MGLG - 1997 Annual Report

In this fifth report of the Moor Green Lakes Group, which covers the period from January to December 1997 for wildlife observations and the period from spring 1997 to spring 1998 for reserve management activities, more emphasis has peen placed on providing information about the nature and outcome of the work of the Group. For those not familiar with the reserve a profile is provided at Appendix A and there is a map at Appendix G.

While overall management of the reserve is under the control of a Steering Group (for details see Appendix A) practical day to day management and the collection, recording, assessment and dissemination of information about the reserve is undertaken by the Moor Green Lakes Group, which now has a membership of over 290. The Group’s Committee Members are listed in Appendix F. If you are not a member but would like to join the Group there is an application form at the end of this report.

Our main objectives remain unchanged: to improve the reserve for wildlife, record and monitor that wildlife and enhance the facilities of the reserve for members of the Group and other visitors. In this last category a second hide, provided by Hall Aggregates (South East) Ltd, has been erected at the eastern end of Grove Lake and was formally opened on 24th September, 1997 as part of an Open Day at the Eversley complex. Access to this hide is shortest from the Rambler’s Car Park at the entrance to the Horseshoe Lake Water Sports Centre off Mill Lane. The Grove Lake hide has not been modified for wheelchair use and it will not be open to the public except when is use by members of the Moor Green Lakes Group. Access for members will be on the same basis as for the Colebrook Lakes hide.

Locating the hide on Grove Lake is intended to provide the opportunity for some alternative viewing to that available from the Colebrook Lakes hide. In winter it should be possible to obtain good views of the Goosander which use Grove Lake for roosting. A feeding station has also been set up alongside the hide to attract additional species and provide added interest for younger members using the hide. In due course the scrape in front of the new hide will be extended by Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd.

In Chapter 2 Steve Bailey describes the valuable and considerable work which has been undertaken on the reserve by volunteers during the last year. On behalf of the Group I would like to thank all those members who have helped us in this important task, and in particular members of the Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service and of the Farnborough College of Technology. There is still much to do and if you have not yet joined one of our work parties we hope you will be able to do so during the coming year, even if only for an hour. With a reserve of this size there is a great deal to be done and without the help of volunteers there would soon be a decline in the diversity of wildlife on the reserve.

I would also like to take this opportunity of expressing our thanks to Steve Bailey and to Nick Mutch for the considerable amount of time and effort they have devoted to the running of the reserve over the past year.

A start has been made on a systematic botanical survey of the reserve using random sample plots. This has been organised by Delphine Hoyle who describes in Chapter 5 the process used and the first results. If you have visited the reserve you will almost certainly have noticed that a number of nest boxes have been put up. This has been organised by Kevin Briggs who provides in Chapter 4 information on the use to which these were put during the 1997 breeding season. Their exploitation by Mandarin Ducks has been particularly successful.

We are also able for the first time in Chapter 10 to include some information on two invertebrates, Hoverflles and Spiders, which have not featured before in our reports. Since our last report there has been a change in the recorder for dragonflies, Ken Crick having taken over from Phil Young. The checklist of plants which appeared at Appendix C in the 1995-96 Report has not been repeated and reference should be made to that Report for details.

The ornithological importance of the reserve continues to grow and lan Browns account of the birds seen during 1997 forms a major part of the Annual Report and our thanks are due to Ian for the time and trouble he has taken to produce such a comprehensive account.

Use has been made by both Ian 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 are placed. This help is greatly appreciated and enables us to monitor more closely these two wildlife groups.

The 1998 Annual General Meeting of the Group, kindly hosted by Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd., was held at Finchampstead Memorial Hall on 27th February. During the meeting members were given a progress report on reserve activities and wildlife monitoring and the formal business was followed by an illustrated talk by Frank Greenaway about bats. The subject was of significance as we are currently exploring the possibility of establishing on the reserve a bat cave.

During the year there have been two meetings of the Steering Group, in October and April, at which the Group has reported on its activities over the past year and outlined its plans for the coming year. With the introduction of the new unitary authorities in Berkshire from 1st April 1998 the County Council is no longer represented on the Steering Group and instead both Wokingham District Council and Bracknell Forest Borough Council have been invited to send representatives.

For further information about the Group and its activities the contact is either Brendan McCartney, telephone 0118-9732393 or the Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service (BVRCMS), telephone 01252-331353. If any member notices something happening at the reserve which might result in damage or threaten wildlife would they please inform the BVRCMS on 01252-331 353, or Nick Mutch, telephone 01344-771400.

Information about the reserve and the Group is now also available on the Internet thanks to our Membership Secretary, Brendan McCartney, who has created on our behalf a Moor Green Web Site. An account of this, together with details of the information it provides (which includes recent wildlife sightings) is given in Chapter 12.

Finally, as you will have noticed from the front of this report, the Moor Green Lakes Group has adopted a new logo, drawn by Robert Gilmor and featuring Goosanders for which the reserve is now nationally important for the number which it attracts in winter. I am grateful to Brendan McCartney for reproducing the logo for use in the report as well as for formatting the report itself, and to Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd for copying the report for circulation.

This has been a very active period for conservation work on the reserve with many different people involved. The highlight of the year’s conservation work was the erection of the reserves second hide and the construction of an associated scrape.

Group members have carried out a Sunday task each month from September to March. Students from Farnborough College have carried out some practical site management tasks as part of their college course and the Tuesday group of the Blackwater Valley Conservation Volunteers have frequently worked on the site whenever jobs have been required. Members of the Yateley cub-scout group put in a day’s work towards their conservation badge.

In addition to this volunteer effort contractors were employed by Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd to install the new hide and excavate the scrape in front of it.

Fencing was checked and repaired where necessary before the cattle were introduced.

Our new grazier, Mr Jacobs, then introduced 4 young Aberdeen Angus heifers to the site between 23 November 1997 and 8 February 1998. Initially restricted to the Colebrook Lake North paddocks the animals were later let into the land around Grove Lake.

These new arrangements have worked well and have achieved the desired effect upon the pastures.

