BDS Chief Executive

British Dragonfly Society appoints its first Chief Executive

The British Dragonfly Society (BDS) has announced the appointment of its first Chief Executive, Gary Roberts.

BDS President, Dr Pam Taylor, said “This is a major step forward for our society and we hope the new appointment will help to raise awareness of dragonflies and their fragile wetland habitats at a time when climate change is really beginning to affect their distribution. Although some dragonflies are doing well and expanding their range northwards, many of our rarer dragonflies are under threat from habitat change. It is an important time to think about conserving wildlife on a landscape scale. We need to take action now to preserve our precious wetland areas and the species they support.”

BDS began in 1983 as a group of like-minded enthusiasts who wished to promote the conservation and study of these beautiful flying jewels. Since that time the BDS has grown to be the largest dragonfly society in the world with over 1,500 members.

BDS appointed its first Conservation Officer in 2001 and a second member of staff in 2005, but most BDS activities are still run by dedicated volunteers. The recent success of the society as a focus for dragonfly information and advice, coupled with its increasing workload conserving vulnerable species, has necessitated the creation of this new Chief Executive role.

Gary Roberts joins the BDS from Coed Cadw (Woodland Trust in Wales). He has always had a passion for the natural world, particularly insects, and began his working career restoring a chalk quarry to a nature reserve. Through his own environmental communications company and as an employee, Gary has worked with a diverse variety of other wildlife organisations including Butterfly Conservation, RSPB and Quercus (Portugal).

On being appointed as BDS Chief Executive he said “I am delighted to be the first Chief Executive for the BDS. Dragonflies and damselflies are amongst are most beautiful, dynamic and ancient of our insect fauna. They are excellent natural barometers of the health of our wetland environment. They are also symbols of courage and luck. I, for one, certainly hope so.”

“Key challenges for me as CE are to increase membership and funds, and implement a communications and marketing plan. The BDS is keen to work with a variety of organisations, companies and individuals to ensure the conservation of these spectacular insects and their wetland habitats.”

Of the NBN Gary said, “From the start the British Dragonfly Society has been a key supporter of the NBN Gateway. To date, through our dedicated network of recorders, the BDS has contributed over 750,000 records. As one of the earliest contributors, the BDS values its relationship with NBN.”

The BDS is now utilising Indicia for its online recording efforts which can be found on its new look website.