When looking for Dragonflies/Damselflies, it is best to go on a hot, sunny day.
A cool overcast day can be very disappointing.
I think this can be known by various names: Priddy Pools, Waldegrave Pool, Priddy Mineries, Stockhill Wood.
Being up on the Mendips, the season starts a good month or two later than down on the Somerset Levels.
It also has some of the more unusual species that Somerset has to offer; Downy Emerald, Common Hawker, Black Darter, Emerald Damselfly.
This was the only reliable place for Downy Emeralds in Somerset and is still the easiest place to see them, but in 2023 they were also seen at RSPB Ham Wall.
Unfortunately, this pond can suffer in drought conditions and hence can affect the number of dragonflies and damselflies around both in a drought year and the following years.
When it is good, it is a hive of activity and well worth a visit.
Late June / July / August / September
DRAGONFLIES: Downy Emerald (June/July more), Four Spotted Chaser, Black Tailed Skimmer, Emperor, Common Hawker, Southern Hawker, Migrant Hawker, Black Darter, Ruddy Darter, Common Darter
DAMSELFLIES: Emerald, Azure, Common
NB The list above just names the key species during these dates and is not a complete list.
Route
There is parking at the side of the road right by the pond.
Just park there and have a pleasant stroll around.
NB The far end of the pond is a mire and can be wet and swampy and hard to get through depending on how wet it is, so a circular walk may not be possible.
Flat / Grass tracks / Mainly Uneven