MGLG - 1995 Annual Report

This third report of the Moor Green Lakes Group covers the period from January to December 1995 for wildlife observations and the period from May 1995 to May 1996 for reserve management activities. A profile of the Reserve is provided at Appendix A.

While overall management of the reserve is under the control of a Steering Group comprised of representatives of Hall Aggregates (South East) Ltd, Berkshire County Council (the planning authority), Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Naturalists' Trust, practical day to day management of the reserve and the collection, recording, assessment and dissemination of information about the reserve is undertaken by the Moor Green Lakes Group.

The Group was established in 1993 and now has a membership of about 65 whose main interest lies in seeing the reserve managed to maximise its wildlife. The present Committee Members of the Group are listed in Appendix E and the necessary costs of the Group not covered by membership subscriptions are met by Hall Aggregates (South East) Ltd.

The reserve management year from 1995 to 1996 has seen further steady progress in pursuit of the Group's three primary aims, improving the reserve for wildlife, recording and monitoring that wildlife and enhancing the facilities of the reserve for members of the Group and other visitors. In this last category is the surfacing of the footpath from the car park to the gate to the hide, arranged by Hall Aggregates (South East) Ltd, which has significantly improved access, especially during wet weather and for those in wheelchairs wanting to use the hide.

A considerable amount of conservation management work was undertaken by volunteers between the 1995 and the 1996 breeding seasons (see Chapter 4 for details) and this introductory chapter provides me with the opportunity to place on record our thanks to all those who have taken an active part in this work, particularly members of the Moor Green Lakes Group, the Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service and the Farnborough College of Technology. We would still like to have more members join our site work parties, even if only an hour can be spared. With a reserve of this size there is a great deal to be done and without this voluntary help there would be a rapid decline in the diversity of wildlife on the reserve.

The Group's wildlife recorders have again been active, lan Brown for birds, Delphine Hoyle for plants, Phil Young for dragonflies and Chris Taylor for butterflies. Their individual reports appear in later Chapters. A number of volunteer helpers have assisted with surveys and use has been made by lan Brown and Chris Taylor of the bird and butterfly records left by members and others who visited the hide where record sheets for this purpose can be found. This help is greatly appreciated as it is important that we monitor as closely as possible any changes which take place as the reserve matures. They are a test of the effectiveness of our conservation work. If you can add additional records or have data for other wildlife groups (eg insects) please contact the appropriate recorder/committee member indicated in Appendix E.

The Annual General Meeting of the Group was held at Finchampstead Memorial Hall on 16 February 1996 during which members were given progress reports on reserve activities and wildlife monitoring. This was followed by an illustrated talk by Des Sussex on "Dragonflies, Moths and Other Insects" with special reference to those likely to be found on the reserve.

Unfortunately, management of the reserve has not been without its problems during the last year. The hide has been subject to both vandalism and use for other than viewing the reserve's wildlife and there has been a limited amount of trespass on to the reserve. The interior of the hide has been physically damaged from time to time and on a number of occasions it has been left in a dirty condition. Nick Mutch, assisted by several other committee members, has spent a great deal of time cleaning up after these incidents and he has been instrumental in keeping the hide open and available for use, for which were are particularly grateful. The Committee has now felt it necessary, however, to lock the hide to prevent further, and possibly more serious, damage. Whilst you will normally find the hide open during the day at weekends, at other times it may be locked. Members wishing to know how to gain access when that occurs should contact Mark Taylor, telephone 01252-521899. A viewing point overlooking the wader scrape has been provided at the side of the hide which may be used when the hide is locked. If any member notices activity occurring which might result in damage to the reserve and/or its wildlife would they please contact the Blackwater Valley Visitors Centre, telephone 01252-866615, or Nick Mutch, telephone 01344-771400.

On a brighter note, it is pleasing to see the reserve being visited by an increasing number of people, not just those living in the immediate area but from further afield as knowledge of the reserve and its reputation as a site of particular wildlife interest spreads. It is especially pleasing to be able also to report that the Hall Aggregates (South East) Ltd 220 acre site in the Blackwater Valley at Eversley, of which the Moor Green Lakes Reserve forms an important part, has been recognised by the independent judging panel which oversees the Sand and Gravel Association's Restoration Awards as "one of the greatest achievements seen in the 26 years of the scheme". As a result the complex received in 1996 the Association's premier award, the Cooper-Heyman Cup.

For further information about the Group and its activities the contact is either Mark Taylor, telephone 01252-521899 or the Blackwater Valley Visitors Centre, Frimley Business Park, telephone 01276-866615.

Peter Standley
Chairman Moor Green Lakes Group

Ten volunteer tasks were arranged and carried out successfully involving 90 work days. In addition there was input by members of the Group into overseeing and advising contractors employed by Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd to undertake a number of larger tasks.

Training of Volunteers

Prior to work commencing two training courses were organised, one for Brushcutter Use, which four people attended, and one for Boat Motor Use, which four people also attended. Both skills have been used regularly on the reserve and the impact of motorisation on the conservation work has been marked, with better use of the time and effort of volunteers allowing a lot more to be achieved this year.