The normal clearance programme on the islands was carried out to prevent these vital nesting and loafing areas from becoming overgrown.

The north shore of Long Island. together with patches on the north shore of Colebrook Lake North, were strimmed to create short grass areas with access points for grazing Wigeon and geese. Some brambles were cleared on Long Island to prevent encroachment across the grassy areas.

Tern Island was completely cleared to bare gravel with the plastic mulch area extended as this is proving to be an effect weed suppresser. Sandpiper and Plover islands were also worked on to create bare gravel conditions.

Grove Island is favoured by the nesting geese which seem to prefer to nest in, or adjacent to, patches of bramble but with easy access to the water. Here trees were thinned and paths and alcoves cut into the bramble.

The rafts were removed during the winter period to prevent the cormorants becoming accustomed to standing on them. They were replaced on 31 April 1998, all with fresh gravel.

Thinning of trees around the lakes continues. The aim is to restrict the trees to 2m to 3m height to attract warblers and other scrub species but not so tall as to put off the wildfowl from using the lakes.

Many willows were dug from around shores of Colebrook Lake in an attempt to keep the shoreline clear of tree growth. Elsewhere trees were either coppiced or pollarded to create a variety of structures to the scrub.

Last year’s contractors, under instructions, threw the trees they cut into the lake edge. Dead wood in water is an important habitat for many invertebrates. Unfortunately most of the trees proved to be Willow and started to grow. If allowed to mature these would have been very difficult to manage and so had to be removed - a very muddy and wet, cold and wet, smelly and wet job. Bonus points to those who helped on this task.

The Blackthorn hedge along the path from the Lower Sandhurst Road car park delights in encroaching onto the path and field edge; this was cut back.

Most cut material was used to repair and extend the dead hedge in front of the Colebrook scrape.

The trees previously planted near Colebrook hide are growing well and required various maintenance jobs such as weeding and replacing or even removing stakes and guards.

Approximately 30 bird boxes have been erected in previous years. These were all checked to reveal a good occupancy including five Mandarin nests as well as assorted tit broods.

An assortment of bat boxes is now in place. Nine were erected in Dec 1998 on the trees to the north of Grove Lake and a further 15 in the hedge along the path from the Lower Sandhurst Road car park on 31 April 98.

Contractors erected the new hide at Grove Lake. As with the first hide. a number of alterations and additions were left for volunteers to sort out including work to the side wings, narrowing of viewing slots, anti vandal measures, installation of lock plates for a combination lock and a gutter and down pipe.

A new scrape has been dug in front of the new hide. Unfortunately nobody from the site management committee could be present during digging, hence it is rather smaller than designed. The intention is to extend and improve this scrape this summer.

Viewing points were all re-cut. A five-year cutting cycle has now been established to the viewing points to maintain the views at the best spots and to use the opportunity of this necessary cutting to create a varied scrub edge structure.

The undoubted highlight of the year was the exceptional influx of Goosander in January, when a site record count of 184 birds roosted. At this time during the day in excess of 100 birds were regularly using the site. This influx was mirrored throughout the UK. Other early year records included two redhead Smew, a brief sighting of Mediterranean Gull (Jan), two relatively brief sightings of Ring Billed Gull (Jan) constituting the first records for the site and single Bittern, Red Breasted Merganser and Firecrest, all in February. Although wildfowl were present in force the numbers were slightly lower than the previous winter.

Early spring started with two Rock Pipits in mid March with other spring highlights including Sanderling. Little Stint and, unexpectedly, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, which gave obliging views to many visitors during a six day stay.

Breeding success was mixed. Redshank reared three young successfully for the first time since 1992. Lapwing (the best success in recent years) and Little Ringed Plover were both successful, but of the regular breeders Ringed Plover and Common Tern failed due to predation as in previous years. Barn Owl was again successful and a record 7 pairs of Mandarin used mainly specially erected nestboxes. The small Sand Martin colony in the new workings continued despite the loss of last years nesting bank and Grey Heron, although unsuccessful, attempted to breed for the first time.

Late summer/early autumn began with a brief visit by four Black Tailed Godwits and a Honey Buzzard. Other autumn records, all in August, included 2 Turnstone, 2 Wood Sandpipers, one of which stayed for over a week, a Spotted Redshank and an Arctic Tern. The only records of note in the late year were a Goshawk (only the second site record) and a Little Gull (both in November) and finally a single record of redhead Smew (Dec).

S.Bailey

Dr K.B.Briggs

Dr I.H.Brown

J.M.Clark

Dr M.N.Clifford

J.N.Dixon

C.R.Gent

R.J.Godden

J.Guningham

P.Hodson

Ms D.Housley

Dr D.A.Hoyle

A.C.James

B.McCartney

Mrs R.McCartney

J.N.Mutch

E.Napper

N.R.Peters

C.Proudley

Mrs M.Robbins

Mrs C.Rose

G.J.S. Rowland

M.A.Scott

D.M.Spittle

J.C.Tanner

Mrs L.D.M.Tanner

C.D.Taylor

M.Taylor

A.Twyford

l.Twyford

During the past four years nest boxes have been placed around the holes on the hedgerow trees. By 1997 there were 23 boxes and it was decided to monitor them for breeding success and to ring as many of the young as possible.

The large boxes erected for the Mandarin Ducks were very successful with five boxes being used clutches of 2, 14, 9, 8, 8) and two clutches of 10 were also found in natural sites. Five clutches hatched and produced 45 ducklings. Did you see any? The larger boxes also produced a brood of 2 Tawny Owls, 2 Little Owls and two sequential broods of 2 Stock Doves.

The smaller boxes had 8 clutches of Blue Tit eggs. One was predated by a Great Spotted Woodpecker but the other seven pairs produced 59 young. Five pairs of Great Tit were also found but only four successfully fledged young (total 34). The Tits had all fledged their young by May 15 (an early date) and so avoided the fate of many other pairs fledging in the latter half of the month or in June when the cold, wet, weather resulted in many moribund broods.

The occupancy rate of the boxes was high (85%) so more were erected in the winter of 1997/98 to bring the total to 33.

