CLIMATE change is good news for Cumbrian dragonfly and damsel populations according to a wildlife expert.

David Clarke says they are thriving across the county and climate change could even bring more varieties of the insects.

He is the author of the new Cumbrian Dragonfly Atlas, which was launched on Saturday, February 29.

David said: “There are 23 breeding species at present and climate change is bringing more species to the area.

"We’ve added five new species since about 1990.

"Others may yet come. However, habitat losses, due both to human activities and natural changes in vegetation are a threat.”

He explained that, so far, the county has not lost a rare species due to habitat loss but the dangers remain and experts continue to worry for the future.

David pointed out that some species of dragonfly had been given a helping hand.

He added: “The White-faced Darter re-introduction project at Foulshaw Moss has been especially successful, making it one of only three public sites in England where this rare peat-bog specialist can be seen.”

The atlas was launched at the Cumbria Recorders’ Conference at Tullie House Museum on Saturday.

The atlas details information about each of the Dragonflies found in Cumbria and is illustrated with beautiful photographs, many of which David has taken himself.

The Atlas has been produced in partnership with Carlisle’s Tullie House Museum.

The Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, which is attached to the museum has helped produce maps put the atlas online.

The centre brings togetherinformation on Cumbria’s natural history, wildlife sites and habitats for education and research.

To view the atlas go online to cbdc.org.uk/wildlife-in-cumbria