Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) have existed for more than 350 million years, surviving dramatic shifts in climate over that time. Warmer temperatures are, if anything, beneficial to them, and they remain an excellent indicator species for monitoring changes in weather patterns, water quality, and the condition of peatlands and wetlands.
2025 provided a striking example. The hottest April on record prompted dragonflies and damselflies to emerge from ponds and streams earlier than usual. However, the spring also became the warmest on record, causing many small ponds and boggy areas to dry out and leading to fewer sightings across the Durham Wildlife Trust region. A warm but changeable summer followed by a wet autumn proved favourable for the remaining dragonflies, but less so for observers in the field, and overall sighting numbers remained lower than normal.
Despite these challenges, 3,932 sightings of 22 species were recorded. The standout news was the continued spread of the willow emerald damselfly, first seen at Joe’s Pond Nature Reserve three years ago and now present at many sites across the region. Similarly, the small red-eyed damselfly has expanded from its original site at Brasside to numerous ponds region-wide, including Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve.
The British Dragonfly Society (BDS) designates a North East site as a Priority Site if it meets any of the following criteria:
- Nationally scarce species breeding
- Locally scarce species breeding
- Fourteen or more species present
Rainton Meadows satisfies two of these criteria, with 17 species recorded alongside breeding willow emerald and small red-eyed damselflies. Low Barns Nature Reserve is close behind with 14 species, although limited survey effort took place there in 2025. To address this, monthly surveys are planned for 2026.
The most frequently recorded species in 2025 was the common darter (384 sightings), followed by the blue-tailed damselfly (228). Although the blue-tailed damselfly has been declining nationally and is officially classified as Near Threatened, numbers in the Durham Wildlife Trust region have steadily increased over the past five years. This encouraging trend likely reflects improving water quality and restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid insecticides, highlighting how Odonata can act as sensitive indicators of environmental change.
Another key monitoring species is the black darter, which favours moorland and bog habitats. Its status will be closely watched as Durham Wildlife Trust continues management work at sites such as Bishop's Fen Nature Reserve, Stanley Moss Nature Reserve, and Cuthbert's Moor Nature Reserve.
Durham Wildlife Trust Trustee and County Recorder, Michael Coates, has compiled the full 2025 findings into a detailed annual report, available to download below.
Keep an eye on our events page for dragonfly walks throughout 2026—and look out for the first damselflies to appear on or around 20 April.