddy Darter |
| Emerald Damselfly | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Four-spotted Chaser | Black Darter |
| White-legged Damselfly | Common Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser | |
| Large Red Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Black-tailed Skimmer |
Gwent Levels / Newport Wetlands
One of the most important wetland reserves in South Wales, created from an area once used as a 'fly-ash' waste tipping site by Uskmouth Power Station which is nearby.
When Cardiff Bay Barrage was built this area was selected and developed as an alternative reserve for the dispossessed waders and wildfowl to re-locate under the auspices of the Countryside Council for Wales, thankfully it has as some consolation proved successful.
Seven lagoons supporting reedbeds, wetland grasses and saltmarsh prove more than a magnet for just birdlife, dragonflies love it too.
When Cardiff Bay Barrage was built this area was selected and developed as an alternative reserve for the dispossessed waders and wildfowl to re-locate under the auspices of the Countryside Council for Wales, thankfully it has as some consolation proved successful.
Seven lagoons supporting reedbeds, wetland grasses and saltmarsh prove more than a magnet for just birdlife, dragonflies love it too.
Spread along the coastal strip are many areas that are either seasonally underwater or permanently saturated or pooled creating a wonderful diversive habitat choice for more species of dragonflies and damselflies than anywhere else in Gwent probably. Several irregular migrants have been recorded from the wetlands.
This reserve is less than 4 miles from Newport and is accessed from Junction 24 of the M4. Follow the Brown Duck roadsigns.
Parking facilities are available at the Uskmouth end of the reserve, where a new visitor centre was opened in 2007, limited parking is also to be found on the road to Goldcliff at the southern end of the reserve.
Full information about the reserve is available at the new visitor centre which is run by the RSPB. Facilities are also available for refreshments, there are books and the option to try out the RSPB brand of Binoculars.
Parking facilities are available at the Uskmouth end of the reserve, where a new visitor centre was opened in 2007, limited parking is also to be found on the road to Goldcliff at the southern end of the reserve.
Full information about the reserve is available at the new visitor centre which is run by the RSPB. Facilities are also available for refreshments, there are books and the option to try out the RSPB brand of Binoculars.
Throughout the reserve you will come across a network of what appear at first sight to be slow flowing miniature canals, these date from Roman times when the levels where reclaimed, they are known as reens by the locals, the photograph on the right shows part of a reens drainage system.
Reens provide a multitude of dragonfly species the ideal environment for breeding and are a fascinating habitat to study our subjects in a peaceful and accessible manner, perfect for the less mobile enthusiast.
Below is a list of the 17 species recorded from this wonderful wetland location.
Reens provide a multitude of dragonfly species the ideal environment for breeding and are a fascinating habitat to study our subjects in a peaceful and accessible manner, perfect for the less mobile enthusiast.
Below is a list of the 17 species recorded from this wonderful wetland location.
| Beautiful Demoiselle | Azure Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser |
| Banded Demoiselle | Common Blue Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Black-tailed Skimmer |
| Emerald Damselfly | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Hairy Dragonfly | Common Darter |
| Large Red Damselfly | Migrant Hawker | Four-spotted Chaser | Ruddy Darter |
NOTE: Red-veined Darter has been recorded from the Wetlands, further information on this migrant species can be found on the species page. Strangely the Variable Damselfly has not been recorded from the Reserve yet, but has been recorded from Newport just a few miles away. My thanks to Kevin Dupe, Reserve Manager.
Country Parks and Nature Reserves in Glamorgan.
Since the death of the coal industry in the Welsh Valleys many country parks have been created on sites that were once formerly collieries, but now in place of coaldust infested countryside and rivers and streams polluted as a result of this destructive yet formerly essential industry are green wildlife habitats that have man made ponds and small lakes that support many of South Wales dragonfly and damselfly species.
Below you will find a selection of country parks and reserves that merit a visit within our Dragonfly Days area.
Below you will find a selection of country parks and reserves that merit a visit within our Dragonfly Days area.
Parc Penallta (Near Ystrad Mynach).
Created on the site of Penallta Colliery coal waste tip, this country park has recorded 15 species, I was more than pleased to add Hairy Dragonfly to the list during the early summer of 2007.
