Finding dragonflies and damselflies at Runnymede and Ankerwycke
There are several good places to spot dragonflies and damselflies at Runnymede and Ankerwycke. Common blue and azure damselflies love the long grass and wildflowers of the Runnymede meadows, while demoiselles and red-eyed damselflies can be seen in plenty along the river Thames.
Dragonflies can also be spotted along the river and in the meadows, but the best displays are at Runnymede and Ankerwycke’s ponds. Langham Pond at Runnymede is a particularly beautiful spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon watching out for them; in one visit it would not be unusual to see common darters, ruddy darters, emperors, brown hawkers and migrant hawkers, as well as a plethora of damselflies.
A pair of binoculars will allow you to get an extra good look, but if you spot one and it flies off, don’t worry – try sitting still for a few minutes, as dragonflies are territorial and so likely to return to the same patch.