Improving the Reserve for Wildlife

The principal tasks undertaken in the last year have been as follows:

Cattle Grazing

Thirteen cattle, the same beasts as in 1994-95, were moved in the Colebrook Lake part of the reserve on 5 December 1995 and transferred to the Grove Lake area on 3 January 1996 when a young bull was added to the herd. The 14 were then removed from the reserve about 12 February 1996.

The use of cattle to control vegetation is more environmentally friendly and ecologically sound than motorised mowing. Apart from providing additional habitat for invertebrates by way of their dung, cattle on rotation do not overgraze and their slow progression over the ground is less harmful to the reserve's rodent population than mechanised mowing. Grazing also has the extra benefit of the removal of young tree growth and riparian vegetation along the edges of the lakes as well as resulting in some churning of the ground at the shoreline to improve it for wading birds.

Extending the Wader Scrape

The scrape in front and to the left of the hide has been extended by a contractor using a JCB under the oversight of Group members. This has significantly extended the area of the scrape which it is hoped will in due course attract an increased number of feeding waders.

Clearance of Vegetation from Islands

Long Island has had many trees and brambles cut and removed, especially along the southern shoreline. A large patch of the island was mown using a brushcutter to create short grass for grazing birds. Patches of juncus on the shoreline were also cut with a brushcutter to allow access to the island by Wigeon.

Tern, Plover and Sandpiper Islands all had brambles and other encroaching vegetation removed back to the bare gravel. This task is getting easier with each year as we are gradually eliminating the brambles.

Patches of Juncus along the north shore of Colebrook North Lake were cleared by brushcutter to allow access the the grazed areas by Wigeon. Some trees were cut from around the lakes in order to prevent them becoming too tall and shading out the lower bushy scrub which is the breeding habitat of warblers.

Coppicing of trees around the lakes has been undertaken in order to retain viewing slots through which the reserve can be viewed from the adjacent public footpath and to ensure that views from the hide are not restricted.

Control of Canada Geese on Tern Island

In order to prevent Canada Geese from dominating Tern Island a low wire fence was erected around the shoreline. This has been partially successful in deterring flocks of geese from loafing on the island but a few learnt how to avoid the wire and have nested there since its erection.

Creation of Additional Nesting Sites

A variety of bird boxes have been put up along the north side of the reserve and two more rafts have been made and towed into position, both covered in gravel to attract terns. By May 1996 all four rafts were in use, two by terns, one by Coot and one by Canada Goose.

Trees were felled into the water along the north shore of Grove Lake and fallen trees towed out to Plover Island and anchored on the shoreline. These should provide nest sites for grebes, coots and moorhens (one was already being used for nesting by April 1996).

Reserve Maintenance

Fencing

Arrangements were made for contractors to erect stock fence in the NW corner of Grove Lake as fencing here was dilapidated. This was to enable grazing to take place around the lake. Costs were met by Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd.

All reserve fencing was checked and minor repairs carried out as necessary to make the site stock proof prior to cattle introduction. Subsequent to this minor repairs were needed to the fencing as a result of damage caused by the cattle.

Trees now established in the car park area had their tree guards removed and reused on trees planted as a screen near the hide. Planted trees to the north of Colebrook Lake North also received attention after being ignored for many years. Old stock fencing and barbed wire, a danger to both stock and wildlife, was removed as well as redundant tree guards and stakes.

Improving the Facilities of the Reserve

Access Footpath

The footpath from the car park to the entrance gate to the hide was surfaced by contractors working for Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd. Entrance barriers were then removed to make if easier for disabled users to reach the hide.

Hide

The floor of the inside of the hide was raised and the outside entrance modified to make use of the hide easier for those in wheelchairs. These modifications were carried out by contractors. Volunteers carried out the additional tasks of waterproofing the new floor, repairing the viewing flaps, door hinge, etc. These repairs have been necessary because of damage to the hide and to limit this the hide is now being locked overnight.

Signs

A new entrance sign in the car park has been erected.

Steve Bailey

Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service

During the early winter good numbers of surface feeding ducks such as Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and Wigeon were present, with a site record count of 158 of the latter in February, many of which grazed the specially mown areas of grass. The highlight of the early year was undoubtedly a confiding Red Necked Grebe on Horseshoe Lake in January/February, constituting the first record of this species on the site.

Spring passage was generally quiet although highlights included Black Redstart (another first for the site), Water Pipit, Arctic Tern, Oystercatcher, 3 Turnstone and a Sanderling. Unfortunately, none of these passage waders lingered long.

Breeding birds experienced mixed success. Snow Geese from the feral free-flying flock successfully bred for the first time, rearing four young, and Tufted Duck had the best year for some time rearing 27 young. Amongst the waders only Little Ringed Plover bred successfully. Predation chiefly by Crows was again responsible for the failed breeding of Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Redshank, continuing a worrying trend. Although Common Terns had a poor year, one pair did successfully use one of the specially installed rafts! On the plus side, Barn Owl again bred and delighted many visitors whilst Teal attempted to breed for the first time.

As in spring, passage was generally light in autumn but some of the more notable records were 2 Curlew Sandpipers (1st record for the site), Spotted Redshank, Grey Plover, 2 Ruff and another Black Redstart. However, the year ended with the largest attraction, a Hoopoe, which took up residence in September/October and December into 1996, in the fields adjacent to the main footpath/car park and Lower Sandhurst Road, giving confiding views to many visitors.

