Shropshire Council Rangers at Severn Valley Country Park are celebrating the sighting of the rare Scarce Chaser dragonfly.
The site, located in Alveley close to Bridgnorth, is very popular with photographers many of whom share photographs on the Severn Valley Country Park Wildlife Group Facebook page.
One of the 2,000 members of the Group, Wai (Jimmy) Yau recently uploaded a series of photographs without knowing the excitement he was about the create. John Freshney, who curates the Group spotted the image of the dragonfly and thought the unusual specimen looked very much like a rare species not seen at the Park before.
Photographer Wai (Jimmy) Yau and his picture of the rare dragonfly
Needing an expert opinion, John submitted Jimmy’s photo to Sue Rees Evans, Shropshire County Recorder for the British Dragonfly Society.
Having consulted with her colleagues, she was able to confirm it was indeed a Scarce Chaser dragonfly.
On recording the find Sue advised that this was one of only two sightings ever recorded in Shropshire, the previous one being at Attingham Park in 2008.
Wai (Jimmy) Yau, a regular visitor to Severn Valley Country Park, said:
“I’ve been a member of the Severn Valley Country Park Wildlife Group since September 2025. When I posted the series of photographs which included the Scarce Chaser dragonfly, I wasn’t aware I had captured an image of such a rare species. I was happy to be able to share my photographs with the Group and am delighted to hear it was only the second recorded sighting in Shropshire. A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers for keeping such a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy.”
John Freshney, Group Admin and volunteer at Severn Valley Country Park. said:
“Jimmy’s photograph was an incredible find and exciting addition to the list of things to watch out for when you visit the park. This year in May alone, members of the Group recorded 65 species of different birds, insects, butterflies and mammals across the Park”
Edward Andrews, Shropshire Council Parks and Countryside Manager, added:
“It is fantastic to see new species of wildlife taking up residence at Severn Valley Country Park. The site is a wonderful example of how nature can reclaim former industrial land. Big thanks to Jimmy who recorded the Scarce Chaser dragonfly and our team of staff and volunteers who work so hard to manage the various habitats around the Park.”
Severn Valley Country Park welcomes 160,000 visitors each year. Recently UKSPF grants have funded an upgrade both the play areas; sales from the 2026 calendar have funded a new reflection pool in the woodland bird hide and, new picnic benches have been installed. The café and visitor centre is now open for more days and longer hours. You can get great food and coffee, 7 days a week from 8am-5pm.
