In February 2015, A Rocha UK became proud owners of a reserve on the Essex/Suffolk border. The 11-acre site used to be farmland. In more recent years, it was managed by A Rocha UK supporters Keith and Maureen Morris to become a home to a number of dragonfly and damselfly species. 21 different species have been recorded so far and that’s a significant number, given the size of the site.
Known collectively as ‘Odonata’, these large, brightly-coloured insects are one of the best indicators of a healthy natural environment. Most of a dragonfly’s life is spent as a nymph, beneath the water’s surface. The adults feed on other insect species and favour quiet, sunny and secluded sites. Our reserve supports a blend of open water, shaded pools, reed beds and healthy plant life for these insects. Odonata are also sensitive to climate change. The arrival of new species in the country points to a warming climate.
Other plants and creatures flourish on our reserve with several bird species residing here, including the Hobby (Falco subbuteo), a migrant falcon whose favourite food is dragonflies!