For a number of years (excluding 1996) plant surveys were carried Out on the species present around the Colebrook lakes.

For 1997 it was felt that it would be more useful to undertake a quantitative survey of the grazed areas, which if repeated regularly, would give a measure of change in the plant communities present. The method used was based on National Vegetational Classification (NVC) Methodology.

10 random samples (1x1 metre) were surveyed on 17th July, 1997, 5 on the north shore and 5 on the west shore of Colebrook Lake North. In each of the samples the species present were identified and quantified on the abundance present -

The results of the quantitative survey are shown below in Table A (flowering plants) and Table B (grasses). For each species the frequency with which they occurred in each of the two areas sampled is given followed in brackets by their level of abundance e.g. Agrimony occurred in only one of the sample 1x1 metre plots, with just a few individual specimens, while Oxeye Daisy occurred in all ten plots, its abundance varying from a little under 4% of a plot to 76-90% of a plot.

While it is too early to draw many conclusions from this first quantitative survey it is interesting to note that only 5 of the original species in the sown meadow mix were not found. This shows a remarkably good success rate. The species not found were Ranunculus acris, Silaum silaus, Sanguisorba officinalis, Taraxacum officinalis (a little surprisingly) and Vicia sativa.

Two of the species found - Sanguisorba minor and Anthyllis vulneraria - are not naturally found in the Blackwater Valley so might have been introduced accidentally in the seed mixture.

There also appears to be a slight difference between the two areas since Sanguisorba minor and Geranium pratente, which prefer more calcareous conditions, were only found on the north side.

Thanks are due to Steve Bailey, Richard Bissett, Daisy Marshall and Greg Nuthall for their help with this survey.

During the period November 1996 to April 1997 members of the Moor Green Lakes Group assisted a student from Farnborough College of Technology in her study of small mammal populations at Moor Green Lakes. Four sites around Colebrook Lakes North and South were selected and trapping was carried out on three occasions at each site.

Trapping was executed in accordance with the Mammal Society Guide entitled “Live Trapping of Small Mammals” using the Longworth trap - the standard equipment used since the 1940’s for such studies. The trap has two parts - a tunnel which contains the door tipping mechanism, and a nest box which attaches to the tunnel when the trap is set. The nest box provides space for food and bedding to ensure the welfare of the trapped animal.

Each trapping session was carried out over four successive nights - on the first two, food was placed in and outside the trap but the door was fixed open. This procedure, known as pre-baiting, allowed mammals to locate and become familiar with the traps as new features in their home range. On the final two nights the traps were set and each trap was visited at dawn the next morning. The mammals caught were identified, sexed, measured and weighed before being released.

In all, five species were located, given below in descending order of abundance:

Whereas Wood Mice were plentiful, only two Common Shrews and one Pygmy Shrew were trapped. There was an even distribution of Bank Vole and Field Vole. However, population levels peaked in Nov/Dec and declined throughout the rest of the survey. This was considered to arise from several factors: sufficient availability of food during the autumn and early winter: immigration from adjacent area being grazed by cattle during Nov/Dec; good ground cover (tussocky grass. etc.) before onset of winter. Wood Mice populations suffered from winter mortality greater than any other species.

The greatest diversity of species and highest numbers of individuals were recorded in the wooded area south of the Colebrook Lake bird-watching hide. This is adjacent to the cultivated land west of the footpath, which may have had a bearing on the population - i.e. immigration following harvest. However, this habitat was clearly preferred by the three main species as compared with the “open grassland” habitats investigated.

The ratio of males to females was always unequal - males being the more abundant - and it is considered to result from males seeking a suitable mate over an extended home range.

Predators noted during the survey were Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes, Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus, and Barn Owl – Tyto alba.

The survey concluded that Moor Green Lakes currently provides a suitable environment to support small mammals (and therefore their predators) and recommends management techniques to maintain the favoured habitat of scrub and tussocky grassland. Clearly the Group has benefited from the information obtained from this relatively limited but valuable survey and will give heed to the recommendation it contains.

After attending a short course on woodland management in the early spring, which covered the rudiments of species surveying, it was decided to try and put the lessons learnt into practice.

The order Odonata was selected and Moor Green, the River Blackwater and adjacent lakes became the focus of activity.

The reserve and its adjacent watercourses were visited forty-five separate days from 1st May until the end of October for the purpose of recording Odonata. In early May three visits resulted in no species being found. Eighteen species were recorded over the course of the 1997 season. Fifteen of the species were seen by the recorder, Phil Young adding the Four Spotted Chaser on the 17th May and Steve Bailey being credited with the Downy Emerald and the Red-eyed Damselfly on 5th June.

With the exception of those species credited exclusively to Phil and Steve, limited numbers of all species observed were caught and positively identified using Cyril O. Hammonds’ The Dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland’ second edition as the source reference. All specimens were released unharmed after identification. A close focus telescope proved invaluable.

All the species reported on were seen at periods which closely matched those defined in the current dragonfly literature except for the Emperor Dragonfly which emerged late and, presumably owing to the unbroken fine weather throughout August and September, continued to be present into early October.

All but the Black-tailed Skimmer were observed copulating and a single female Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) was observed ovipositing in Colebrook Cut.

Common Blue, Blue-tailed Damsel and Banded Demoiselle could be found in large roosts early in the morning at preferred sites along the River Blackwater.

This species was first to appear along the margins of the River Blackwater at the beginning of May, by the 17th May the population reached 100 plus and remained at this level until the end of July. The population crashed and disappeared completely by the end of the first week in August. Female Bluetailed Damselflies were present in several forms. The normal form closely resembled the male in coloration, the violacea form with a mauve striped thorax and rufescens with a rose-pink thorax. Ovipositing was observed in Fishing Lake West in mid July.

The banded demoiselle emerged in small numbers in May. Early morning surveys throughout June and July revealed large roosts of 100 plus specimens along the margins of the River Blackwater. It was not until the 29th July that equal numbers of males and females were observed, This species appeared to prefer to congregate at night in single sex roosts with Blue-Tailed and Common Blue Damselflies joining the males. Peak numbers were recorded in early August with single male specimens still present in late September.

