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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE ELEVENTH REPORT

OF THE MOOR GREEN LAKES GROUP

Peter Scott

The group enters its second decade in good shape, with around a ten-fold increase in membership compared with the time of its formation. The input that you all make, even if it is just the subscription fee, places the group on a firm basis that enables forward plans to be made with some confidence. An annual round of site maintenance work and wildlife surveys has become established over the period. We are especially grateful to all the volunteers who have contributed their time, labour and observations to this work, the results of which are summarised in the separate chapters of this report.

With the passage of time the vegetation of the reserve has become well established. Unfortunately this applies not only to such desirable features as the wildflower meadow and the planted woodland, but also to some invasive weeds. Perhaps the most pernicious of these is the aquatic alien Crassula helmsii, which was particularly conspicuous in the scrape by Colebrook hide during last summer’s long dry period. A double dose of ‘Roundup’ last autumn will, we hope, keep it in check, but eradication is too much to hope for. Dealing with some unwanted plants, such as the Willowherb on Tern Island, is made difficult by the fact that they grow most vigorously during the bird-breeding season, when we try to limit human presence on the reserve.

Some of the infrastructure is showing its age, notably the sluice in Colebrook Cut. RMC are examining how best to control water-flow through the reserve during the remaining life of the gravel workings at Manor Farm. We hope that the solution will give us more control of lake levels than we have had in the last couple of years. Numerous fence posts have rotted and broken, so an increased effort will be needed to keep the reserve perimeter intact.

Steve Farmer, our site liaison officer and newsletter editor of the last few years, resigned from the committee in February. We are very grateful to Steve for the enormous contribution he has made. Simon Weeks and Colin Wilson are welcomed as the new incumbents of those two posts. In addition, the growth in membership has increased the task of communication, so we have created a new post of postal secretary. Irene Draper has kindly agreed to fill that role.

Finally, I must repeat our frequent request to members to lock the viewing hides carefully when leaving. Grove hide was broken into twice in February, the vandals entering by simply kicking in one of the viewing slots. We have therefore decided that the rotating catches are not strong enough: they will all be replaced by bolts. Please make sure that all bolts are engaged, no matter how much of a hurry you are in to leave. This is essential if they are to resist strong-arm tactics. Also ensure that all four dials of the combination lock are given a twirl. Having said all that, enjoy your wildlife watching!

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CHAPTER 2

MOOR GREEN LAKES GROUP NATURE RESERVE SITE MANAGEMENT REPORT

April 2003 to March 2004

Sue Dent,

Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership

A combination of the Management Plan, good organisation and, most importantly, willing volunteers produced a remarkable year for the practical management of the Reserve. All the jobs indicated by the Management Plan were completed. The Plan itself has been revised after its first year and will now run until 2006, thanks again to Ken Crick for all his hard work on this.

Volunteers.

As always a huge thank you to the volunteers who come out rain or shine. There is no doubt that we couldn’t manage the site as we do without their help. This year there were 7 Sunday and 7 Tuesday tasks with an average of 14 and 12 volunteers respectively. With a couple of extra work-days there was a total of 195 volunteer days.

I would like to say a particular thank you this year to Peter Scott for his help with planning and scheduling tasks, it has contributed greatly to the amount of work that we achieved. Also to Peter, Tony Elston and Simon Weeks who have led the Sunday tasks this year. We are sorry to report that Adrian Douglas, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Ranger who led the Tuesday tasks at Moor Green for the last two years, left in November to head back to his native Lancashire. The new ranger, Tim Mockridge, started in March 2004 and is looking forward to getting to know the site and volunteers.

Conservation Tasks

• Winter site maintenance. As usual the winter work has concentrated on keeping the islands clear of vegetation and stopping scrub from invading the grassland areas. This has meant our usual round of bashing bramble, and cutting willow and alder on the grasslands. Thanks to Ken Crick for coming out to stump treat the trees that have been cut. Being able to do this regularly has had a definite impact on the levels of scrub around the grass areas. A contractor was used this year to tackle the larger bramble patches on the north of Colebrook and Grove Lakes. We hope that having cut them down to size we can keep on top of them now with the regular volunteer tasks. We have been lucky with the weather this year and have managed a full round of work on the islands.