The 1995 plant survey was carried out between July and mid- September, as in 1994 at the conclusion of the breeding season. The survey concentrated on the western side of the reserve ie the two Colebrook Lakes and their surrounds, including the footpath and the bank of the River Blackwater.

The ground was found to be very rough from the feet of the cattle which were grazed on the reserve during the winter. However, the cattle did not appear to have had a great influence on the plants present as the majority of the species recorded were the same as in 1994 with only 24 species absent from the 1994 list and 17 fresh species found. Relatively few aquatic species were recorded in the lakes. As in 1994, docks, thistles and nettles were predominant on the western shore of Colebrook Lake North and the Crassula helmsii recorded last year had extended its range considerably. All the species of wild flower mixture originally sown were still present.

Thanks are due to the following people who gave considerable help in undertaking this survey:

Irene Draper

The reserve's mixture of meadow, scrub and hedgerow continues to attract a variety of mammals. Among the large mammals have been fox, which have been observed crossing the reserve, and deer, which have been seen feeding on the reserve, including on Long Island. Among small mammals there is an active rodent population in the sown meadows (over which the Barn Owl will regularly hunt). The reserve's insect population has attracted so far four bat species.

The species of most concern to have been observed is the American Mink but the number of sightings does not appear to have increased in 1995.

In all a total of 22 species of mammals have been detected on. the reserve, by sightings, tracts or sound recordings. The full list is as follows:

Hedgehog	Erinaceus europaeus
Mole	Talpa europaea
Common Shrew	Sorex araneus
Pigmy Shrew	Sorex minutus
Water Shrew	Neomys fodiens
Dubenton's Bat	Myotis daubentoni
Noctule Bat	Nyctalus noctula
Pipistrelle Bat	Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Common Long-eared Bat	Plecotus auritus
Fox	Vulpes vulpes
Stoat	Mustela erminea
American Mink	Mustela vison
Badger	Meles meles
Roe Deer	Capreolus capreolus
Rabbit	Oryctolagus cuniculus
Grey Squirrel	Sciurus carolinensis
Harvest Mouse	Microtmy minutus
Wood Mouse	Apodemus sylvaticus
Yellow-necked Mouse	Apodemus flavicollis
Bank Vole	Clethrionomys glareolus
Water Vole	Arvicola terrestris
Field Vole	Microtus agrestis

The hot summer of 1995 was a good one for dragonflies. Nationally, the highlight was a large influx of the migrant Yellow-winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolus. A single record for this species was received, thanks to the Rev. Tom Gladwin. Unfortunately with that exception dragonfly reports for the Reserve in 1995 were restricted to those made by the Recorder.

A full annotated checklist for 1995 is provided at Appendix D.

Good numbers of the following expected species were confirmed:

Common Blue Damselfly	Enallagma cyathigerum
Blue-tailed Damselfly	Ischnura elegans
Black-tailed Skimmer	Orthetrum cancellaturn (Lakes)
Banded Demoiselle	Calopteryx splendens (Blackwater)
Migrant Hawker	Aeshna mixta

As reported last year Banded Demoiselle obviously bred in the Blackwater River in large numbers. Small numbers of adults are also consistently recorded from the lakes on the site. However, it is unclear whether or not these are just vagrant individuals from the river population. Any records of breeding behaviour on the lakes in the coming year would be especially welcome.

Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas was again confirmed as being present in certain restricted areas of Colebrook Lake North as found in 1994. In 1995 it was also present and attempting to breed in small numbers on the south shore of Colebrook Lake South.

Good numbers of Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were again recorded from the west shore of Colebrook Lake North. However Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum was not recorded from the reserve in 1995. The Recorder would be pleased to receive positive or negative reports relating to the presence of this species on the reserve.

Notes and guidelines on dragonfly recording have been provided at the end of Appendix D.

Recording of night-flying moths took place for the first time on the Reserve in 1995. On 29th June and 18th July a light trap was run from dusk to 0030am the next morning. All moths captured for identification were released. The trapping took place at the extreme north-west corner of the Reserve and the Committee are very grateful to Des Sussex for running the light trap and carrying out the identification of the moths attracted to it.

A total of 62 different species were recorded from the two nights of trapping. On 29th June the number of species recorded was 35 and on the 18th July 42 species were identified. Any person visiting the site who wishes to submit records of night or day flying moths are encouraged to do so.

