Wicken Fen is set to become a dragonfly hotspot on June 30. 

Recognised by the British Dragonfly Society, the wildlife site will join 23 other special places across the UK where dragonflies and damselflies thrive and can be enjoyed by visitors during the summer months.

The nature reserve near Ely, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last month, is a haven for these winged insects descended from similar creatures that lived alongside the dinosaurs.

Dave Stanforth, programming and partnerships officer at Wicken Fen said: "With a plethora of ponds and watercourses, Wicken Fen is an ideal place for them.

"The reserve is home to 222 of the UK’s 57 species. They are incredible creatures, nature’s most successful stalker, and people can get fantastic up-close experiences here.”

Dragonfly hotspots are carefully chosen because they support a variety of dragonfly and damselfly species, are easy to access, and can provide opportunities for local communities to learn about dragonflies and get involved with conservation and events.

Tim Coleshaw, chair of trustees for the British Dragonfly Society, said: “We are thrilled to be officially designating Wicken Fen as a dragonfly hotspot and continuing our partnership.

"We hope this new hotspot and their passionate staff and volunteer team will help inspire even more people to love these fantastic insects and to get involved in monitoring and conserving them.”

On June 30, Wicken Fen will hold a Dragonfly Celebration Day. 

There will be drop-in guided dragonfly walks at 11.30am and 2pm, wildlife guides across the reserve throughout the day, pond dipping session at 10.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm, dragonfly-themed family crafts in the visitor centre, boat trips and a wood fired pizza van.

The launch is taking place ahead of Dragonfly Week (July 1-9), which is an annual celebration with events running nationally throughout the week