Keeled and Black-tailed Skimmer are found here along with the superb Golden-ringed Dragonfly and Emerald Damselfly. Ponds, pools, seepages and small lakes provide a multitude of suitable habitat requirements for such species.
Keeled and Black-tailed Skimmer are found here along with the superb Golden-ringed Dragonfly and Emerald Damselfly. Ponds, pools, seepages and small lakes provide a multitude of suitable habitat requirements for such species.
The reed fringed pond seen at the left is the perfect habitat for the larger hawkers such as the Emperor Dragonfly, Southern Hawker and also the Migrant Hawker in late summer.
It's banks are home to damselfly species such as Large Red, Common Blue, Azure and Blue-tailed.
Common Darter, Four-spotted Chaser and Broad-bodied Chaser spend time on favourite perches just waiting to have their photographs taken!!
It's banks are home to damselfly species such as Large Red, Common Blue, Azure and Blue-tailed.
Common Darter, Four-spotted Chaser and Broad-bodied Chaser spend time on favourite perches just waiting to have their photographs taken!!
Parc Cwm Darran (Near Deri) & Gelligaer and Dowlais Commons
Another former colliery site, this time Oglivie in the Darran Valley near Deri a small village two miles north of Bargoed. Easily reached from the Heads of the Valley road, there are excellent camping and caravaning facilities available here, an ideal location for those wanting to explore the area covered on this website.
Several small ponds, streams and a lake offer a good number of species within the Parc itself, while on the surrounding Gelligaer and Dowlais Commons there are many acidic bog pools and old feeder ponds originally created for the mining industry that once reigned supreme in this area.
The bog pools and their associated seepages are host to species such as Common Hawker, Black Darter, Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly and also the Emerald Damselfly among others.
The Parc has a visitor centre with small cafe open during April to September for refreshments, it is an ideal location for a Dragonfly-Day.
Several small ponds, streams and a lake offer a good number of species within the Parc itself, while on the surrounding Gelligaer and Dowlais Commons there are many acidic bog pools and old feeder ponds originally created for the mining industry that once reigned supreme in this area.
The bog pools and their associated seepages are host to species such as Common Hawker, Black Darter, Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly and also the Emerald Damselfly among others.
The Parc has a visitor centre with small cafe open during April to September for refreshments, it is an ideal location for a Dragonfly-Day.
Even the middle of spring can produce our early species like Large Red Damselfly, this pond had the species on April 16th in 2007.
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
No doubting the local importance of this reserve, set on the very edge of our Dragonfly-Days area, not too far west of the well known holiday resort of Porthcawl, with easy access off Junction 37 of M4.
Kenfig Pool (seen on right) is quite a large lake with extensive reedbeds, among the rarer vagrants that have been recorded from the reserve are Yellow-winged Darter and Lesser Emperor, and recently Red-veined Darter has been confirmed as actually breeding, see the species page.
Kenfig Pool (seen on right) is quite a large lake with extensive reedbeds, among the rarer vagrants that have been recorded from the reserve are Yellow-winged Darter and Lesser Emperor, and recently Red-veined Darter has been confirmed as actually breeding, see the species page.
Twenty one species have been recorded from Kenfig NNR, which makes it one of the regions premier odonata locations. A brand new visitor centre has been built and should add to the visitors experience.
| Beautiful Demoiselle | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Lesser Emperor* | Ruddy Darter |
| Emerald Damselfly | Hairy Dragonfly | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Yellow-winged Darter* |
| Large Red Damselfly | Common Hawker | Four-spotted Chaser | Red-veined Darter* |
| Azure Damselfly | Migrant Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser | * Denotes a vagrant |
| Variable Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Black-tailed Skimmer | |
| Common Blue Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Common Darter |
Pictured above is a typical upland pool on Gelligaer Common and was still the haunt of Common Hawkers even after the first ground frosts in mid October. Such ponds are kept clear of rushes and coarse grasses throughout the year by Welsh mountain ponies and the equally hardy Welsh mountain sheep, this means that 'harder to find' species like Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly often have the type of conditions they prefer, an animal service to the insects, natural co-operation if you like.
