{"id":459,"date":"2022-06-01T08:44:31","date_gmt":"2022-06-01T08:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandwichbaybirdobservatorytrust.org.uk\/sitefiles\/?page_id=459"},"modified":"2025-06-07T11:22:48","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T11:22:48","slug":"dragonfly-pond-field-and-jubilee-field","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/dragonfly-pond-field-and-jubilee-field\/","title":{"rendered":"Dragonfly Pond &#038; Jubilee Fields"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9338\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dragonfly-Fields-Jul24-VPeaple-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dragonfly-Fields-Jul24-VPeaple-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dragonfly-Fields-Jul24-VPeaple-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dragonfly-Fields-Jul24-VPeaple-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>On the lefthand side is The Elms, Middle Field and the Estate road. In the distance you can see Restharrow Scrape... forward from there is Jubilee Field with its trees, shrubs and surrounding hedgerow. Then comes Dragonfly Field with the original 'Damselfly Pond' and its three new ponds and paths made from the 'spoil' dug out when constructing the new ponds. The long hedgerow has been enhanced with many more native species of trees.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">For ten years we leased these two fields, but managed to purchased them in 2024 thanks to many donations from charitable trusts, local commerce, our members and many members of the public. Much work went on to enhance the new reserve with new ponds dug and a great many trees planted.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It now has a nature trail with interpretation boards. Gradually the bare paths and pond banks are becoming vegetated and more wildflowers and invertebrates colonise both land and water. Donated benches, flat paths and people-friendly gates mean that is accessible for all.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">**************************<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Follow below how SBBOT has been developing the Fields, which has improved them for wildlife and people:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photos by Bill Martin, Greg Lee, Steffan Walton, Steve Reynaert and Sally Hunter and drone photos by Vicki Peaple<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">9th November 2024<\/h3>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">TREE PLANTING DAY<\/h1>\n<p>A joyful day was had by many volunteers, a few members and invited guests who had helped with the purchase and development of the Fields reserve and nature trail.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10045 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/looking-along-the-hedge-line-with-trees-planted-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some of the 500+ trees planted on the day. The hedge is now thickened along the whole of the roadside together with a couple of copses.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">These are the tree species involved - all native and either nectar or fruit bearing:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[pdf-embedder url=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/trees-for-planting.pdf\" title=\"trees for planting\"]<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10044 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/conservation-team-in-gorse-corner-2-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The conservation team planting up Gorse Corner<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10042 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20241109_101729-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/>\u00a0 \u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10046 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20241109_115537-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10047 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Our-education-officer-Faye-showing-the-families-how-to-plant-their-tree-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Our-education-officer-Faye-showing-the-families-how-to-plant-their-tree-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Our-education-officer-Faye-showing-the-families-how-to-plant-their-tree-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Our-education-officer-Faye-showing-the-families-how-to-plant-their-tree-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Our-education-officer-Faye-showing-the-families-how-to-plant-their-tree.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Families joined in by following a tree trail, ending up planting a tree and having\u00a0 s'mores at the fire pit<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10043 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20241109_114218-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Councillors Paul and Danielle Carter, the Mayor and Mayoress of Sandich Town Council and Paul Harris, manager of the Co-op after they had planted their trees<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">July 2024<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9064\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-leafcutter-bee-nest-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-leafcutter-bee-nest-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-leafcutter-bee-nest-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-leafcutter-bee-nest-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-leafcutter-bee-nest.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9065\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-male-coastal-leafcutter-bee-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-male-coastal-leafcutter-bee-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-male-coastal-leafcutter-bee-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-male-coastal-leafcutter-bee-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/bee-post-in-use-07-2024-male-coastal-leafcutter-bee.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These pictures were taken recently by Steve Reynaert, our local SBBOT bee expert. These bee posts are in the Dragonfly Fields and were installed with the physical help of some of our WEX\/Phoenix group.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">They show a male Coastal Leafcutter Bee and the first leafcutter bee nest in the posts. They do say \"build it and they will come\" It certainly seems to be true in this case.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">We now have a couple of new commemorative benches next to two of the new ponds:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9068\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144700-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144700-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144700-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144700-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144700-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144700-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-9070\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144855-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144855-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144855-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144855-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144855-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240718_144855-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Thank you - We managed to raise \u00a310,000 which means we are able to access all of the possible match funding and have raised a total of \u00a320,000. What a fantastic effort.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8206 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/inside-page-of-leaflet-for-big-give.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/inside-page-of-leaflet-for-big-give.png 2000w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/inside-page-of-leaflet-for-big-give-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/inside-page-of-leaflet-for-big-give-1024x724.png 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/inside-page-of-leaflet-for-big-give-768x543.png 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/inside-page-of-leaflet-for-big-give-1536x1086.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Friday 17th May<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you haven't yet managed to get to see the ponds this is what the area now looks like:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8570\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0562-best-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0562-best-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0562-best-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0562-best-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0562-best-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0562-best-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0562-best-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thursday 9th May<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8499\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/1st-gate-in.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2432\" height=\"1824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/1st-gate-in.jpg 2432w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/1st-gate-in-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/1st-gate-in-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/1st-gate-in-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/1st-gate-in-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/1st-gate-in-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2432px) 100vw, 2432px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The accessible gate nearest to the Observatory is now in place as is the middle gate.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thanks as always to the hard work of our conservation team (some of whom are pictured by their handiwork) you can now walk off the road from the near corner of the Dragonfly Pond Field all the way to the Little Elms exit from the Jubilee Field as the visitors found yesterday.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Two benches in memory of Ian Hodgson and Colin North (funded by their friends and families) will be arriving next week. The conservation team will get them installed as soon as their other maintenance work allows. These benches will be spaced out along the route in the fields to allow visitors to sit by the new ponds to observe the wildlife as it colonises them as well as providing welcome resting places for those whose mobility is impaired.