The New Forest has many streams, ponds, and mires along with adjoining heaths, lawns and spinneys and all provide ideal habitat for the many species of dragonfly found in the area. The Forest is home to around 28 of the 40 species of dragonfly that regularly breed in the UK(1). Of the larger species that can be seen these include, the Southern Hawker, Emperor, Migrant Hawker, Hairy Dragonfly, Downy Emerald and Golden Ringed Dragonfly. Of the smaller Chasers these include the Four Spotted, Broad Bodied and the Scarce Chaser, Keeled Skimmers as well as Common, Black and Ruddy Darters are regularly to be seen. The scarcer damselflies are well represented with the White-legged Damselfly, the Small-Red Damselfly and Red-Eyed Damselfly being local to the area.

(1)Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland (Brooks Lewington)