A single large red male was seen on the 13th May on the margins of the small stream by the new workings towards Eversley Cross.

Phil Young recorded a single specimen on the 17th May. They were however present elsewhere in the locality such as Wyndhams Pool on Yateley Common.

Seen singly on the margins of Fishing Lake West from the end of June to mid July, all were female. There was an additional sighting recorded on the 2nd August but no sex was logged.

The common blue emerged with a bang in mid May. By the 17th numbers were in excess of 100 and remained there until the last week in August. This species liked to roost overnight in the company of Banded Demoiselle. The population peaked with numbers well in excess of 200 over the last week in July and first few days of August. By the end of August only 20 specimens, all male could be found, with single males hanging on until 4th October. Large numbers of Blue coloured damselflies were netted throughout the year but all proved to be Common Blue.

Seven individuals were seen on the 2nd July in the vicinity of Grove Lake and the River Blackwater. They were present for three days, the numbers diminishing each day. This species can be found elsewhere on the River Blackwater close to where it joins the River Whitewater.

Mr S Bailey saw this species on the 5th June on the bank of the River Blackwater in numbers just entering double figures.

This species emerged late this year. Looked for from May it was first reported on the 5th June. No further sightings occurred until the end of June when it was present in single figure numbers throughout July. The last individual was seen on the 18th August. All sexed specimens were reported as males.

A single Downy Emerald was reported from the bank on the River Blackwater on the 5th June.

A single keeled skimmer was caught and identified. it was found resting on one of the new saplings adjacent to the path leading to the Colebrook Lake hide. This single male was enjoying life beyond its normal expected flight period having been found on the 18th of September.

This dragonfly emerged late in the vicinity of Moor Green; they are commonly seen from mid June until the end of the first week in August and were present during this period elsewhere in North Hampshire. Male Emperors, with the characteristic green thorax and slightly curved blue abdomen when seen in flight, were present throughout August and September with odd specimens hanging on into the first days of October. They proved to be extremely difficult to catch. Mating pairs were present on both Horseshoe Lake and Colebrook Lake South. The population peaked twice, once during mid to late August and again to a lesser extent in mid September. Even at peak periods numbers observed on a single visit never exceeded 20 individuals.

Present from mid July until the second week in September. the population peaked during the third week in August with 30 plus being observed. This was also their most active time sexually, almost all those identified at this time were as mating couples. The Brown Hawker was seen throughout the area Horseshoe Lake, Grove Lake. Colebrook Lake North and South, Fishing Lake West and the River Blackwater. Off site it was present in some numbers on Yateley Common.

On the 6th September two Golden Ringed Dragonflies - a male and a female - were seen on the bridleway adjacent to Colebrook Lake South. While obviously together at no time were they seen to mate. This species is more likely to be seen on Yateley Common, in particular hawking on the Castle Bottom reserve near to the stream.

Seen twice in August and twice in September. The sex was recorded on only three of the sightings: in each case it was female.

This species was seen on five occasions, once in August once in September and three times in October. The maximum number of individuals seen on any given day was three. Both males and females were present and a female was observed ovipositing along the margins of Colebrook Cut. A second observer (Mr.P. Hamilton) confirmed this sighting.

A single male Common Hawker was observed on the 10th October near to the margins of Colebrook Cut.

Individuals were seen from mid July. By the end of the first week in August they were to be found on any wire fencing, posts and sticks exposed to the sun. Copulating pairs were to be seen in mid August when a small peak in population occurred but the real explosion in numbers started during the last week in September and continued through to the 18th October. At its height 100 specimens were counted on the stretch of the bridle path from Moor Green Car Park to the River Blackwater. almost all were copulating.

Significant numbers of Darters were netted, males had a wide colour variation across the red part of the spectrum. All proved to be Common Darters. Ovipositing was first recorded in August just off the reserve in the pond on Moulsham Lane. Lakes on both sides of the Blackwater supported populations of male and female Common Darters.

The following 62 different species have been recorded on the reserve. Any person visiting the site who wishes to submit records of night or day-flying moths are encouraged to do so. The contact for records is: Steve Bailey, Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road. Aldershot GU11 2PS.

Angle Shades

Barred Straw

Beautiful Golden-Y

Blotched Emerald

Brimstone

Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing

Buff Arches

Buff Ermine

Buff-tip

Clouded Border

Common Carpet

Common Footman

Common Wave

Dark Arches

Dot Moth

Drinker

Dunbar

Ear Moth

Elephant Hawk

Fan-foot

Figure of 80

Flame

Flame Shoulder

Ghost Moth

Grey Dagger

Heart and Club

Heart and Dart

Large Emerald

Large Yellow Underwing

Light Arches

Light Emerald

Lime Hawk

Marbled Brown

Middle-barred Minor

Mother of Pearl

Mottled Beauty

Oak Hook-tip

Peppered

Phoenix

Plain Golden-Y

Poplar Hawk

Riband Wave

Rosy Footman

Ruby Tiger

Sallow Kitten

Setaceous Hebrew Character

Shaded Broad-bar

Sharp-angled Carpet

Slender Brindle

Small Angle Shades

Small Blood-vein

Smoky Wainscot

Snout

Swallowtail

Sycamore

The Clay

Treble Brown Spot

True Lovers Knot

Uncertain

Willow Beauty

Yellow Shell

Yellow-tail

The number of butterfly species recorded on the reserve in 1997 showed a reduction from the 1996 figure. Whilst the number of “recording days” for butterflies on the reserve is undoubtedly very small when compared to the almost daily attention given to the logging of bird species it is noticeable that the recorded presence of the various butterfly species at Moor Green Lakes echoes faithfully the patterns observed elsewhere. Any under-recording, therefore, is unlikely to relate significantly to species that are present on the reserve but somehow contrive to escape the notice of one or more of the contributors to this report. However, it would be extremely useful if contributions to the monthly sightings charts could be sufficiently frequent to enable conclusions to be drawn about the first and last occurrences, broods and flight periods of the species observed.