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">We are so lucky that our members and others appreciate the reserves that we manage and own and have helped us in so many ways to improve them for wildlife and for visitors. We can only do what we do with the support of our members and others who value the natural world for it's own sake and for what it provides for us.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Wednesday 8th May<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some visitors today were keen to let us know how excited they were to be able to walk from the Little Elms off the road through the Dragonfly fields on our wonderful new paths all the way to the gate nearest the Observatory. How lovely to have our work recognised for what we have tried to do so soon and so fulsomely.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thursday 18th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Our new ponds are now ready to receive Dainty Damselflies, Great Crested Newts and any other wildlife that chooses to make them part of their life cycle.\u00a0 Part of the agreement with Natural England who enabled this part of the development is that nothing is introduced into these ponds. It will be interesting to monitor the natural progression of the ponds.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thanks to Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership and their contractor FGS Pilcher the digging work and path laying is complete:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8331\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072615-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072615-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072615-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072615-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072615-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072615-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072615-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The final pond nearest to the Jubilee Field is complete and filling nicely<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8332\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072649-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072649-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072649-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072649-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072649-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072649-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240418_072649-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The path through the Jubilee Field has also been completed<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Wednesday 17th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8322\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240417_083929-final-pond-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240417_083929-final-pond-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240417_083929-final-pond-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240417_083929-final-pond-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240417_083929-final-pond-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240417_083929-final-pond-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240417_083929-final-pond-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The third and final pond taking shape and filling even as the digging continues<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Tuesday 16th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some Mediterranean Gulls were seen attracted to the digging, checking out what the digger had uncovered.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8311\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_094957-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_094957-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_094957-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_094957-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_094957-768x363.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_094957-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_094957-2048x969.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whole of Dragonfly Pond Field from the end nearest the Observatory showing the ponds and the raised paths<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8312\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095236-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095236-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095236-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095236-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095236-768x363.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095236-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095236-2048x969.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The first pond looking quite established and full of water<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8313\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095646-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095646-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095646-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095646-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095646-768x363.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095646-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095646-2048x969.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The middle pond is filling quite nicely<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8314\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095652-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095652-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095652-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095652-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095652-768x363.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095652-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_095652-2048x969.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The first two ponds, the pathways and the tree planting bund<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8310\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_103223-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_103223-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_103223-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_103223-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_103223-768x363.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_103223-1536x727.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240416_103223-2048x969.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Digging the final pond.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8315\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240416_111839-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240416_111839-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240416_111839-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240416_111839-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240416_111839-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240416_111839-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">There should be enough spoil to complete the extra tracks we wanted across the Jubilee Field to allow easy access for the conservation team vehicle and to keep visitors feet dry<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Monday 15th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8309\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240415_1034091-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240415_1034091-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240415_1034091-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240415_1034091-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240415_1034091-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240415_1034091-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240415_1034091-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Flattening the hedge planting area.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Over the weekend a couple of Oystercatchers were seen checking out the area!<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Saturday 13th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p>No work over the weekend. However:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8266 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102457-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102457-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102457-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102457-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102457-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102457-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The middle pond was started on Friday. The top soil in the foreground is waiting to be smoothed down for the eventual planting of the hedgerow trees to strengthen the existing rather sparse hedge along the road.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8267 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102847-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102847-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102847-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102847-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102847-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240413_102847-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The site of the third pond nearest to the Jubilee Field.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Friday 12th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8262 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_090051-middle-pond-complete-and-looking-towards-original-pond-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_090051-middle-pond-complete-and-looking-towards-original-pond-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_090051-middle-pond-complete-and-looking-towards-original-pond-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_090051-middle-pond-complete-and-looking-towards-original-pond-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_090051-middle-pond-complete-and-looking-towards-original-pond-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_090051-middle-pond-complete-and-looking-towards-original-pond-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The first pond - nearest the Observatory - filling well with water.