Mid-summer update

As we approach the end of June most of the dragonfly and damselfly species that are known to be breeding in Hertfordshire have now been reported during 2018, although we may have to wait a bit longer for the first records of late summer/autumn species such as Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) and Willow Emerald Damselfly (Chalcolestes viridis).

Sighting of some of the earliest flying species, in particular Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) but also chasers like the Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) shown below, will now start to tail off, but many of the more obvious species such as Brown & Southern Hawkers (Aeshna grandis & A. cyanea) and Ruddy & Common Darters (Sympetrum sanguineum & S. striolatum) will become more numerous during July and August.

Exciting news this year is that the Green-eyed Hawkers (Anaciaeshna isoceles - also known as Norfolk Hawkers - but that name doesn't seem appropriate any more) that arrived at Amwell four years ago seem to be expanding their Hertfordshire distribution and have so far been reported from three additional Hertfordshire sites, all close to Amwell.

Beautiful Demoiselles, which established a population just outside Hertfordshire a few years ago, on the Turkey Brook at Forty Hall, Middlesex, also seem to be spreading into Hertfordshire, with two reports of what were presumably wandering individuals in the east of the county and reports from Cuffley Brook in the south-east (not too far from Forty Hall). If anyone wants to see this species locally it is best looked for at Forty Hall with the bridge over Turkey Brook at TQ342987 being a good spot. To see them in Hertfordshire the points where public footpaths cross Cuffley Brook at TL315009 and TL310015 seem to provide the best opportunity, but they are at very low density along the brook. More on the Beautiful Demoiselles and Green-eyed Hawkers will follow in the next few days.

Please submit records of any dragonflies and damselflies that you see, including common species, using the record submission form on the HNHS website (http://www.hnhs.org/submit/dragonflies-and-damselflies), via iRecord, or by email to the following email address: dragonflies@hnhs.org  

 

New 'Hertfordshire Dragonflies and Damselflies Facebook group

I have set up a Facebook group that anyone with an interest in the dragonflies and damselflies of Hertfordshire, who uses Facebook, may like to join to share sightings and photos.

A link to the group can be found here: Herts dragonflies Facebook group   

 

Wild Orchids of Hertfordshire – the 2026 Gerald Salisbury Lecture

Join us in Welwyn at 8pm on Thursday 22 January for 'Wild Orchids of Hertfordshire' –  the 2026 Gerald Salisbury Memorial Lecture.

Co-county flora recorder Dr Ian Denholm will give a talk that he and Prof. Richard Bateman, a fellow orchid expert and enthusiast, have prepared. Together, they have half a century's experience surveying for orchids in Hertfordshire.

North Herts Museum reception rounds off 150th anniversary year

More than 50 HNHS members  attended a reception at North Hertfordshire Museum in Hitchin on 12 January to view our 'Wildlife for the Record' exhibition and round off the Society's 150th anniversary year.

We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Nicholas Buxton, his wife Henrietta, and the Chair of North Hertfordshire District Council Cllr. Keith Hoskins as special guests. Mr Buxton who farms the Easnye estate near Ware, has made 'nurture through nature' the theme of his current year in office.

Happy New Year – our anniversary celebrations are not quite over...

A Happy New Year to all our members and friends!

Hertfordshire Natural History Society held its first meeting in January 1875, which means that our 150th anniversary celebrations are sadly almost at an end.

Don't, however, miss the opportunity to visit our closing exhibition in North Hertfordshire Museum which runs until February 16th (Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1JE, not Mondays).