Absences in 1997 compared with 1996 were Clouded Yellow, Marbled White and Painted Lady. Whilst the previous years sightings of the first two of these represented only a handful, the records of Painted Lady had been very numerous over an extended period. The total absence of this species in 1997, therefore, presented a striking contrast. However, as noted above, the situation at Moor Green was an accurate reflection of what was happening (or not happening) all over the country.

The continued lack of records of Purple Hairstreak is surprising, since the habitat seems conducive to its presence. Colonies exist locally in similar environments, but it has to be acknowledged that they can still be very difficult to see (and identify) with the naked eye and without neck-ache.

The return of Holly Blue in 1997 was very welcome, with records covering periods in late April and late July. These match exactly the expected pattern for this double-brooded butterfly, described in the literature as “boom and bust species, with numbers varying dramatically from year to year”.

A further record of interest related to a Large Fritillary, seen in early July by the river opposite Grove Lake on oak and honeysuckle. The fritillaries as a group are not common in Berkshire, but isolated sightings of the Silver-washed Fritillary are recorded occasionally outside their few remaining colonies, and this would probably be the most likely species to be involved here.

Following the request in last year’s report I am pleased to say that I now have two invertebrate surveys to record. Gareth Matthes has forwarded a survey of hoverflies he carried out in 1995. whilst Edward Lovesey has started a survey of spiders of the reserve.

These surveys have only scratched the surface and all invertebrate records whether incidental sightings or organised surveys are still required.

This survey covers the wider gravel pit complex (bird recording area). * Indicates records from within the Nature Reserve boundaries.

Found on buttercups (Ranunculus spp.) in warm sheltered spots in May, where the plant grows in damp grasslands and marshes.

A black hoverfly larva feeding on roots of Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) and other umbellifers.

Widespread, adults found on umbels in damp places. larvae live in organically rich mud at the edges of woodland pond and streams.

A local species of sheltered grassy places and wood edges. Larvae may be predatory on root aphids or ants nests.

Regarded as a scarce species though it can be the commonest member of the Chrysotoxum genus in parts of its range. A beautiful wasp mimic associated with open habitats and woodland edges, possibly feeding on aphids.

Common, larvae are rat tailed maggots living in stagnant water and rotting vegetation.

Adults seen at Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) umbels near trees and bushes. Larvae feed on aphids.

Widespread and abundant in grassy habitats, hedges and woodlands, larvae feed in aphids. Large scale migratory movements are well documented for this species.

A widespread and common bee mimic. Larvae is a rat tailed maggot living in water filled cavities with dead leaves such as found in tree stumps. Adults seen at Hogweed umbels.

A local species but can be come abundant where there is suitable habitat. The rat tailed larvae has been found in the leaf sheaths of Bulrush (Typha latifolia) feeding on detritus.

One of the commonest hoverflies. found in hedges and wood edges, larvae are aphid feeders.

A scarce species of Southern Britain possibly a migrant. associated with pines and conifers so an oddity at Moor Green.

A common species of open grasslands, population often boosted by immigrants. An aphid feeder.

A convincing bumble bee mimic, widely distributed through Britain in wooded areas. Larvae are scavengers in bumble bee and wasp nests feeding on any dead hymenopteran larvae.

Like most of us, I have been a bird watcher for as long as I can remember. About 15 years ago I found a really huge spider on some heather on Ash firing ranges. I thought it must be some exotic escapee from someone’s private collection. In those days there were no easily obtainable books on spiders to help identification. However. I eventually found a page on spiders in one of my nature books, which showed a picture of the spider I had seen. It turned out to be the common garden spider — Araneus diadematus. I then started to see them all over the place and my interest in spiders had begun. As there were no books, I began to paint my own records of spiders and now have about 200 paintings of over 100 species of spiders.

I was delighted to be asked to conduct a spider survey at Moor Green Lakes. I have already made a start and have found 14 different species. This number does not sound very large, but my search for spiders only started in December, which is not the best time to look for them. and 14 is a surprisingly good number for the time of year

I look forward to the summer when spiders will be far more abundant. If you see an odd looking character wielding a butterfly net it is not someone trying to frighten the birds, but me trying to find out what the spider population is on the reserve. So far the indications are that it is an excellent habitat.

All have been observed on the reserve but only in small numbers. Lizard and Slow Worm are also likely to be present but have yet to be observed. 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 knowledge of one of the following groups and some time for a small survey we would be pleased to hear from you:

Please contact Steve Bailey at the Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service, telephone: 01252-331353.

I have been a subscriber to the Internet for several years and last year decided to have a go at creating a Moor Green web site. The amount of space available to private individuals is usually quite significant - easily enough for a few dozen pages, including a few photographs - and there is no cost involved other than the basic subscription (approximately £3 per month upwards depending on the service provider and how much time one uses).

The question was: what information should I include on the site? I started with a fairly basic page containing the sort of information to be found in the various membership application brochures with which many of you are familiar. A page full of text did not appear too attractive so I decided to add a graphic heading of some sort. In my limited experience, a scanned colour photograph used up a lot of computer space so I experimented with an alternative. I have a gadget for my computer which enables me to “grab” frames from videos taken with my simple camcorder so I experimented with video footage taken at Moor Green. I was able to “grab” a frame - taken overlooking Colebrook Lake North from just south of the car park - which did not appear to take up much computer space. I then employed a drawing programme to superimpose a title on the picture, which turned out to be not quite as stunning as some to be seen on the World Wide Web, but was a reasonable first attempt. The combined colour picture/title was uploaded on to the Moor Green web site and now heads the main or “index” page. That is, the first page seen when the site is accessed. During the last few weeks I have taken some still photographs at the Reserve and hope to upload them to the site in the coming weeks.

During a process of slow development two more pages have been added to the site. Moor Green Lakes Group Page - headed with the Group’s new logo and including details of the last AGM. current Committee members and general news about the group - and the Moor Green Lakes Bird Log - updated as often as possibly with details of the more interesting sightings. The log, which has been running since February, 1998, provides an interesting diary of species seen throughout the year. All observers are encouraged to contribute information to the page. There is no reason why pages should not be added dealing with other interests - flora, dragonflies, butterflies, etc. If you have access to the Internet and have an interest in a particular species please contact the writer.