The species recorded on 29th June (suffixed with a and on 18th July (suffixed with a "o") were as follows:

Heart and Dart + o	Treble Brown Spot +
Heart and Club +	Barred Straw +
Ghost Moth +	Plain Golden-Y +
Setaceous Hebrew Character +	Rosy Footman +
Middle-barred Minor +	Ruby Tiger o
Smoky Wainscot + o	Oak Hook-tip o
Buff Arches + o	Common Footman o
Snout + o	Clouded Border o
Lime Hawk +	Yellow Shell o
Mottled Beauty + o	Shaded Broad-bar o
Willow Beauty +	Peppered o
Light Arches + o	Swallowtail o
Dark Arches + o	Ear Moth o
Large Yellow Underwing + o	Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing o
Light Emerald +	Phoenix o
Large Emerald +	Sallow Kitten o
Blotched Emerald +	Beautiful Golden-Y o
Brimstone + o	Sharp-angled Carpet o
Angle Shades +	True Lovers Knot o
Common Carpet +	Drinker o
Flame + o	Mother of Pearl o
Flame Shoulder + o	Small Angle Shades o
Grey Dagger +	Dunbar o
Sycamore +	Slender Brindle o
Yellow-tail +	Elephant Hawk o
Small Blood-vein + o	Poplar Hawk o
The Clay + o	Buff-tip 0
Figure of 80 +	Common Wave o
Buff Ermine +	Uncertain o
Marbled Brown +	Dot Moth o
Riband Wave +	Fan-foot o

The recording of butterflies on the reserve intensified in 1995 as a consequence of the regular placing of monthly sightings charts in the hide. A good number of observers contributed to these and their names are listed at the end of this chapter. The Committee, and the Butterfly Recorder in particular, are very grateful for these records and hope that this level of recording will continue - and even increase - throughout 1996 and beyond. The use of the monthly sightings charts will continue as before, although the Recorder would welcome any suggestions for improvements to the efficiency and detail of the submission of records.

In 1995 and the early part of 1996 the hide suffered regular damage by vandals. Although steps have been taken to eradicate this it is a matter of some regret that a number of butterfly records were irretrievably lost, with the consequence that the 1995 report may not be as comprehensive as it could have been. Apologies are offered to those observers who submitted records but are unable to see their names in the list below. If any such observers believe that species sighted by them in 1995 are absent from those listed below, the Recorder would be very grateful for information to this effect so that the records can be updated in the 1996 report.

Despite these problems a healthy total of 24 butterfly species was recorded in 1995, including Grayling and an especially note-worthy Small Blue. Notable absentees from the annual list were Painted Lady and Holly Blue.

Species recorded on the Reserve in 1995 were as follows, and all those listed can be seen from the main footpath from the car park to the river or in the trees and bushes along each side of the path on the southern edge of the reserve, the only exception being the Small Blue of which just the one specimen was seen outside the hide at 2pm on 8th August:

Small Skipper	Essex Skipper	Large Skipper
Brimstone	Large White	Small White
Green-veined White	Orange-tip	Green Hairstreak
Purple Hairstreak (1)	Small Copper	Common Blue
Small Blue	Red Admiral	Small Tortoiseshell
Peacock	Comma	Speckled Wood
Wall	Gatekeeper	Meadow Brown
Ringlet	Grayling (2)	Small Heath

(1) This species was attracted to the light during a moth-trapping session on 18th July.

(2) This species was observed on the main path from the car park to the hide on 25th August. A strong SW wind was blowing at the time and the observer commented that the insect may have been blown from the heathland on the southern side of the valley.

The observers from whom records were received were:

Paul Barrow	S Lake	Graharm Taylor
Mark Betson	M G McCarthy	Mark Taylor
lan Brown	R McCarthy	Marilyn Taylor
M N Clifford	A Newman	DMT
John Dixon	Colin Proudley	JCT
Robert Godden	Mike Raven	John Warren
J Gunningham	Chris Taylor	Carol Watkins

All have been observed on the reserve but in only small numbers. Lizard and Slow Worm are also likely to be present but have yet to be observed, and volunteers to spend some time surveying the reserve for this wildlife group would be welcome.

A systematic survey of the lakes on the reserve has still to be undertaken to establish which species of freshwater fish are present but incidental sightings, either during conservation work or while observing fish-eating birds, has produced records of the following:

Other wildlife groups are present on the reserve but have not yet been surveyed, principally because no one familiar with those groups has volunteered to visit the reserve for this purpose.

If you have a knowledge of one of the following groups and some time for a small survey we should be pleased to hear from you:

The contact is Steve Bailey at the Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service on 01252-331353.

The Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve lies partly within the area administered by Wokingham District Council and partly within the Borough of Bracknell Forest. The River Blackwater, which forms the boundary between the counties of Berkshire and Hampshire runs close to the southern boundary of the reserve, which is overlooked from the north by Finchampstead Ridges, an area administered by the National Trust. A map of the reserve appears at Appendix F.

The reserve covers an area of approximately 36 hectares (90 acres), the majority of which lies within the flood plain of the River Blackwater. It contains three lakes formed out of flooded gravel pits which are bordered by areas of grassland, planted coppice and wildflower meadow. Two of the lakes, Colebrook Lake North and Colebrook Lake South, are separated by an elongated island through the centre of which runs the old water course of the Colebrook Cut. The third lake, Grove Lake, lies immediately to the east separated by a narrow strip of land. Within the lakes are several gravel-capped islands and gravel beaches attractive to wildfowl for breeding or just loafing.

An important feature of the reserve is the presence of a V-notch sluice in the western exit of the Colebrook Cut which allows the level of the water in Colebrook Lakes North and South to be controlled within limits, allowing levels to be lowered, and muddy margins exposed, ahead of the main spring and autumn passage of wading birds.