• Grazing. This year there were 4 cows and 4 calves on site from September until December. With the dry weather they managed to reach parts they hadn’t reached before, but did their usual effective job of clearing the grassland areas.

• Hedge laying. A 50m section of hedge was laid by a combination of the Moor Green Lakes and Blackwater Valley Volunteers. This was run as a training task by the BTCV.

• Viewing slots. Peter Scott has devised a new schedule for cutting the viewing slots which should produce a 10 year coppice cycle for the plantation around the south of the reserve. It should also gradually reduce the size of viewing slots to 10m, which should allow bird watchers to see through to the lake while providing shelter for the birds at the same time.

• Crassula. We had our first serious attempt at tackling the Crassula on site this year and we seem to have made some progress. The tremendously dry summer and low water levels gave us ideal conditions for spraying and we concentrated on the scrape outside Colebrook Hide. The treatment certainly seemed to have killed most of the weed. We are waiting now to see how quickly it recovers.

Finally, thanks to everyone who has kept us in touch with news from the reserve, and given us a call or dropped us an email when there is something that we should know about or need to sort out. It is a great help to us and much appreciated.

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CHAPTER 3

REPORT ON BIRDS 2003

Recorder: Ian Brown

During the year 129 species were recorded of which 66 were present in suitable breeding habitat in the summer, including one new breeding species. One new species was added to the site list, Pectoral Sandpiper bringing the total number of species recorded to 203 

In the early winter period there was a site record count of 237 Tufted Duck plus moderately good numbers of surface feeding duck, with a peak count of 576 Wigeon. As in recent years there were average numbers of Goosander roosting on the site. There were numerous highlights during this period with pride of place going to a Bittern that was present in January and February, invariably elusive but occasionally went walkabout around the Colebrook lakes on sunny afternoons! Other birds included up to 3 Jack Snipe (the first multiple occurrence), a pair of Pintail (briefly) and one observer was fortunate to see a Firecrest.

Spring opened with an obliging summer-plumage Water Pipit (only the fourth site record) followed by a pair of Garganey for one day in April. Wader passage was patchy, with some good records including three separate records each of Oystercatcher and Whimbrel, plus a single Wood Sandpiper and more Jack Snipe. Black Terns put in a brief appearance and there were two separate sightings of Red Kite (how long before they are breeding on the site!?).

Generally for most species it was a moderately successful breeding season. Little Ringed Plovers again bred successfully on the reserve, but Redshank, although present, were unsuccessful. However, Lapwing had one of their best years in the last decade. The most notable breeding record, however, was of Black-headed Gull that took up residence with the Common Terns. Eight pairs nested successfully constituting the first breeding record of this species. Although Black-headed Gulls are very common locally, breeding inland in this region is very uncommon so this represents a remarkable record. Fortunately the Common Terns were undeterred by their new neighbours and had yet another record year!

Nineteen pairs (cf 16 in 2002) reared a record total of 30 young, all of which were ringed. Mandarin continued to thrive in nestboxes and natural holes, whilst Tufted Ducks were successful for the second successive year, as were Gadwall. Barnacle Geese bred on the reserve, with Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail successful in their traditional sites on the river. Buzzard and Hobby were seen regularly on the site during the summer and both probably bred nearby. Amongst the passerines there was little change apart from Sedge Warbler, whose numbers doubled compared to last year. There were a number of interesting June records, including a summering immature male Peregrine (first summer records) often to be found in the pylons near Mill Farm, a single record of Grey Partridge (the first since 1994) and a remarkable record of 14 Black Tailed Godwits (site record count) after heavy rain in early July.