A major facility on web pages is the ability to include links to other sites. This means that a particular word, sentence or graphic object can be “clicked” to provide an instant transfer to that site. whether it is in the same neighbourhood or on the other side of the world. The Moor Green site provides a link to the Berkshire Birding site, which in turn provides links to other sites of interest to birders in Berkshire. There are a number of birding organisations in the UK running their own web sites, several of which may be accessed via Berkshire Birding. Many provide logs of recent wildlife sightings, details of club meetings and field trips, etc. The Internet is a constantly evolving network of information providers and web sites are forever increasing. For example, there are hundreds of sites providing travel details for those wishing to observe wildlife in foreign countries and Berkshire Birding carries an increasing number of articles about birding abroad.

The Moor Green pages are available to Internet users world-wide and several messages have been received from people at home and abroad expressing interest in the site. If you are “on the Net” please look at the Moor Green site. I would be delighted to hear from any members who have accessed the site and have suggestions for its improvement. Photographs taken at Moor Green are especially needed so please check your albums for good quality shots of interesting birds and wildlife.

The Moor Green Lakes web site address is: http://members.aol.com/moorgrn (note, “moorgrn” and NOT “moorgreen”) and email may be sent to: berksbirds(at)aol.com.

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. To the north is Finchampstead Ridges, an area administered by the National Trust. A map of the reserve appears at Appendix G.

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.

An important feature of the reserve is the presence of sluices, at the exit of the Colebrook Cut and from Colebrook Lake into the River Blackwater, which allow the level of the water in Colebrook Lakes North and South to be controlled within limits so that muddy margins can be exposed ahead of the main spring and autumn passage of wading birds.

Overall management of the reserve is under the control of a Steering Group comprised of representatives of Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd, Blackwater Valley Recreation and Countryside Management Service and the Moor Green Lakes Group. Practical day to day management and the collection, recording, assessment and dissemination of information about the reserve is undertaken by the Moor Green Lakes Group established in 1993. The Groups Committee Members are listed in Appendix F. The necessary costs of the Group not covered by membership subscriptions are met by Hall Aggregates SE) Ltd. Membership is open to all with an interest in the reserve, its wildlife and its management,

Public access to the reserve is restricted to the viewing hides provided by Hall Aggregates (SE) Ltd which overlook respectively Colebrook Lake North and Grove Lake (see map at Appendix G). Unfortunately vandalism has meant that the hides cannot be left permanently open but members of the public can use the hides whenever they are in use by members of the Group (who have access at any time). The Colebrook Lake hide incorporates a viewing window for observers in wheelchairs. When the hides are locked, views over the scrapes adjacent to the hides can be obtained from the screened viewing points alongside the hides. Views across the reserve can also be obtained from points along the footpath, which runs along the western and southern sides of the reserve.

The main access to the reserve is from Lower Sandhurst Road where a car park has been provided (Ordnance Survey grid reference SU805628). The shortest access to the Grove Lake hide is from the Ramblers Car Park at the entrance to the Horseshoe Lake Water Sports Centre off Mill Lane (grid reference SU820620).

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Resident and winter visitor, but declining. One pair bred successfully rearing one young. Numbers peaked in Aug/Sept with 6 on several dates.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cnstatus Common resident. A maximum of 20 was recorded on Oct.4th. A total of five pairs were present during the summer. Two pairs successfully rearing a total of 4 young.

CORMORANT Phalacrocrax carbo Common winter visitor which occasionally over-summers. Recorded in all months with a maximum count of 33 on March 1st. All birds were of the race ‘sinensis’ (when assigned) except one of the race ‘carbo’ on Oct.28th.

BITTERN Botaurus stellaris Rare visitor. One was flushed from the River Blackwater on Feb.22nd (NRP et al) and was later seen to fly into roost at 17:48 on Colebrook Lake North (IHB). The second record for the site, the last being in 1989.

GREY HERON Butondes virescens Common resident. One pair attempted to breed for the first time. but was unsuccessful probably due to crow predation. Numbers peaked at 10 on Jan.4th.

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Common resident and winter visitor. Three pairs attempted to breed but were unsuccessful. The maximum count was 31 on Jan.1st.

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Regular visitor. Eight records between Feb.15th and May 3rd involving a maximum of four birds. 40 left W at dawn on Dec.6th.

SNOW GOOSE Anser caerulescens Common resident. with birds from the nearby free flying flock regularly visiting the site. The maximum count was of 25 on many dates in Jan/Feb. Six pairs possibly attempted to breed.

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Abundant resident. The maximum count was of 400 on Aug.28th.

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis Common resident. The local feral population continues to increase. A site record of 176 were present on Dec.13th (IHB). One/two pairs attempted to breed but were unsuccessful.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus Scarce visitor. The only record was of 1 on Jan.14th (JCT, LDMT).

SHELDUCK Tadoma tadorna Occasional visitor. A pair were recorded on six dates between April 18th and May 18th, with six on May 15th.

MANDARIN Aix galericulata Summer visitor in increasing numbers. irregular in winter. Recorded between March 9th and June 14th. Seven pairs bred, five in specially erected boxes. One male was present on Sept.16th.

WIGEON Anas penelope Common winter visitor. Birds were recorded up to April 5th and from Sept.13th. The maximum count was of 200 on Dec.28th.

GADWALL Anas strepara Common winter visitor, irregular in summer. One pair was present throughout April and May, with an additional male on a few dates, but breeding was not suspected. The maximum counts were of 138 on Nov.29th and Dec.28th.

TEAL Anas crecca Common winter visitor which occasionally summers. Recorded in all months. Up to two pairs lingered until early May but breeding was not suspected. The maximum count was of 46 on Jan.2nd.

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Common resident and winter visitor. The maximum count was 284 on Aug.30th.

PINTAIL Anas acuta Infrequent winter visitor. Pairs were present on Jan.1st (IHB) and April 20th (IHB).

