Emperor dragonfly,
Anax imperator.
Britain’s bulkiest Dragonfly and a frequent visitor to the pond in the Wildlife Trail. This one was expertly netted, handled and freed by Dan Hackett. They are highly inquisitive and will fly very close if you keep still. We’ve seen them laying eggs at the pond and are aware of at least a dozen nymphs hatching to adulthood in 2021. Photo Simon Olley