British Dragonfly Society

What British Dragonfly Society does

The British Dragonfly Society is a UK registered charity founded in 1983 that conserves dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) and their wetland habitats across England, Scotland, and Wales. The Society pursues three stated aims: promoting recording and surveying of dragonflies, conserving dragonflies and their habitats, and engaging the public. Its core operational backbone is the national Dragonfly Recording Scheme, established in 1968, which has accumulated over 1.6 million verified records of 59 Odonata species contributed by more than 17,000 volunteer recorders and checked by a network of 50+ County Dragonfly Recorders. Records are submitted through the iRecord platform, stored at the UK Biological Records Centre, and exported annually to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas, an arrangement that earned BDS the John Sawyer NBN Open Data Award 2021.

BDS's product surface spans citizen science programmes (PondWatch, Dragonfly Hotspots, Adopt a Site), education (curriculum-aligned Key Stage 1-3 packs, Junior Rangers, Youth Panel for ages 16-24), publications (BDS Journal, Dragonfly News e-newsletter, field guides, county guides), and retail (pin badges, calendars, sustainable merchandise via Teemill). Strategic partnerships extend across RSPB reserves, Natural Resources Wales, the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve consortium, Wildlife Trusts, and academic experts. The technology stack is deliberately built on shared national infrastructure rather than proprietary systems.

The revenue model is typical of a small UK conservation charity: individual and joint memberships (the primary recurring stream, with Individual at £25/year, Joint £35, Youth/Student £15 introduced in April 2024, and Benefactor £50), supplemented by donations, occasional grant funding (e.g., Welsh Government for the Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project), publications and merchandise sales. Go-to-market is community-led, with over 2,000 members and an estimated 17,000+ active volunteer recorders distributed across the UK.

Name

British Dragonfly Society

Legal name

British Dragonfly Society

Website

https://british-dragonflies.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The British Dragonfly Society is a UK registered charity founded in 1983 that conserves dragonflies and damselflies through a citizen science recording scheme, habitat management, public education, and partnerships, serving over 2,000 members and 17,000 volunteer recorders across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation charity
• Citizen science recording
• Dragonfly habitat management
• Environmental education
• Biodiversity monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Walford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership fees providing core funding. Members receive BDS Journal, e-newsletter, and access to member benefits including discounts at events.
2. Donations: Charitable donations from supporters to fund conservation projects, habitat management, and outreach activities.
3. Merchandise and Shop Sales: Sale of pin badges (£2.50 each), calendars featuring photo competition winners, publications including field guides and species books, and branded merchandise from Teemill sustainable shop.
4. Publications: Sale of BDS Journal (now online only), species guides, county-specific dragonfly guides, and educational materials for schools.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The British Dragonfly Society is a registered UK charity that conserves dragonflies and damselflies through a national citizen science recording scheme, habitat management partnerships, public education programs, and community engagement. Its core offerings include membership subscriptions, the BDS Journal, school curriculum resources, an online shop, and events such as Dragonfly Week and PondWatch that mobilize volunteers to submit verified species records to the UK Biological Records Centre.

