We’re going on a dragon hunt

Hunting for dragonflies will be one of the many interesting activities laid on for children at the Trust’s free family event at Conigre Mead Nature Reserve, Melksham, on Sunday 25th July, 2-4pm. “There will be lots to do for children of all ages at this pretty reserve,” says Sarah Wood, the Trust’s Education Officer.

Conigre Mead is a flower-filled meadow on the banks of the Bristol Avon and is home to a wide range of mammals, birds and insects.

“The reserve has three ponds which provide homes for dragonflies and damselflies including the grandly-named Emperor Dragonfly and the uncommon White-legged Damselfly. We will get the children to do some sweep netting to catch a variety of these beautiful insects, so they can take a close look before letting them go again.

“We will also be making smelly cocktails out of plants found on the reserve and leading sensory walks that encourage children to touch and listen to the sounds of wildlife,” says Sarah.

“Of course no nature day would be complete without the opportunity to do some pond-dipping. The children might net some water scorpions and fearsome looking dragonfly nymphs along with water boatmen and other aquatic wildlife. Who knows what else they might find!

“And there will be a chance to test their brain power with our quiz – they might learn why bees have smelly feet! If they bring some binoculars for bird watching they are likely to spot kingfisher or heron.”

Families are also welcome to come along to the free evening bat walk along the River Avon which will take place from 9pm – 10.30/11pm.

Armed with bat detectors the participants will listen to and try to identify the wide range of clicking noises (echolocation) made by bats to locate their prey – small insects, particularly moths, which they scoop up with their membranous tails and large feet, skimming just centimetres above the water's surface.

“We can expect a good display over the river of Daubenton’s bats, flashing their silvery-grey tummies as they swoop past,” says Sarah.

Donations for the bat walk will be given to the Bat Conservation Trust. Please bring a torch. Booking is not required for either event. Children must be accompanies by an adult for both events and children will need to bring a pair of wellies for the water activities.

For more information, please contact Sarah Wood on (01380) 725670.