Public access to the reserve is restricted to the viewing hide, provided by Hall Aggregates (South East) Ltd, which gives extensive and closer views over Colebrook Lake North and part of Colebrook Lake South and which is reached from the footpath along the western boundary of the reserve. A feature of the hide is the incorporation of a viewing window for observers in wheelchairs. Unfortunately, because of vandalism it has become necessary to keep the hide locked unless a member of the Moor Green Lakes Group is present (members are provided with means of access). If you are not a member of the Group it may be necessary for you to vacate the hide if it is to be locked. However, a viewing point over the wader scrape has been provided adjacent to the hide for use when there is no access to the hide.

The main access to the reserve is from Lower Sandhurst Road where a car park has been provided. The Ordnance Survey grid reference is SU805628.

BIRD SPECIES RECORDED ON/NEAR MOOR GREEN LAKES RESERVE

ANNOTATED CHECKLIST FOR 1995

LITTLE GREBE A common resident and winter visitor which breeds in small numbers. One pair bred successfully. Max count 4 in Jan/Feb.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE A common resident and winter visitor with numbers generally peaking in autumn. Highest count was of 12 in March, May and August. Five pairs present during summer, two successfully rearing a total of 5 young.

RED-NECKED GREBE First record for the reserve was of a first-winter bird present from 23rd Jan to 18th Feb 1995 (DS,IHB).

CORMORANT A common winter visitor which has oversummered in small numbers in recent years. Maximum count was 46 flying SW in 40 minutes after dawn on 14th Jan.

GREY HERON Common visitor in small numbers. Highest count in 1995 was of nine on 24th July.

MUTE SWAN Common resident and winter visitor. Two pairs present. One pair raised 5 young. A count of 36 was made on 7th Jan.

GREYLAG GOOSE Occasional visitor. In 1995 there were 1-2 from March to May and in October with 3 on 10th April.

SNOW GOOSE Visiting birds from Stratfield Saye peaked at 30 on 21st Oct. At least 4 pairs summered and at least 4 nests were made resulting in two broods of 2 young, first young being seen on 6th May.

CANADA GOOSE Abundant resident. Maximum count was 560 on 31st Dec, well up on the 1994 max.

BARNACLE GOOSE The feral population continues to expand with three pairs in summer, one pair rearing 4 young. There was a new peak count for the reserve of 123 on 28th Sept and 12th Oct (IHB).

RUDDY SHELDUCK One flew east on 10th Sept (IHB,JG).

SHELDUCK Occasional visitor. Single birds seen on 18th and 30th Jan and 26th Feb, with 4 on 24th April and 2 on 3rd May.

MANDARIN Irregular visitor which has bred. In 1995 pair present to 8th June with breeding considered probable and second pair present from 5th May to 9th June. 1-2 seen Jan-Feb, Jul-Sept and in Dec.

WIGEON Common winter visitor. Appropriate management work has resulted in a new reserve record of 158 on 25th Feb (KBB). Birds were recorded up to 7th May and from 3rd Sept.

GADWALL Common winter visitor often staying into late spring. The 1995 peak was 144 on 7th Jan, the usual period for highest numbers. Up to 2m and 1 f present May to June.

TEAL Moderately common winter visitor. Peak in 1994 was 43 in December. One pair present in summer but no evidence of successful breeding.

MALLARD Common resident and winter visitor. Highest count was of 166 on 28th Dec.

PINTAIL Infrequent winter visitor. 1995 was another above average year with 1m1f on 11th Mar, 3 including one male 5th Sept, 1f 27th Oct (IHB) and 29th Oct (CJ) and 4m5f 30-31st Dec (JMC).

SHOVELER Regular winter visitor. Peak count was of 18 on 22nd January. Last seen 27th April and first return 26th Aug.

POCHARD Common winter visitor. Numbers reached a peak of 192 on 21st Oct, a site record (IHB).

TUFTED DUCK Common resident and winter visitor. At least five broods and 27y seen in 1995 with a maximum count of 127 birds on 1st Feb.

GOLDENEYE Regular winter visitor in small numbers. First winter 2f to 4th Mar and 1 to 23rd Mar with 1m 25th Feb to 11th Mar. Second winter 2f/imm from 24th Nov joined by third from 9th Dec.

GOOSANDER Common winter visitor in increasing numbers. Following the record count of 79 (14 males) on 23rd Jan 1994 numbers were lower in 1995 with a peak of 49(19m) on 24th Dec.

RUDDY DUCK Irregular annual visitor. An imm male was present from 12th Nov to 23rd Dec (IHB).

SPARROWHAWK Common resident breeding nearby.

KESTREL Common resident. One pair attempted breeding but no young seen.

HOBBY Regular summer visitor over the reserve. In 1995 1-2 birds recorded many dates 29th April to 8th Oct.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE One 17th Sept the only record.

PHEASANT Common resident in small numbers.

WATER RAIL Regular winter visitor with single birds until 30th Mar and from 28th Oct with 3-4 until end of year.

MOORHEN Abundant resident. Max 23 on 25th Feb.

COOT Abundant resident and winter visitor. Maximum count 232 on 7th Jan.

