Spot the dales dragonflies
Photo: YDNPA

VISITORS and residents are being given the chance to take part in the first dragonfly survey ever held in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Over the coming weeks, they will be asked to record sightings of the golden-ringed dragonfly to help conservationists from the National Park Authority (YDNPA) and the British Dragonfly Society to build up a picture of the insects' habitats.

Walkers will be able to download information about the insect and a survey form from the YDNPA website to take with them on their outings.

Ian Court, the YDNPA Wildlife Conservation Officer, said: "It is the first time we have carried out a survey of dragonflies and we picked this particular one because it is very distinctive.

"Its larvae are produced in stony streams so there are a lot of potential habitats for it in the National Park - but we have few records."

Tom Hubball, from the Yorkshire branch of the British Dragonfly Society, said: "We hope people will take part in the survey - it is a chance for members of the public to become directly involved in nature conservation while they are enjoying the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales."

The golden-ringed dragonfly is one of the largest species in Britain and has a black body ringed with yellow bands and bottle-green eyes.

More information about the insect and its habitats - as well as a copy of the survey form - can be obtain from www.yorkshiredales.org.uk