About the event

Whether you are new to identifying dragonflies or a seasoned spotter, county recorder Michael Coates needs your help to survey Rainton Meadows and, in particular, look for willow emerald damselflies. 

This species is very rare in the north east but has been successfully breeding on Joe's Pond for the last three years, so we need to monitor population numbers accurately. This is your chance to contribute to citizen science. 

You will be taken around Rainton Meadows via all the other ponds, to do a quick survey of other species, before ending up at Joe's Pond, for what has been called the ultimate “Where’s Wally” activity. You will be looking for a small green coloured damselfly (see photo) somewhere in the trees around Joe's Pond. This requires lots of pairs of eyes, binoculars, and telephoto lenses. If you are up for this challenge, join Michael at the visitor centre at 1.25pm, where he will explain what to look out for and then he will guide you around the reserve. Please bring binoculars.

Meet at the entrance of Rainton Meadows visitor centre DH4 6PU at 1.25pm. While Rainton Meadows has good accessibility on the pathways, it should be noted that some of the ponds you will be looking at are off the main paths.

Please wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear. 

A coffee shop, toilets and a gift shop are all located within the visitor centre.