OYSTERCATCHER Irregular visitor, usually in spring. In 1995 one on 27th May (IHB).

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Summer visitor in small numbers. Four reared a total of 4 young. Earliest record 26th Mar, latest 1j on 27th Aug. Max 7 on 20th May.

RINGED PLOVER Passage migrant and summer visitor in small numbers. Two pairs in 1995. Young hatched but perished, possibly due to predation by Crows. First seen 4th Feb and last seen were 2j on 11th Sept. Max 6 in March and June.

GOLDEN PLOVER An infrequent visitor. Flock of 71 west on 4th Feb and 2 on 23rd Dec with 1 from 27th to 31st Dec.

GREY PLOVER Rare passage migrant. One flew SE calling on 12th Aug (IHB).

LAPWING Common resident and winter visitor. Nine breeding pairs on reserve but only small number of young reared. Peak counts of 610 on 26th Jan and 630 23rd Dec.

SANDERLING One in summer plumage 29th April (BJS,IHB).

CURLEW SANDPIPER 2juvs present on morning of 9th Sept on Hants side of the Blackwater. First record for the complex.

DUNLIN Regular passage migrant, predominantly in spring. In 1995 1 27-29th April, 2 on 30th April, 1 16th May, 2 17th May and 1 east 18th Nov.

RUFF Scarce passage migrant. One briefly 26th Aug (JG) and 15th Oct (MAS et al).

JACK SNIPE Scarce winter visitor. One was seen on 15th Mar (JG).

SNIPE Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Peak numbers occurred in January with 68 on the 28th. Last seen 1st May and first return 11th Aug.

WOODCOCK Irregular visitor. Single birds on 6th and 9th May.

CURLEW Irregular visitor. One 23rd June (CDT) and 5 on 9th Dec (CRG).

SPOTTED REDSHANK Scarce passage migrant. One in winter plumage 9th Sept (JND,PH,IHB).

REDSHANK Summer visitor and passage migrant. 2-3 pairs present in 1995 but regrettably no young seen. Recorded from 26th Feb to 23rd Jul with max of 6 on 12th June.

GREENSHANK Regular passage migrant. In August 2 on 14th, one on 23rd and one 31st until 3rd Sept then 18th to 10th Sept.

GREEN SANDPIPER Regular winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded Jan to May and Jul to Sept. Mostly 1-2 birds but 3 on 26th Aug and 16th Sept.

COMMON SANDPIPER Common passage migrant. Spring passage noted from 9th Apr (maximum 4 on 13th and 18th May) and autumn passage from 1st July to 30th Sept (maximum 5 on 5th Aug).

TURNSTONE Scarce passage migrant. Three present briefly on 5th May left to east (IHB,JNM)

BLACK-HEADED GULL Common visitor. Recorded all months. Max 320 on. 4th Nov.

COMMON GULL Common visitor. Recorded until 5th Apr and from 22nd July. Max 25 on 14th Jan.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Common visitor. Max 130 on 14th Sept.

HERRING GULL Common visitor. Reported Jan to Mar and from July. Max 70 on 7th Jan.

YELLOW-LEGGED HERRING GULL Annual visitor in small numbers. In 1995 an adult on 5th Aug the only record (IHB).

GLAUCOUS GULL Scarce winter visitor. Adult NW on 12th Jan (GKT) the only record.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Frequent winter visitor in small numbers. Reported Jan to Mar and in Dec with a maximum of 4 on 28th Jan.

COMMON TERN Summer visitor and passage migrant. In 1995 recorded from 13th Apr to 15th Aug with a max of 11 on 6th May. There were 3 nests 20-25th May but all were deserted on 26th May. One pair reared 2 young on one of the floating rafts however.

ARCTIC TERN Scarce passage migrant. One on 26th April (JNM).

STOCK DOVE Common resident and winter visitor. Highest count in 1995 was of 15 on 16th Sep.

WOOD PIGEON Abundant resident and winter visitor.

COLLARED DOVE Common resident breeding nearby.

TURTLE DOVE Uncommon passage migrant. One singing 8th May, 2 present 13 May and a passage migrant 23rd Aug.

CUCKOO Regular summer visitor. Recorded from 15th Apr to 1st July. Three singing males present.

BARN OWL Resident. The originally released birds raised three young in 1995.

LITTLE OWL Common resident with 3-4 territories.

TAWNY OWL Common resident with at least 2 territories.

SWIFT Numerous summer visitor. Recorded 23rd Apr to 12th Aug. Up to 100 in May.

KINGFISHER Resident in very small numbers. Two pairs in the area, one of which reared two broods, a juv still being fed by an adult on 28th Oct.

HOOPOE One present in area from 28th Sep to at least 18th Oct and then again from mid Dec to end of year. Apparently moved to Arborfield area during the intervening period. Seen by large number of visitors.

GREEN WOODPECKER Common resident.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Common resident.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Uncommon resident. Recorded on 15th Aug and 21st Oct and may have bred locally.

SKYLARK Resident during summer and winter visitor. Highest count was 48 on 15th Jan followed by 40 on 4th March.

