Return of Bolsover dragonflies

A range of free dragonfly-inspired activities will take place around the gorge and visitor centre on 31st March.

It will be the first opportunity to see the new exhibition dedicated to the extinct giant ancient dragonflies.

The fossils found at Bolsover Colliery in the 1970s normally reside in the Natural History Museum but will be on display at Creswell Crags for three months.

It is the first time they have been displayed in the region since they were discovered.

A Crags spokesman said: “There are only four giant dragonfly specimens from England to date. They date back to the carboniferous period roughly 310 million years ago.”

The fun day will include willow weaving in the meadow with willow artist Liz Sparks and trail leading round the gorge where visitors can uncover the myths and legends about dragonflies.

Families can help create a giant dragonfly piece of land art out of different building materials in the meadow.

To encourage more dragonflies to Creswell Crags’ watercourses, Limestone Journeys Officer Andy Cranch will be leading some planting excercises by the stream.

Visitors will be encouraged to help identify the different species of creepy crawlies that call Creswell home.