Product overview

The British Dragonfly Society operates a portfolio of conservation and citizen science products centered on dragonfly recording, education, and public engagement. Core offerings include the Dragonfly Recording Scheme (using iRecord for data collection), the Dragonfly Hotspots Project (partnered wetland sites), PondWatch citizen science events, and an annual Photo Competition. Educational products span curriculum-aligned Schools Packs, Dragonfly Information Pack, and Garden Dragonflies Video Guides. The society publishes the BDS Journal and Dragonfly News newsletter, maintains a Youth Panel for engagement, and offers membership with tiered rates. Retail products include pin badges, books, and Teemill-sourced sustainable merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dragonfly Recording Scheme A national citizen science program that collects and verifies dragonfly and damselfly sightings through a network of County Dragonfly Recorders, with 1.6M+ verified records stored at the UK Biological Records Centre and NBN Atlas. Available to amateur naturalists, conservation volunteers, and researchers across the UK.
• Dragonfly Hotspots Project A network of accessible wetland sites designated for dragonfly conservation and public engagement, including RSPB reserves and partner garden attractions across England, Scotland, and Wales. Provides visitor information, habitat management, and on-site engagement for members and the general public.
• PondWatch Annual citizen science event encouraging people to observe and record dragonflies and damselflies at garden ponds and local wetlands. Targeted at amateur naturalists, families, and PondWatch participants across the UK.
• Annual Photo Competition Annual photography competition showcasing dragonfly and damselfly images, with winners featured in the BDS calendar. Open to photographers of all ages across the UK and beyond.
• Youth Panel A youth engagement initiative for 16-24 year olds to help shape dragonfly conservation work, create a Youth Engagement Strategy, and develop conservation career pathways. Aimed at young adults interested in nature and conservation careers.
• BDS Membership Program Annual membership with tiered rates (Individual £25, Joint £35, Youth/Student £15, Benefactor £50, Overseas Europe £30, Overseas Rest of World £35) and monthly Direct Debit options. Benefits include Dragonfly News, access to BDS Journal, discounts on publications, and invitations to events. Available to individuals and households in the UK and overseas.
• BDS Journal Annual peer-reviewed publication covering UK dragonfly research, conservation projects, and species records. Distributed to BDS members and accessible online.
• Educational Resources Free downloadable materials including curriculum-aligned education packs for Key Stages 1-3, species identification guides, craft activities, and colouring sheets. Used by primary and secondary school teachers across the UK.
• Schools and Kids Education Pack Comprehensive teaching materials aligned with Curriculum for Excellence and Key Stages 1-3, featuring dragonfly presentations, food chain activities, survival games, and craft projects. Targeted at primary and secondary school teachers.
• BDS Pin Badges Collectible pin badges featuring Emperor, Four-spotted Chaser, Broad-bodied Chaser, and Banded Demoiselle designs, priced at £2.50 each. Available through the BDS shop for members and supporters.
• The Damselflies and Dragonflies of Sussex (Field Guide) Field guide published in 2024 covering damselflies and dragonflies of Sussex with over 170 colour photos. Sold through the BDS shop to naturalists and regional enthusiasts.
• BDS Teemill Merchandise Shop Sustainable merchandise line launched through Teemill, offering organic tops and totes in men's, women's, and kids' sizes, powered by renewable energy. Available to BDS supporters globally via online e-commerce.