SAND MARTIN Common summer visitor. Recorded from 18th Mar to 30th Sep. Peak counts were of c150 on 27th May and 10th Sep. There were 65 nest holes on 8th July in the new workings on the Hants side of the complex.

SWALLOW Common summer visitor. Recorded from 2nd Apr to 16th Oct with maximum count of c150 on 16th Sep.

HOUSE MARTIN Numerous summer visitor. Recorded from 27th Mar to 6th Oct with peak count of c250 on 25th and 27th Sep.

TREE PIPIT Uncommon passage migrant. No records in 1995.

MEADOW PIPIT Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Max counts were of 30 on 14th Jan and 55 on 30th Sep. A singing male present in March and April on Hants side of Blackwater was not thought likely to be breeding.

WATER PIPIT Scarce visitor. One in summer plumage 23rd to 24th April (JG,IHB).

YELLOW WAGTAIL Moderately common passage migrant which has bred. 1-2 recorded from 5th Apr to 21st May in spring and in autumn from 14th Aug to 27 Sep. Only higher count was of 4 on 29th April.

GREY WAGTAIL Moderately common resident. Two pairs bred along River Blackwater.

PIED WAGTAIL Common resident and winter visitor.

WHITE WAGTAIL Regular on spring passage in small numbers. In 1995 two 22nd-23rd Apr, 1 on 25th, 27th and 29th Apr and 3 on 30th Apr.

WREN Abundant resident.

DUNNOCK Common resident.

ROBIN Common resident.

NIGHTINGALE Rare summer visitor. Not recorded in 1995.

BLACK REDSTART Scarce visitor. First winter male present from 10th Mar to 14th Mar (JG et al).

REDSTART Uncommon passage migrant. Two 16th Sep and an imm male 20th Sep.

WHINCHAT Moderately common passage migrant. In spring 1 on 8th May and in autumn 1 23rd Aug, 3 2nd Sep and 1 on 4th, 6th, 9th, 14th and 20th Sep.

STONECHAT Irregular visitor but on the increase. In 1995 present all year and one pair raised three young, first breeding record for site. In autumn 2f 23rd Sep, 3m2f 30th Sep and 2m1f 18th Nov.

WHEATEAR Moderately common passage migrant. Recorded in spring from 24th Mar to 29th Apr (max 2 on 22nd Apr) and in autumn there were 2 on 12th Aug, 1 on 13th Aug and 1 on 3rd Oct.

BLACKBIRD Common resident.

FIELDFARE Common winter visitor. Largest flock was of 20 on 25th Feb and the last seen in spring was 12 on 30th Mar. First autumn arrival was on 4th Nov with c30 present on 3rd Dec.

SONG THRUSH Common resident.

REDWING Common winter visitor. Largest flock was of c220 on 25th Feb with 150 on 4th Mar. Latest was 1 on 6th Apr and first arrivals were c100 on 4th Nov.

MISTLE THRUSH Common resident.

SEDGE WARBLER Moderately common summer visitor. First recorded 17th Apr and last were 2 on 23rd Sep. Five singing males held territory.

REED WARBLER Summer visitor in increasing numbers. First seen 29th Apr and 8 singing males held territory and breeding confirmed. Last seen 2nd Sep.

LESSER WHITETHROAT Summer visitor in small numbers. Four singing males held territory with breeding confirmed. First recorded 29th Apr.

WHITETHROAT Common summer visitor. Recorded from 22nd Apr to 2nd Sep with 11 males holding territory (against 6 males in 1994).

GARDEN WARBLER Common summer visitor in increasing numbers. A total of 21 singing males recorded against 14 in 1994. First record 19th Apr.

BLACKCAP Summer visitor in small numbers. First record two on 7th Apr. Three singing males recorded. Last were 3 on 23rd Sep.

CHIFFCHAFF Common summer visitor, occasionally winters. Three singing males in summer and an over-wintering bird on 25th Nov and 17th Dec. Max count 20 on 16th Sep.

WILLOW WARBLER Common summer visitor. Recorded from 3rd Apr to 16th Sep. Up to ten singing males.

GOLDCREST Common winter visitor. Max 10 on 4th Nov.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Regular passage migrant which has bred. Max 6 from 21st to 24th Aug, 1 on 28th Aug.

LONG-TAILED TIT Abundant resident.

COAL TIT Regular visitor.

BLUE TIT Abundant visitor.

GREAT TIT Abundant visitor.

NUTHATCH Occasional visitor from breeding sites nearby.

TREE CREEPER Resident in small numbers.

JAY Common resident.

MAGPIE Common resident.

JACKDAW Common visitor.

ROOK Regular visitor.

CARRION CROW Common resident.

STARLING Abundant visitor.

HOUSE SPARROW Common resident.

TREE SPARROW Scarce visitor which formerly bred. No records 1995.

CHAFFINCH Abundant resident and visitor.

BRAMBLING Regular winter visitor. 13 present 1st Jan rising to a max of c120 on 14th Jan and down to 11 on 25th Feb. Second winter 1 on 17th Dec and 4 on 19th Dec.

GREENFINCH Common resident and winter visitor.

GOLDFINCH Common resident and visitor. Highest count 120 on 4th Nov.

