Rare Damselfly Rediscovered in Revived Ponds of South Downs National Park

In a remarkable conservation effort, the South Downs National Park has been restoring a series of historic livestock watering holes, known as dew ponds, and has uncovered a wealth of biodiversity in the process. One of the most exciting discoveries is the sighting of the blue-tailed damselfly, a species that was once thought to have been extinct in the region.

The national park has been working to bring ten of these dew ponds back to life, providing vital homes and drinking water for a diverse array of insects, birds, amphibians, and mammals. Sylvia King, who carries out regular surveys of one of the restored ponds, has been thrilled to witness the transformation. "The plants are growing in it; the insects are coming back. Just to see it alive, it's exciting when you come up here, you're never quite sure what you're going to see," she remarked.

The revival of these dew ponds has been a remarkable success story, showcasing the power of ecological restoration to support and nurture the natural world. As the ponds continue to thrive, the South Downs National Park is hopeful that more rare and endangered species will find a safe haven in these revitalized habitats.