Quantifiable outcome

• 19 of 46 resident and regular migrant species have increased since 1970, while only 5 have declined
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RSPB ConwycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRSPB Conwy was designated a Dragonfly Hotspot in 2024. The Conwy team works in partnership with BDS to manage their site for dragonflies and promote dragonfly conservation, including creating new pools for dragonflies and other freshwater species.
• Exbury GardenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExbury Gardens in the New Forest was designated a Dragonfly Hotspot in 2021, the first in Hampshire. The site features a new Dragonfly Pond learning zone with info boards and dragonfly-friendly native aquatic and marginal plants.
• Natural Resources Wales (NRW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNRW announced a new Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project funded by Welsh Government. The project benefits the Common Clubtail, one of the last strongholds in the River Wye system.
• BuglifeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPondWatch partner organization providing information on invertebrates. Buglife is referenced as a wildlife friend organization for dragonfly-related information.
• RiverfliesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPondWatch partner providing information on mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies as related freshwater invertebrates.
• Butterfly ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPondWatch partner organization for butterflies and moths information, sharing audience and conservation community.
• RSPB (Multiple Sites)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple RSPB reserves designated as Dragonfly Hotspots including RSPB Campfield Marsh (Cumbria) and RSPB Conwy. Partnership involves habitat management for dragonflies and promotion of dragonfly conservation.
• UK Biological Records CentrecoreTechnology or IntegrationBDS database is stored at the UK Biological Records Centre, providing infrastructure for data management and accessibility.
• National Biodiversity Network (NBN) AtlascoreTechnology or IntegrationBDS records are exported to NBN Atlas annually, making data available for everyone to use. BDS won the John Sawyer NBN Open Data Award 2021 for contributions to open biodiversity data.
• iRecord PlatformcoreTechnology or IntegrationBDS uses iRecord to receive, manage and check submitted records. Platform includes phone app for on-the-go recording and Excel template import for bulk submissions.
• Pebblebed Heaths Conservation TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Southern Damselfly habitat restoration in Pebblebed Heathlands in East Devon, supporting some of the last populations in England.
• Purbeck Heaths Partnership (7-way)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeven-way partnership including RSPB, National Trust, Natural England, Forestry England, Rempstone Estate, Dorset Wildlife Trust and ARC Trust managing the new Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve for Southern Damselfly conservation.
• Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPondWatch partner organization for amphibians and reptiles information.
• RSPBminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPondWatch partner for bird conservation information (alongside WWT).
• Wildlife TrustsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPondWatch partner organization for general wildlife information.
• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPondWatch partner for bird conservation information.
• Wildlife Garden ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with video editor Laura from Wildlife Garden Project to produce video guides for garden dragonfly identification, covering England, Wales and Scotland versions.
• Nick Baker (Naturalist and Broadcaster)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturalist and broadcaster who officially opened the Dragonfly Pond learning zone at Exbury Gardens.
• Ruary Mackenzie Dodds and Kari de Koenigswarter (Dragonfly Ambassadors)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK's leading dragonfly experts who helped design and develop the Exbury Gardens Dragonfly Pond and serve as Dragonfly Ambassadors for BDS.
• Ground ControlminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGround Control is establishing dragonfly monitoring on their Wildfell estate in Essex, part of a 296-acre Biodiversity Net Gain showcase project funded by Evergreen Fund (£2 million investment in 2021).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Woodland Trust: Large UK conservation charity focused on woodland and broader biodiversity, with a comparable membership-and-donation funding model and citizen-science ethos, though its habitat focus is largely non-overlapping.
• Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT): Major wetland conservation charity running wetland visitor centres, species recovery and education programs. Overlaps with BDS on wetland habitat management and bird/invertebrate education.
• The Wildlife Trusts: Umbrella body for 46 UK wildlife trusts managing wetland sites and biodiversity projects; a PondWatch partner of BDS and a broad incumbent covering overlapping wetland and education themes.
• RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds): The UK's largest wildlife charity; operates nature reserves that host BDS Dragonfly Hotspots and runs overlapping wetland conservation work, but at vastly greater scale and with a broad avian and habitat remit rather than dragonfly specialism.

Direct peers

• Froglife: Small UK amphibian and reptile conservation charity focused on pond and wetland habitats — overlapping strongly with BDS's freshwater and wetland conservation remit.
• Bat Conservation Trust: UK charity dedicated to a single taxonomic group (bats) with a national recording scheme, county networks, membership tiers and citizen-science volunteers — a close structural analogue to BDS's dragonfly-only model.
• Buglife: Invertebrate conservation charity that is a PondWatch partner of BDS, focused on pollinators and other invertebrates across the UK. Shares the small-staff, volunteer-led, project-based operating model and overlapping supporter base.
• Butterfly Conservation: UK invertebrate conservation charity with a national citizen-science recording scheme, county recorder network, membership model and education/outreach programs — directly comparable to BDS in mission, structure and volunteer-driven data approach.
• Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust: Single-taxon UK wildlife charity running recorder networks, hotspot/reserve partnerships and citizen-science projects for amphibians and reptiles. Directly comparable scale and operating model to BDS.

Regional players

• Scottish Wildlife Trust: Scotland-focused wildlife charity operating reserves, recording schemes and citizen science; comparable in model to BDS but operating regionally within Scotland rather than across the whole UK.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bdsdragonflies
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UClY5I8-d_RP1q5VBlnI380A
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/British-Dragonfly-Society/176490629078699
• Instagraminstagram.com/britishdragonflysociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/british-dragonfly-society

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about British Dragonfly Society