Seventeen species of dragonfly and damselfly have been recorded from Parc Cwm Darran and it's adjacent upland environs, I include them as follows:-
Seventeen species of dragonfly and damselfly have been recorded from Parc Cwm Darran and it's adjacent upland environs, I include them as follows:-
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park - Penarth
Created on a former landfill site that had previously been a limestone quarry that ceased quarrying in 1970. The lakes are just outside Penarth on the Lavernock Road.
The lakes are fed by underground springs and since the park was landscaped covers in excess of 100 hectares. Most of the lakes are reed fringed, and the margins provide ideal shelter for most of the resident species.
Nearly half of this area has SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest )status. The two larger lakes are traversed by a wooden broadwalk, which is suitable for wheelchair access.
The lakes are fed by underground springs and since the park was landscaped covers in excess of 100 hectares. Most of the lakes are reed fringed, and the margins provide ideal shelter for most of the resident species.
Nearly half of this area has SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest )status. The two larger lakes are traversed by a wooden broadwalk, which is suitable for wheelchair access.
My thanks to Andy Spenceley for allowing use of the photograph
through the Creative Commons Licence Copyright remains his.
through the Creative Commons Licence Copyright remains his.
Dare Valley Country Park - Aberdare
Probably best known for it's Peregrine Falcons eyrie at 'The Darren' rockface that's protected and video relayed to the visitor centre by the RSPB.
This park has two lakes with easy access for the visitor, it's fed by the Afon Dar a small river that drains the peat moorland high above the park.
Owing to the acidic nature of the water, lots of limestone was used in the channels that connect the lakes to help neutralise the pH.
This park has two lakes with easy access for the visitor, it's fed by the Afon Dar a small river that drains the peat moorland high above the park.
Owing to the acidic nature of the water, lots of limestone was used in the channels that connect the lakes to help neutralise the pH.
There are lots of pathways in and around the park linking the lakes, and the adjacent rhos pasture, which is a wet grassland habitat, this important pasture supports many of the damselfly species found in the park.
The lower lake has a waterfall that is fed by the limestone channel, and several species of surface plant are evident on the lake, making it probably less acidic than the higher lake and therefore more suitable for surface loving plants, these plants provide yet another good habitat for many of the parks dragonflies.
The lower lake has a waterfall that is fed by the limestone channel, and several species of surface plant are evident on the lake, making it probably less acidic than the higher lake and therefore more suitable for surface loving plants, these plants provide yet another good habitat for many of the parks dragonflies.
Parc Slip Nature Park - Tondu, near Bridgend
Reclaimed from a coal mining site, Parc Slip is home to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Accessed from the M4 at Junction 36, follow the B4281 towards Aberkenfig and the brown tourist signs to Parc Slip.
There are several large ponds and small lakes dotted around the park, as well as a small 'canal' fed by the Nant-y-Gedd stream, all support a good variety of dragonfly species and are alongside or near footpaths for easy accessability. Check out the Parc's 'wetland walk' for a 'Dragonfly-Day'.
There are several large ponds and small lakes dotted around the park, as well as a small 'canal' fed by the Nant-y-Gedd stream, all support a good variety of dragonfly species and are alongside or near footpaths for easy accessability. Check out the Parc's 'wetland walk' for a 'Dragonfly-Day'.
Alongside Parc Slip Nature Park is another area of interest to dragonfly seekers, it's called Park Pond, which has an old millpond, set amid a small area of mature woodland. It could prove interesting to see what species this pond has.
Twenty-three species of Odonata have been recorded from Parc Slip by a man with more than eighteen years of recording Odonata from the Park, Mr Nigel Ajax Lewis, I present the full and definitive list of recorded species as kindly provided to me by Nigel below.
Twenty-three species of Odonata have been recorded from Parc Slip by a man with more than eighteen years of recording Odonata from the Park, Mr Nigel Ajax Lewis, I present the full and definitive list of recorded species as kindly provided to me by Nigel below.
| Beautiful Demoiselle | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Common Darter |
| Emerald Damselfly ** | Scarce Blue-tailed Damsel | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Red-veined Darter* |
| Large Red Damselfly | Hairy Dragonfly | Four-spotted Chaser | Yellow-winged Darter* |
| Azure Damselfly | Common Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser | Ruddy Darter |
| Variable Damselfly | Migrant Hawker | Black-tailed Skimmer | Black Darter |
| Common Blue Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Keeled Skimmer |
**Emerald Damselfly has not been recorded since 1991. * Denotes vagrant/migrant status.
With twenty three species Parc Slip Nature Park shares the distinction along with Cosmeston Lakes of the locations with the greatest number of different species recorded than any other locations in the South Wales area, this is testimony to accurate and dedicated fieldwork and record keeping by Mr Nigel Ajax Lewis and his fellow members of the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales over the eighteen years since it's creation.
