ABOUT a third of the UK’s dragonfly and damselfly species have been found on Teesside’s industrial land.

Work carried out by the Industry Nature Conservation Association (Inca), based at the Wilton International site near Redcar, east Cleveland, shows that 16 of the UK’s 56 dragonfly and damselfly species have been seen on industrial sites.

Inca works with industry to enhance their sites for wildlife. Part of that involves creating wetlands which encourage dragonflies and damselflies. Inca has produced a leaflet which advises businesses about ways to create habitat and protect these species on their land.

Inca ecologist Ken Smith said: “This work is important because many dragonflies and damselflies are declining, mainly because of habitat loss.

“There is also evidence that climate change is affecting their status.

Some species adapt positively to the warmer wetter conditions brought about by climate change and have spread northwards, while others are less able to adapt and are contracting their range.

“Given these pressures, work which encourages such insects is important. Even those that are relatively common are susceptible to change in their habitats, which is why protecting sites is vital to their long-term future.”

The Inca team has worked with a range of companies, helping them to build and maintain ponds for species such as the large red damselfly, which can be found in reasonable numbers on Teesside, and the emperor dragonfly, the UK’s largest, which is increasingly seen on Teesside but remains more common in the South of England.

Mr Smith said: “The reason industrial sites are so important for dragonflies and damselflies is that they often have wetland areas which are protected from public access.

That means that they are less likely to be disturbed. We have known for a long time that brownfield industrial sites are precious places for insects that are under pressure as their habitats disappear elsewhere.

“Inca’s work since 1989 has shown that many companies do appreciate the importance of the wildlife on their sites and want to do what they can to help. Our leaflet will help them further that work. These insects are truly spectacular and it is crucial that we all work together to make sure that they flourish.”

■ Any businesses or individuals wanting a copy of the leaflet should send an A5 SAE to Inca at The Phoenix Centre, Wilton International, Redcar TS10 4RG.