A very fine Sussex walk: part one Damselflies & Dragonflies at Friston pond & Friston forest

From the National Trust car park at Crowlink the walk past Friston pond, through Friston Forest and back along the Downs and some of the Seven SIsters is one of the finest walks in Sussex.

The man-made pond dates to before 1066 and three species caught my attention yesterday.

A Small Red-eyed Damselfly, Erythromma viridulum rested on a lily pad.  This species was first discovered in England in July 1999 -- a new arrival from the continent.

Friston pond -- panoramic view.

 A female Common Darter above and a male below.

 Blue-tailed Damselfly mature male, Ischnura elegans

In several glades in the forest dozens of dragonflies were flying around.

Very difficult to photograph, coud the above be an Emperor dragonfly, whereas below is a Hawker of some sort

 Common Hawker male ?

Common Hawker female, Click on any picture to expand them.
More from this walk to follow on bonking beetles, orchids and bellflowers.
Meanwhile natural history societies may enjoy http://www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk/product02.html