SISKIN Common winter visitor. Early year maximum was 95 on 14th Jan. Larger numbers present second winter period with a peak of c120 on 4th Nov.

LINNET Common visitor. Maximum count was of c150 on 11th and 25th Feb.

REDPOLL Winter visitor in small numbers. Present in only low numbers with a max of 10 on 25th Feb. Last 1 on 13th Apr and first 4 on 4th Nov. Max second winter period only 4 on 18th Nov.

BULLFINCH Common resident.

YELLOWHAMMER Resident in small numbers. Five singing males recorded. Max count was of 14 on 10th Sep.

REED BUNTING Common resident. Five singing males recorded against 11 in 1994. Max count 10 during summer.

The following observers, referred to previously by their initials, submitted records for 1995:

S Bailey	P J Crowley	Mrs R McCartney	D Sussex
K B Briggs	J N Dixon	J N Mutch	C D Taylor
I H Brown	C R Gent	E Napper	G K Taylor
R J Brunton	J Gunningham	M A Scott	M Taylor
J M Clark	P Hodson	B J Sealey	Mrs C Wise
M N Clifford	Dr D Hoyle	D Spittle
M G McCarthy	P E Standley
B McCartney	G C Stephenson

Following the designation of Moor Green Lakes (part of the Eversley Gravel Pit complex) as a nature reserve, it is important to maintain a detailed log of birds using the site in order to monitor bird populations, with particular reference to conservation management. Any persons visiting the site who wish to submit their records should do so as described below, and all contributions no matter how small are welcomed.

Ideally records should be submitted on Eversley Gravel Pit recording forms available from the recorder at the address below (please enclose SAE). Records should be submitted every 3-4 months (or more frequently!) so that the log can be kept as up to date as possible. If you visit the site only infrequently records may be submitted annually.

3. Date of observation (and time if a fly-over only sighting or a short-stay record)

5. Other observations such as unusual behaviour or direction of flight of birds flying over, etc.

6. Observer(s) initials. Records not submitted on forms should also include name and address.

Sightings of rare or unusual species would be welcomed by telephone, 01252.878126, particularly if still present, as this would enable dissemination of information to other interested observers.

The maximum counts recorded for 1995 are stated in order to provide comparable information for the yearly historical record. However, the lower counts for 1995 compared to 1994 almost certainly relate to a lower level of recording activity. The code letters used to denote the count levels, A to F, are explained in the notes which follow the systematic list.

RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Erythromma najas Recorded from Colebrook Lakes North and South. Maximum recorded counts of adults/copulating pai rs/ovi positing females were B/A/A.

AZURE DAMSELFLY Coenagrion puella Adults recorded from Colebrook Lakes North and South and along the River Blackwater. This species probably breeds throughout the recording area but in smaller numbers than the Common Blue Damselfly. (+/+/-).

COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY Enallagma cyathigerum Abundant throughout the recording area as a breeding species. (E/+/-).

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY Pyrrhosoma nymphula Adults recorded in Colebrook Cut during June. (B/-/-).

BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY Ischnura elegans Recorded in large numbers throughout the recording from May to July. (E/-/-).

EMERALD DAMSELFLY Lestes sponsa Recorded as a single individual from Colebrook Lake North. (A/-/-).

BANDED DEMOISELLE Calopteryx splendens Large numbers were recorded along the River Blackwater. Smaller numbers were recorded from Colebrook Lakes North and south and also from Grove Lake. (E/-/-).

SOUTHERN HAWKER Aeshna cyanea Not recorded on the reserve in 1995.

BROWN HAWKER Aeshna grandis Individual adult observed in Colebrook Cut. (A/-/-).

MIGRANT HAWKER Aeshna mixta Adults observed in good numbers in early September. (D/A/A)

EMPEROR DRAGONFLY Anax imperator Individual adult specimens were observed at Colebrook Lake North in July. (B/-/-).

GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLY Cordulegaster boitonii A single vagrant male was observed in Colebrook Cut in July. (A/-/-).

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER Orthetrum cancellatum Large numbers were observed at Colebrook Lake North in July. (D/B/B).

RUDDY DARTER Sympetrum sanguineum Not observed in 1995.

COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum Observed in good numbers from the west shore of Colebrook Lake North and from along the River Blackwater in early September. (D/C/C).

YELLOW-WINGED DARTER Sympetrum flaveolum A single individual was observed on the reserve by Rev Tom Gladwyn. (A/-/-).

Any person visiting the site who wishes to submit dragonfly/damselfly records may do so as described below. Alternately, observers may add their summary records to the monthly dragonfly sightings list which should be found in the hide.

Ideally, records should be submitted on Eversley Gravel Pits Dragonfly Recording Forms which are available from the recorder (please enclose an SAE) or on copies of RA70 recording cards. However, any attributable records would be gratefully received even if appropriate forms are not immediately available. Records should be submitted annually at the end of the active season for odonata.

Where possible the following information should be provided:

All records should be sent to the Recorder, Phil Young, 2 Larkwood Close, Little Sandhurst, Camberley, Surrey GU17 8QJ.

Sightings of rare or unusual species would be welcomed by phone (01344-762527) as this would enable dissemination of information to other interested observers.