2026 Branch Events
Field trips are open to all, with a small fee of £2 payable by non-members. Annual membership is only £5 for an individual and represents excellent value, so either join in advance or print off a membership form and join on the day.
Please note:
Remember to bring a packed lunch, stout footwear, and waterproof clothing.
You may be at risk from Lyme Disease when you visit the countryside. Lyme Disease is a relatively uncommon infection in the UK but it has recently started to occur more frequently. It is caused by a bacterium carried by ticks. People who walk in the countryside, especially those walking through grass, rough vegetation, or wild areas such as heathland, are more at risk.
For more information visit the Lyme Disease Action website.
Check the website for the latest status and updates on planned field trips.
Young persons under the age of 18 are welcome to attend all meetings. However, as the Yorkshire Branch of the BDS has no member registered under the Children’s Act, their parent or guardian must accompany them. The leader of an event should also be consulted in advance if children wish to attend.
Sunday 10th May
Birkdale Farm, Terrington
A morning meeting to search for Hairy Dragonfly at a superb wildlife pond on a private farm within the Howardian Hills Natural Landscapes. The farm is managed in an environmentally sensitive way. To date 18 species have been recorded.
Leader – Keith Gittens
Meet 10am at the farm, a walk of around 3 hours.
Grid ref – SE 68678 69028
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Strong footwear recommended. Walk is mainly on tracks and grass with some incline/decline.
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509
Friday 24th July
Marfield Wetlands NR, Masham
Joint meeting with Yoredale Natural History Society. Some 15 species of odonata have been recorded at this restored quarry site and many of these should be on the wing in July. We will be on the lookout for Small Red-eyed Damselfly which has yet to be recorded at the site.
Leader – Keith Gittens
Meet at the reserve car park at 10.00am, a walk of around 3 hours.
Grid ref – SE 22136 81893
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Strong footwear recommended. The walk is mainly on the flat on gravel tracks.
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509
Sunday 26th July
Skipwith Common NNR
Joint meeting with Freshwater Habitats Trust to explore some newly created ponds at this heathland nature reserve. An FHT Flagship Ponds site, we will also be searching for Common Hawker and Black Darter.
Mostly flat but uneven ground.
Leaders – Keith Gittens, Anne Carter
Meet 10am at the reserve car park on King Rudding Lane – SE 64432 37373,
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Bring a packed lunch, strong footwear recommended.
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509
Saturday 22nd August
Strensall Common MTA
Joint meeting with Freshwater Habitats Trust to explore the numerous ponds of the Military Training Area. An FHT Flagship Ponds site, to date 19 species of Odonata have been recorded. We will be looking for Common Hawker and Black Darter in particular.
Distance 3 – 4 miles over uneven ground.
Meet 10am at Scott Moncrief Road Car Park, SE 63598 59818
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Leaders – Keith Gittens, Anne Carter
Bring a packed lunch, strong footwear recommended.
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509