The Dragonfly Diaries: The Unlikely Story of Europe's First Dragonfly Sanctuary by Dodds, Ruary Mackenzie (May 22, 2014) Paperback

by Ruary Mackenzie Dodds

Britain is home to some forty species of dragonfly, and public interest in their plight is high right now thanks to their primeval beauty, aerobatic grace and a growing realisation of their importance for water eco-systems. In 'The Dragonfly Diaries', Ruary Mackenzie Dodds shares his quirky fascination for these remarkable creatures over the 25 years he has been photographing and working with them. Combining fascinating description of the lives of dragonflies, with a diary chronicling the ups and downs of establishing Britain's first public dragonfly sanctuary, 'The Dragonfly Diaries' is a must for nature buffs and for anyone who wants to be inspired by the resolve and dedication of a man on a mission to save these critically important insects.

Genres: Nature, Natural History

Unknown Binding

First published May 22, 2014

Reviews

[Juliet Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the inspiring and fascinating story of how the author created Europe's first dragonfly sanctuary. Outlining the challenges of creating suitable habitat and renovating buildings to become a museum and visitor centre, along with the changing fortunes of the whole enterprise this is an engrossing read.

The focus is often more on the challenges of creating the sanctuary rather than on the dragonflies themselves and the diary format may not be the most useful for everyone. However, it is well worth reading if you are at all interested in nature conservation and there are plenty of detailed observations of nature alongside the detailed outlines of building ponds.

The author has been a great ambassador for dragonflies and the dragonfly sanctuary in its various incarnations has been a vital part of conservation in the UK.

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever want to know what it feels like to be *driven* to do something and to see this through come rain, shine and duckweed then this is the book for you. It charts the rise and, in the wake of Foot and Mouth, the downfall of the Ashton Mill Dragonfly Sanctuary and Biomuseum. As an Odonatophile myself, I can feel the joy at seeing darters, hawkers and exuviae.
Folks, this is a passionate book, and with a "nihil obstat" from Chris Packham you know that it's a goodie.
It's only four stars because there are a few bits which drag, but on the whole this swishes along, and allows you to see the progress, negotiation and diplomacy needed to get something this grand into the real world. Hint: if you want to do the impossible, there is nothing like publicity and finding rich people with deep pockets to make it happen. Those, and an army of willing volunteers who march joyfully into the ooze to dig holes and destroy weeds.

[Martin Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struggled to put it down. Picked up at a National Trust bookshop half price because it was a bit tatty on the corners. So glad I did. Engaging, absorbing, witty, heartbreaking, passionate, educational and utterly inspirational diaries of Ruary Mackenzie Dodds, city slicker turned Dragonfly Museum / Dragonfly Project founder and guru after a dragonfly landed on his shirt in 1985. I knew a bit about the natural world but I learned so much more from this book. It’s a very simple read and it pulls you in like a peaty pond at Wicken Fen, but i’m going to be looking at and thinking about dragonflies so much more from now on. A proper 5star book from me.

[Xenia Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational read if you love nature and dragonflies in particular. A dragonfly landed on Ruary's shirt and started him on a mission to help save these important insects. What follows next is a wonderful story of what a difference one person can make when they follow their passion, engage others with their enthusiasm and educates us all in the process while establishing Europe's first Dragonfly Sanctuary.

[Jess H · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is called The Dragonfly Diaries but do not read if interested in dragonflies as the majority of the book is long anecdotes of how brilliant and privileged the author's life is.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and utterly fascinating account of the author's passion for dragonflies and his accidental career in dragonfly conservation. His enthusiasm for dragonflies and conservation is infectious, and his account of the fortunes of the sanctuary is by turns humorous, joyous and poignant. Highly recommended.