The vivid orange Scarce Chaser dragonfly, Libellula fulva has been sighted in Wimborne’s Knoll Gardens.
This is the first recorded sighting of the year in Dorset and south Hampshire of this distinctive dragonfly which was last spotted at Knoll in 2012.
The Scarce Chaser is as scarce as it’s name implies and can now be found in only six areas of Britain including Hampshire and Dorset where you may be lucky enough to spot one on the wing until early August.
Regular butterfly and dragonfly surveys are conducted at Knoll as part of the work of the garden’s associated charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation which promotes the creation of beautiful, wildlife friendly gardens based on its model at Wimborne. The charity is running a guided butterfly walk as part of a year-round event programme on 30 July. For more information and bookings go to www.knollgardens.co.uk