Insects not only look beautiful but they are also intelligent, ferocious and deadly - just built for the kill

Parklife with Swindon Ranger David Bosse

The very best way to learn about nature, whatever your age, is to get close up and see it for yourself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you go outside and burn your books, but as they say, there’s no substitute for experience.

And when that experience is of seeing beautiful and deadly Dragonflies in their natural habitat, who can argue?

Since dinosaurs walked the earth, Damsel and Dragonflies have remained almost unchanged. Ferocious and intelligent, with excellent eyesight and lightning reflexes, these incredible insects are built for the kill. Don’t just take my word for it though. Why not book onto one of our upcoming events instead, and see for yourself?

On Saturday, 27th of June, there’s a great event for children at Coate water. Creating some crafty critters, before a walk in the park to see the real deal. Lots of fun, with an educational twist! Then, for children over 12, and adults, we’ll be joined on Sunday June 28th at Stanton Park by County Dragonfly recorder Steve Covey for a guided walk around the park’s lake and ponds with a personal introduction to such beauties as the Emperor and Southern Hawker Dragonflies, and Azure and blue tailed Damselflies.

These events are free, but must be spaces must be booked in advance as spaces fill quickly. Call to book on 01793 490150

Litterbugs Poster Competition

Time is also running out for children to send their anti-litter poster designs in for a chance to win our competition, and spread the good word on keeping Swindon tidy.

The competition is open to children aged 5 – 12, and all entries must be received by Friday 10th July. The winner will be announced right here on Thursday 16th July, next to the winning poster, which will be printed in full colour and displayed in Country Parks across Swindon right the way through summer.

And as a big thank you for their hard work, all of the entries will also be displayed in the Ranger and Information Centre’s gallery at Coate Water Country Park for you to come and see when you visit.

To enter, please design your poster on white A4 paper, with your contact details on a separate piece of paper, and post it to;

Litterbugs Poster Competition

The Ranger Centre

Coate Water Country Park

Swindon SN3 6AA

Make it bright, bold and colourful, and make it clear to everyone that Swindon’s parks don’t need litter!

Article written by Swindon Ranger, David Boase