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8263 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_092126-1st-pond-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_092126-1st-pond-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_092126-1st-pond-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_092126-1st-pond-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_092126-1st-pond-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_092126-1st-pond-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Looking from the original Dragonfly pond towards the first gate showing the raised pathways that should make the area accessible even in wet times. The first new pond - on the right - is almost completely full of water.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8261 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_085753-towards-the-first-gate-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_085753-towards-the-first-gate-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_085753-towards-the-first-gate-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_085753-towards-the-first-gate-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_085753-towards-the-first-gate-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240412_085753-towards-the-first-gate-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A closer look at the pathway leading to the site of the first new gate.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thursday 11th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p>What a difference a day makes!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8251 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172304-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172304-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172304-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172304-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172304-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172304-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first new pond on the right of the picture with the Dragonfly pond in the background taken from the site of one of the new gates to the reserve.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8252 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172332-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172332-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172332-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172332-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172332-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_172332-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The first of the new ponds beginning to fill with water naturally.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8250 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_164611-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_164611-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_164611-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_164611-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_164611-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240411_164611-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The path which will lead from the first new gate (nearest the Observatory) and tree planting bank on the left. This area has been raised with the top soil from the diggings so that when our new trees arrive in the autumn they can be planted into ground that is a little above the water table!<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Wednesday 10th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8221 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/100424-pond-digging-greg-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/100424-pond-digging-greg-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/100424-pond-digging-greg-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/100424-pond-digging-greg-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/100424-pond-digging-greg-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/100424-pond-digging-greg-2-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Despite the wet ground the work has started<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8224 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240410_142821.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"626\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240410_142821.jpg 626w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240410_142821-300x230.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 626px) 100vw, 626px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The contractors are using tracked vehicles to minimise their effect on the rest of the reserve.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8225 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240410_143122.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"626\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240410_143122.jpg 626w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20240410_143122-300x230.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 626px) 100vw, 626px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>...the shape of the pond beginning to show<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">They are having to pump out the water to enable them to dig the first pond. At least it shows that the ponds will soon fill with water once completed!<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Monday 8th April 2024<\/h3>\n<p>The kit has arrived!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8203 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240408_124836-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"790\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240408_124836-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240408_124836-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240408_124836-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240408_124836-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/20240408_124836-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The machinery on site and ready for use<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The dragonfly pond, created in 2012, is situated within a grazed field with the aim of attracting Odonata. Over 15 species of dragonfly and damselfly have been found around the pond! The Jubilee Field contains a range of shrub flora species including Hawthorn, Dog Rose, Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Rowan, and Hazel. The dense bushes provide habitat for breeding thrushes and Linnets whilst the habitat mats on the edges are good for reptiles.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sandwichbaybirdobservatorytrust.org.uk\/sitefiles\/reserves-map\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Find the Dragonfly Pond and Jubilee Field on our Reserves map HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16747\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16747\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16747\" src=\"http:\/\/sandwichbaybirdobservatorytrust.org.uk\/sitefiles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/Dragonfly-pond-field-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16747\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dragonfly Pond Field (photos by Steffan Walton)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In spring, early Odonata such as Variable Damselflies can be seen between April and August, although difficult to spot and identify. Broad-bodied Chasers are much more easily identified by their wide body and yellow side spots. The pool sometimes provides respite for Green Sandpipers and Barn Owls hunt the meadows.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16748\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16748\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16748\" src=\"http:\/\/sandwichbaybirdobservatorytrust.org.uk\/sitefiles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/Dragonfly-pond-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16748\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dragonfly Pond by Steffan Walton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In summer, Ruddy Darter and Emerald and Small Red-eyed Damselflies are found around the pond whilst Emperor Moth larvae and Forester moths have been seen here recently too. Whitethroats feed their young around the edges of the field whilst Oystercatcher have been known to nest among the damper rushes in the field.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16749\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16749\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16749\" src=\"http:\/\/sandwichbaybirdobservatorytrust.org.uk\/sitefiles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/Turtle-Dove-seed-mix-jubilee-field-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16749\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Turtle Dove seed mix planted in the Jubilee Field<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In autumn, some late lingering species such as Black-tailed Skimmers may still be around and Whinchats will flit from fence post to fence post. Winter may see the odd Coot and wildfowl species on the pond and the neighbouring fields can be full of Curlew and Stock Dove flocks.<\/p>\n<h5><a href=\"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/our-wildlife-reserves-recording-area\/\">&lt;&lt;&lt; Back to Reserves<\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; On the lefthand side is The Elms, Middle Field and the Estate road. In the distance you can see Restharrow Scrape&#8230; forward from there is Jubilee Field with its trees, shrubs and surrounding hedgerow. Then comes Dragonfly Field with the original &#8216;Damselfly Pond&#8217; and its three new ponds and paths made from the &#8216;spoil&#8217; dug out when constructing the&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":1767,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":""},"class_list":["post-459","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Dragonfly Pond &amp; Jubilee Fields - Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Dragonfly Pond &amp; Jubilee Fields - Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"&nbsp; On the lefthand side is The Elms, Middle Field and the Estate road. In the distance you can see Restharrow Scrape... forward from there is Jubilee Field with its trees, shrubs and surrounding hedgerow. 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