SHOVELER Anas clypeata Moderately common winter visitor. Recorded until April 4th and from July 28th. with a maximum of 22 on March 1st.

POCHARD Aythya fenna Common winter visitor, irregular in summer. The maximum was 68 on Feb.15th.

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Abundant resident and winter visitor. During the summer only one brood of six was seen, of which only one survived. Winter numbers peaked at 151 on March 8th.

GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Winter visitor. In the early year up to nine (2m) were present with the last record on March 30th. First returns were from Nov.5th, with up to 4 birds present till the end of year.

SMEW Margellus albellus Winter visitor. Two females from 1996 remained until March 5th (mo.). In the late year if was present on Dec.16th (KBB).

RED BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator Scarce visitor. An immature was present briefly on Feb.1st (IHB).

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Common winter visitor in increasing numbers. Following on from 1996, numbers continued to increase with a record site count of 184 (54m) at roost on Jan.12th (JMC). These exceptionally high numbers coincided with a large influx into the UK. The last early year record was of a pair on April 12th. First returns were from Nov.17th. The late year numbers were more typical of recent winters, peaking at 78 (10m) on Dec.30th.

RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis Irregular visitor of annual occurrence. The only records were of a pair, Jan.18th to 22nd (IHB et al) and an immature male on Jan.25th (IHB).

HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus Rare visitor. One drifted W at 09:35 on July 12th, briefly landing in a tree before leaving W after being mobbed by a Kestrel (IHB). The third record for the site.

GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis Rare visitor. One was watched for 5 minutes on Nov.29th (CRG). The second record for the site.

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus Common resident. One pair reared three young.

HOBBY Falco subbuteo Moderately common summer visitor. One to three birds were recorded between April 30th and Sept.28th. An adult was seen to take a Lapwing on Aug.24th!

RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Uncommon visitor. Two on March 22nd was the only record.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Winter visitor. Up to four birds were present until March 21st and up to two from Oct.11th to the end of year.

MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus An abundant resident. A maximum of 21 were present on Dec.28th.

COOT Fulica atra An abundant resident. The maximum count was of 214 on Jan.11th.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded between March 8th (the earliest site record) and Sept.2nd. Five pairs reared a total of at least 2 young.

RINGED PLOVER Charadnus hiaticula Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded between Jan.25th and June 23rd. One pair attempted to breed but was unsuccessful. An additional bird was present from April 5th to May 31st. Two on July 28th were probably passage migrants.

GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricana An infrequent visitor. Two records; 17 on Nov.11th (IHB), and 1 on Dec.19th (OH).

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Common resident and winter visitor. Nine pairs attempted to breed rearing a total of at least five young. The maximum count was of 560 on Aug.23rd.

SANDERLING Calidris alba Scarce passage migrant. One in partial summer plumage on May 4th (IHB et al).

LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant. One in summer plumage on May 31st (CRG et al) was only the third record in spring.

CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidns ferruginea A rare visitor. Two in summer plumage from May 29th to June 3rd (IHB et al) were the second record for the site and the first in spring.

DUNLIN Calidns alpina Regular passage migrant. A very good year with a total of 37 birds being recorded on 28 dates between Jan.1st and Nov.2nd. The maximum was of four on May 4th.

RUFF Philomachus pugnax Irregular visitor. One on April 7th to 15th (CP et al) and one. possibly the same April 18th to 21st (IHB et al).

COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded until April 18th and from Aug.9th. with a maximum of 19 on Oct.14th.

BLACK TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Scarce visitor. Four in summer plumage were seen briefly before leaving E at 18:45 on June 30th (BM. RM). The fourth record for the site, but the second in June.

CURLEW Numenius arquata Regular visitor which may have wintered. One E on Jan.4th and then singletons recorded on six dates between March 15th and May 17th, with two on April 9th.

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Scarce visitor. One in winter plumage on Aug.25th (CRG).

REDSHANK Tringa totanus Summer visitor and passage migrant. Singletons on Jan.1st, Feb.22nd and 24th, with the first returning birds on March 8th. Three pairs attempted to breed, one successfully rearing four young. The last record was on Aug.9th. The first successful breeding since 1992.

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Regular passage migrant. Three records in spring; 1 on April 25th, 2 on May 2nd and 1 on May 16th. In autumn there was 1, Aug.13th to 18th. 1, Aug.20th to Sept.4th, with 2 on Aug.26th and 30th.

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Winter visitor and common passage migrant. Recorded until April 24th and from June 17th. Records were mainly of 1 to 3 birds, with a maximum of 6 on Sept.4th to 6th.

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola An uncommon passage migrant. Two on Aug.9th to 11th (MAS et al), one remaining till Aug.17th.

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Common passage migrant. In spring up to 6 were recorded on most dates between April 14th and June 2nd. In autumn up to 4 on many dates from July 16th to Sept.17th.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus Scarce visitor. An adult was seen briefly at 15:00 on Jan.1st (ACJ).

LITTLE GULL Larus minutus Infrequent visitor. One first winter was seen briefly before leaving W on Nov.15th (IHB)

BLACK HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus Very common visitor. The maximum count was of 900 on Jan.25th.

RING BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis Rare visitor. A first winter was watched as it stood on ice from 09:28 to 09:48 on Jan.25th when it left W (IHB). Presumably the same was seen again at 15:00 on Jan.29th (JNM). The first records for the site of this North American gull.

COMMON GULL Larus canus Common winter visitor. The maximum count was of 130 on Jan.11th.

LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL Larus fuscus Very common visitor. The maximum count was of 180 on Aug.11th.

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus Common winter visitor. The maximum count was of 150 on Jan.11th.

YELLOW LEGGED HERRING GULL Larus cacchinans Regular visitor of annual occurrence. Records were as follows; 1 adult on Jan.4th, 2 adults on Jan.22nd, 1 adult on Jan.26th, 1 second winter on Feb.1st, 1 adult on Aug.9th and 1, third summer on Aug.11th to 12th.

GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL Larus marinus Frequent winter visitor. The records were as follows; 2 adults on Jan.1st, 1 adult on Jan.2nd, 1 adult on Jan.4th, 1, first winter on Feb.22nd and 5 on Dec.28th.

