Reeds by the one of Culbin forest's ponds / a visitor sits on one of the carved benches. Culbin forest, Morayshire.

Dragonfly pond

This attractive woodland pool, which is on the Hill 99 Viewpoint trail and very close to the ‘Hidden History’ stop, provides a haven for wildlife and visitors alike.

It has densely-vegetated banks and is surrounded by mature trees and shrubs such as juniper. It’s an excellent place to sit and watch woodland birds.

Visitors and their dogs enjoying the dragonfly pond at Culbin forest, Morayshire This pool once attracted ducks and other waterbirds, just as the Minister’s Pool does today. Now the trees around it have grown up, it is less visible. This helps attract more woodland birds, which benefit from the insect life which thrives in the clear water.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies abound here in summer. These surprisingly large and noisy insects dart about in and around the reeds, their translucent wings whirring. They are divided into hawkers (which spend a long time cruising on the warm air, looking for prey) and darters (which lurk on a reed prior to darting out and attacking).

Their smaller cousins, damselflies, sometimes marked with electric blue spots, also thrive here. Both lay their eggs in water and the young nymph climbs up a handy reed and pupates before emerging as an adult. It’s often possible to see the empty nymph skin still attached.

Find out more about Culbin’s pondlife.

See the map of Culbin.

Back to 12 places to see at Culbin.

Culbin homepage Things to do How to get there 12 places to see Forest and shore Culbin's history Plants and wildlife Culbin for schools Contact us	Dragonfly pond This attractive woodland pool, which is on the Hill 99 Viewpoint trail and very close to the ‘Hidden History’ stop, provides a haven for wildlife and visitors alike. It has densely-vegetated banks and is surrounded by mature trees and shrubs such as juniper. It’s an excellent place to sit and watch woodland birds. This pool once attracted ducks and other waterbirds, just as the Minister’s Pool does today. Now the trees around it have grown up, it is less visible. This helps attract more woodland birds, which benefit from the insect life which thrives in the clear water. Dragonflies and Damselflies Dragonflies abound here in summer. These surprisingly large and noisy insects dart about in and around the reeds, their translucent wings whirring. They are divided into hawkers (which spend a long time cruising on the warm air, looking for prey) and darters (which lurk on a reed prior to darting out and attacking). Their smaller cousins, damselflies, sometimes marked with electric blue spots, also thrive here. Both lay their eggs in water and the young nymph climbs up a handy reed and pupates before emerging as an adult. It’s often possible to see the empty nymph skin still attached. Find out more about Culbin’s pondlife. See the map of Culbin. Back to 12 places to see at Culbin.