Exbury Oasis, Hampshire’s Hidden Gem: Amidst the lush foliage, the ethereal male dances, a bewitching spectacle, his presence seemingly a mirage, glittering in the canopy as if brushed by the hand of a sapphire sorcerer.
Along the shores of Dragonfly Pond, a family rebellion simmers. The azure streak across the water, too swift for my “Kingfisher!” call, leaves my kids unimpressed. Despite promises of aerial beauty at Exbury Gardens, their enthusiasm hangs in the balance, pinned on the hope that the pond lives up to its whimsical name.
Worry not. Dragonfly Pond isn’t just any water haven—it’s one of England’s 10 dragonfly “hotspots,” as ordained by the British Dragonfly Society. From our perch on the floating pontoon, we spy male small red-eyed damselflies perched on pondweed platforms, establishing their aerial territories. A pair of mating damsels glides by, their dance forming a heart-shaped spectacle. Meanwhile, male emperor dragonflies patrol the edges like bold Chinooks, while their female counterparts expertly deposit eggs on the underside of aquatic leaves. In mere minutes, we’ve cataloged five of the 22 recorded dragonfly species in the gardens. However, to discover the true gem, we must venture along the streams.
Having canoed up the Great Ouse in Bedfordshire in late July, surrounded by the iridescence of banded demoiselles among the reeds, our sights are now set on the elusive beautiful demoiselle—the only other British damselfly in the Calopteryx genus. The streams, initially appearing barren, threaten to dampen the children’s spirits. But then, a spark ignites in the oak tree above us. Holding the binoculars steady for my daughter, hands overlaid with hers, I sense her gasp. Our first encounter with the beautiful demoiselle unfolds, casting a spell of wonder over Dragonfly Pond.
Backlit by the sun’s glow, the male damselfly defies reality, his wings a delicate fusion of wire and gauze, his abdomen adorned with nature’s own sapphires. A living masterpiece, he glimmers in the canopy as if the oak tree, tired of acorns, birthed a gem in sheer defiance of the ordinary.
Territorial by nature, the beautiful demoiselle male stands unmoving, unchallenged by rivals. Even a golden-ringed dragonfly, with its ostentatious black and gold allure, makes a brief appearance but goes unnoticed by the kids. Their attention is held captive by the iridescent damsel in the oak, a creature seemingly plucked from a realm where enchantment reigns.