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded between April 13th and Aug.18th with a maxima of 12 on May 4th. Four pairs attempted to breed but were unsuccessful.

BLACK TERN Sterna niger Passage migrant of annual occurrence. One on May 30th (IHB et al).

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas Common resident. The maximum count was 77 on Nov.15th.

TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Uncommon summer visitor. Two records, 1 singing on May 17th and 1 on May 24th.

CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Summer visitor. Recorded from April 19th to June 28th. Two singing males held territory.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Moderately common resident. Breeding was successful with birds present in 3/4 territories.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Moderately common resident. Breeding was successful with birds present in 2 territories.

KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Moderately common resident. Two pairs bred successfully.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major Common resident. Three pairs bred successfully.

WOODLARK Lullula arborea Irregular visitor. Singles were recorded on June 14th and 28th.

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis Common resident and winter visitor. The maximum count was 65 on Jan.1st and 4th.

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Common summer visitor. Recorded between March 19th and Sept.13th. There were 17 nest holes on the new workings on the Hants side of the complex. The peak count was of 300 on April 26th.

SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Common summer visitor. Recorded between April 4th and Oct.11th, with a maximum of 320 on April 26th.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica Abundant summer visitor. Recorded between April 4th and Sept.13th, with a maximum of 250 on May 9th.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Common winter visitor and passage migrant. One bird was in territory on June 14th. Breeding possible. The maximum count was of 60 on Oct.4th.

ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Scarce passage migrant. 2 on March 12th (BM, RM). A typical date for this species.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava Moderately common passage migrant which has bred. Recorded in spring on eight dates between April 12th and 26th, with 4 on April 20th. Singles on Sept.1st and 6th were the only autumn records.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Moderately common resident. 2 pairs bred successfully.

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla yarrelli Common resident and winter visitor. A maximum of 40 on Sept. 14th.

WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba Regular spring passage migrant. Singles were recorded as follows; April 26th, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th.

REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Uncommon visitor. One female on April 22nd (JNM).

WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra Moderately common passage migrant. Records as follows: 1, May 3rd; 1, May 12th; 1, Aug.30th; 2. Sept.4th; 1, Sept.6th and 1, Sept.25th.

STONECHAT Saxicola torquata Irregular resident and passage migrant. One female on Jan.1st and 1 juv on Aug.9th were the only records.

WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Moderately common passage migrant. Recorded in spring from April 9th to May 2nd (max 3 on April 26th) and in autumn there were singles on Aug.21st and Sept.25th.

FIELDFARE Turdus pilans Common winter visitor. Recorded until April 23rd (max 100 on Feb.8th) and from Oct.25th (max 120 on Dec.20th).

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Common resident. There was a small fall of 50, on Oct.18th.

REDWING Turdus iliacus Very common winter visitor. Recorded until April 22nd (max 220 on Feb.1st) and from Oct.11th (max 100 on several dates).

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Moderately common summer visitor. Recorded from April 8th. 8 singing males held territory.

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Moderately common summer visitor. 6 singing males held territory.

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Summer visitor. Recorded from April 26th. 2 singing males held territory.

WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis Very common summer visitor. Recorded between April 12th and Sept.6th. 14 singing males held territory.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin Very common summer visitor. Recorded between April 22nd and Aug.30th. 28 singing males held territory, compared to 16 in 1996! This species has shown a marked increase over the last five years.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Summer visitor and occasional winter visitor. 3 singing males held territory. One male was present on Nov.8th.

CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita Common summer visitor and regular winter visitor. One on Jan.11th and then returning birds from March 8th till Oct.18th. 6 singing males held territory.

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Very common summer visitor. Recorded from April 3rd until Aug.30th. 12 singing males held territory.

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus Rare visitor. One on Feb.8th (RJG) was the third record for the site and in the same area as the previous birds in 1992 and 1996!

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Regular passage migrant which has bred. 2 on Aug.21st and 1, on Aug.28th.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Regular winter visitor. Only three records: 1, Feb.15th; 4, Oct.18th and 1, Nov.22nd.

SISKIN Carduelis spinus Common winter visitor. Early year maximum was 120 on Jan.4th. Larger numbers were present in the late year with a maximum of 250 on Dec.6th.

LINNET Carduellis cannabina Moderately common resident and winter visitor. The maximum count was 120 on Jan.4th.

REDPOLL Carduellis flammea Winter visitor. In the early year there was a maximum of 13 on Jan.4th and in the late year the maximum was 25 on Oct.18th.

COMMON CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra Rare visitor. Two flew over N on Aug.2nd (IHB).

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citnnella Resident in small numbers. Three singing males held territory.

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Common resident. There was a minimum of 9 singing males.

Following the designation of Moor Green Lakes (part of the Eversley Gravel Pit complex) as a nature reserve, it is necessary to maintain a detailed log of birds using the site in order to monitor bird populations, with particular reference to conservation management carried out on the site by the Moor Green Lakes group and Hall Aggregates Ltd. These guidelines are designed to assist any persons visiting the site who wish to submit their records. The collection of such data is an important function of the group and all contributions, no matter how small, are welcomed.

Ideally records should be submitted on Eversley Gravel Pit recording forms available from the recorder (please enclose an 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. Less frequent visitors may wish to submit their records annually.

The species list for the site at Appendix C includes a code number in the left hand column. This refers to the type of records required for that species. The full details are:

Records should be sent to: lan Brown, 26, Ashfield Green, Yateley, Hants GU46 7AL

Sightings of birds in category 1*, would gratefully be received by phone (01252-878126) particularly if still present as this would enable dissemination of information to other interested observers!

Any person visiting the site who wishes to submit dragonfly/damselfly records may do so as described below. Alternatively, 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.

All records should be sent to the Recorder: Ken Crick, 29 Village Road, Yateley, Hants, GUI7 7SE

Information on sightings of rare or unusual species would be welcomed by phone (01252-872508) as this would enable dissemination of information to other interested observers.