With twenty three species Parc Slip Nature Park shares the distinction along with Cosmeston Lakes of the locations with the greatest number of different species recorded than any other locations in the South Wales area, this is testimony to accurate and dedicated fieldwork and record keeping by Mr Nigel Ajax Lewis and his fellow members of the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales over the eighteen years since it's creation.
I am indebted to Richard Wistow of Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council and Martin Bevan and Mark Evans (local naturalists) for use of their dragonfly records from the Dare Valley Country Park.
| Beautiful Demoiselle | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Four-spotted Chaser |
| Emerald Damselfly | Common Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser |
| Large Red Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Keeled Skimmer |
| Azure Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Common Darter |
| Common Blue Damselfly | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Black Darter |
It is more than possible that Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly is present up on the moorland pools above the park, and that Black-tailed Skimmer is also likely to have occurred, it has been recorded from similar habitat within range of the Dare Valley.
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| Beautiful Demoiselle | Common Blue Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser |
| Emerald Damselfly | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Keeled Skimmer |
| Large Red Damselfly | Scarce Blue-tailed Damsel | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Common Darter |
| Azure Damselfly | Common Hawker | Four-spotted Chaser | Black Darter |
I recorded my first male Migrant Hawker at Parc Cwm Darran in mid October 2007. This species has now made a dramatic range expansion in most of Southern Britain, and is starting to colonise many parts of South Wales.
Two further small lakes have been added to the lower end of Parc Penallta, near to the new Caerphilly County Borough Council offices on the Ystrad Mynach to Nelson road. It will be most interesting to study the species that colonise the lakes as they mature, during my last visit the lakes were alive with Emperor Dragonfly.
On the higher ground near the main car park is Europes largest man made 'coal waste' sculpture, the figure of a pit pony named 'Sultan', but imaginitively the hoofprints it leaves behind have been turned into small hoofprint shaped ponds that now support several of the Parcs dragonfly species, these pools are the perfect introduction to 'pond dipping' in the outdoor classroom environment children so enjoy and thrive in, the perfect place to start our next generation of naturalists. The 15 species recorded from Parc Penallta are:-
On the higher ground near the main car park is Europes largest man made 'coal waste' sculpture, the figure of a pit pony named 'Sultan', but imaginitively the hoofprints it leaves behind have been turned into small hoofprint shaped ponds that now support several of the Parcs dragonfly species, these pools are the perfect introduction to 'pond dipping' in the outdoor classroom environment children so enjoy and thrive in, the perfect place to start our next generation of naturalists. The 15 species recorded from Parc Penallta are:-
| Emerald Damselfly | Hairy Dragonfly (New Record) | Four-spotted Chaser |
| Large Red Damselfly | Migrant Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser |
| Azure Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Black-tailed Skimmer |
| Common Blue Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Keeled Skimmer |
| Blue-tailed Damselfly | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Common Darter |
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| Beautiful Demoiselle | Blue-tailed Damselfly | Emperor Dragonfly | Keeled Skimmer |
| Banded Demoiselle | Scarce Blue-tailed Damsel | Lesser Emperor Dr'fly* | Common Darter |
| Emerald Dragonfly | Hairy Dragonfly | Golden-ringed Dragonfly | Red-veined Darter* |
| Large Red Damselfly | Common Hawker | Four-spotted Chaser | Ruddy Darter |
| Azure Damselfly | Migrant Hawker | Broad-bodied Chaser | Black Darter |
| Common Blue Damselfly | Southern Hawker | Black-tailed Skimmer | *Denotes Vagrant |
23 species have been recorded from Cosmeston Lakes and the general area, as my personal knowledge of this country park and it's recorded species is poor, I must thank Dave Slade and his colleagues at the South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC) for providing me with the species data listed below.
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