Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, near Ely, Cambridgeshire will be holding a Dragonfly Day on Saturday 11 June to officially launch National Dragonfly Week (11 - 19 June).

A fun programme of Dragonfly activities for all the family is planned including guided dragonfly walks, larva-feeding demonstrations, pond dipping, work sheet activities for children and exciting craft activities, including making pipe cleaner and origami dragonflies.

Wicken Fen is one of the best locations in the United Kingdom to spot Dragonflies with 21 species such as the Emperor Dragonfly, Hairy Dragonfly, Emerald Damselfly and Red Eyed Damselfly breeding on the fen. On a warm summers day thousands of these beautiful highly coloured insects can be seen performing their aerobatic flying displays along the waterways and ditches.

The Fen is also home to the National Dragonfly Centre. The centre which is open at weekends throughout the summer is staffed by knowledgeable enthusiasts and houses colourful displays and interpretation on dragonflies. The centre also offers a regular programme of events from dragonfly safaris to introductory and advanced dragonfly courses

Today's dragonfly species are closely related to the huge insects that flew over our forests 300 million years ago. Most of the dragonflies' life cycle is spent underwater first as an egg and then a larva. The larval stage can last two years or more, whilst flying adults mostly only survive a couple of weeks.

Wetland habitats such as Wicken Fen are very important for dragonflies, which are in decline nationally. The loss of wetland habitat due to development and intensive agriculture, together with run-off and wind drift from insecticides and herbicides is having a devastating effect on the dragonfly population.

All activities for Dragonfly Day are free. Normal admission fees to Wicken Fen Nature Reserve apply. Entry is free to National Trust members.

Notes to Editors

1. Regular dragonfly activities and events at Wicken Fen include:-

Dragonfly Safaris
A real adventure searching for dragonflies deep in the Fen
Sun 12 June, Sat/Sun 2, 3, 23 & 24 July, Sat/Sun/Mon 27-29 Aug, 11am or 2.30pm
£8.50 adults £5 (NT members £3.50 / £2.50)

Dragonfly Courses

Dragonfly Larva Identification for Beginners
Learn how to identify dragonfly larvae to genus and understand the basic steps of keeing out the species.
Sunday 12 June, 10am-5pm

Introducing the Dragonfly
Specially designed for the beginner, this course includes dragonfly biology, ecology, identification and a field tour of dragonfly habitats at Wicken Fen.
Saturday 2 & Sunday 24 July, 10am-4pm

Adult Dragonfly and Water Plant Identification for Beginners
Learn to identify common species of adult dragonflies and water plants. Includes one to one guidance and a field tour of adult dragonfly and water plant habitats.
Sunday 3 July, 10am -5pm

Advanced Dragonfly Larva Identification
A chance to further your dragonfly ID skills and gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy, physiology and ecology of this important stage in their lifecycle.
Saturday 23 July, 10am-5pm

Each course costs £30. For bookings ring 01733 204286 or e-mail courses@dragonflyproject.org.uk

2. Details of all activities and events for National Dragonfly Week can be found at www.dragonflysoc.org.uk

3. The Dragonfly Centre project is supported by the Fens Adventurers Rural Development Programme, an RDPE initiative funded by Defra, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural area and Local Authorities. The funding is managed locally by Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire ACRE and regionally by EEDA. See http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rudev/index_en.htm

4. Wicken Fen Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10am-5pm. Entry is free to National Trust members and under 5's. Adults £5.99, children £2.99, family ticket £14.99 (two adults and up to 3 children). The reserve is located of the A1123 near the village of Wicken. 9 miles south of Ely &17 miles north-east of Cambridge via the A10. The postcode for SatNav users is CB7 5XP

5.The National Trust is a charity with a love for preserving historic places and spaces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In short, we're a conservation charity that protects over 350 historic houses, 160 gardens, 1,100 kilometres of coastline, 254,000 hectares of land of outstanding natural beauty, 6 World Heritage Sites, 28 castles and 60 pubs - and opens them for people like you to enjoy. Find out more at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Further Information
To find out more please contact: Howard Cooper, Communications Officer, National Trust Wicken Fen - Tel 01353 720274 Mobile 07826 874133 or e-mail: howard.cooper@nationaltrust.org.uk