The Windsor Estate is home to around 26 species of dragonfly, some of which can be very abundant. Wetland habitats at Swinley Forest and Crowthorne Woods are of national importance for the diversity of dragonflies, including nationally rare species. Our conservation work includes measures to restore and create wetland habitats for wildlife.
The Blue-tailed Damselfly is a nationally uncommon species found at Buttersteep ponds within Windsor Estate. It thrives in wetland habitats and contributes to the Estate’s impressive tally of 27 dragonfly and damselfly species.
The Brilliant Emerald dragonfly is a striking metallic-green species found in woodland ponds within Swinley and Buttersteep Forests. Known for its vivid emerald sheen and agile flight, it is a summer flier in the UK. As a nationally scarce species, it is one of our conservation priorities and is protected under ongoing efforts.
The Broad-bodied Chaser is a striking dragonfly with a broad blue abdomen in males and yellow-brown in females. On the Windsor Estate, it thrives around ponds and wetlands such as Virginia Water and Englemere Pond, favouring sunny margins with emergent vegetation for perching and breeding.
The Common Darter is a widespread dragonfly, often seen from summer into autumn. It breeds in ponds, lakes, and ditches, and is regularly recorded at Windsor Estate sites such as Englemere Pond, Swinley Brick Pits, and Buttersteep Forest—areas managed to maintain wetland habitats for diverse dragonfly species.
The Emperor Dragonfly is one of the largest and most striking dragonflies in Europe. With a vibrant blue abdomen and powerful flight, it patrols ponds and lakes in summer. Look out for it at most of the ponds and lakes on the Estate, such as the Prince of Wales pond in the Deer Park.
The Golden-ringed Dragonfly is our longest dragonfly, with vivid black and yellow stripes. It thrives in clean water streams and ditches, such as those found at Swinley, Crowthorne and Buttersteep Forests where it can be seen hunting insects along the forest verges in mid-summer.
The Small Red Damselfly is a delicate, slender insect found in acidic wetlands across the forestry areas of the Estate. Our conservation work has provided many new habitats for them, and has increased the local populations of this nationally scarce species. Look out for them at shallow pools and ditches in Swinley Forest.
The Southern Hawker is a large, inquisitive dragonfly recorded across Windsor Estate’s ponds, lakes, and woodland margins. It breeds in still waters with rich vegetation and is frequently seen patrolling wetland habitats during summer and early autumn.