Late summer/early autumn was generally very quiet, but a Black-necked Grebe took up residence on Grove for over two months from mid September, and during October a record count of 20 Egyptian Geese was logged. The highlight of the year, however, was a Pectoral Sandpiper that was present on the newly excavated pit adjacent to the main footpath on the Manor Farm site during the first week of November. This was the first record of this North American wader and it performed for the majority of the many visitors during its stay.

The year closed with good numbers of surface feeding duck including a record site count of 204 Gadwall, a promising sign after several years of apparent declining numbers. In addition, there was another record of Red Kite, a record Cormorant count (80) and up to 3 Little Egrets were present on the site in late December relating to birds wandering the valley.

Last but not least, many thanks to the growing band of observers who submit records, including those who provide observers names on the log sheet.

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CHAPTER 4

BOTANICAL SURVEY 2003

Dr Delphine Hoyle 

Since 1997 quantitative surveys of the meadows on the North and West sides of Colebrook Lake North have been undertaken using the method based on National Vegetation Classification Methodology. Ten random samples (1 x 1 m) were taken on 24 July 2003 at the sites indicated on the accompanying plan.

In each of the sample squares the species present were identified and quantified on the abundance present -

In addition the frequency of occurrence was also recorded -

Table A gives the frequency and abundance of the species found in the samples areas while Table B lists other species noted in the immediately surrounding areas. The annual survey is usually not carried out until July in order to avoid the nesting season. This year this was a disadvantage as an early season meant that some species were difficult to find and identify as flowering was over and grasses were particularly abundant. As cattle were on site only from 2 August to 15 October 2002 this may have contributed to the predominance of the rank vegetation.

As in previous surveys Centaurea nigra, Leucanthemum vulgare, and Plantago lanceolata were the dominant species together with the grasses. Nineteen species from the original seed mix were still present. There was little evidence of new species appearing or much tree or shrub invasion in the sample areas. However bramble is spreading in surrounding areas. To improve the biodiversity of the meadows a more intensive grazing of the areas is suggested.

Thanks are due to Marjorie Trendall, Doreen Dye, Lettice Tanner and Steve Farmer for their help with this survey.

Table A

Note:  S = Sown species

Table B

Other plants recorded outside the sample squares

  S = Sown species

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CHAPTER 5

REPORT ON BUTTERFLIES 2003

Recorder Sue Proudley 

Butterfly records for 2003 started early with a Red Admiral recorded on 27th February. It was seen again in March along with Brimstone, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock and 3 Comma butterflies. Brimstones and Orange Tips showed well in April and May, but the Large White, Small White and Green-veined White numbers were well below 2002 records.

Skipper numbers were half those recorded in 2002. Speckled Wood butterflies did well again this year with 36 recorded in September and 21 in October. However, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet numbers were disappointing.

Despite seeing Peacock caterpillars feeding on nettles in June, very few adults were recorded in the following months. It is possible that the exceptionally hot weather dried out their food plants.

A single Green Hairstreak was recorded in May and 2 Purple Hairstreaks and a Grayling in August. A few Small Copper and Common Blue butterflies were seen in May and in each month throughout the summer. It was good to see Small Tortoiseshell numbers reaching double figures again in July.

1 Clouded Yellow and 7 Painted Ladies visited in June. 1 Painted Lady was seen each month until September.

June was a remarkable month with 10 bright new Comma and 10 Red Admiral joining the 7 Painted Ladies. One Dark Green Fritillary was recorded on 18th June. Unfortunately I did not see this butterfly and normally I would not have included it, as Dark Green Fritillaries are more chalk downland butterflies, living in colonies where there are plenty of violets for their caterpillars. However, as there were so many new arrivals in June it is just possible that one early fritillary strayed in too.

The last butterfly record was of 3 Speckled Woods on 21st October.

The list of species observed on the reserve in 2003 is as follows:

I would like to thank all the people who have taken the trouble to record their observations. Please keep up the good work and remember to print your name at the bottom of record sheet so that I can give you the credit.

The following observers contributed to the records in 2003:

Sue Proudley may be contacted on tel: 01252 875536 or

by e-mail: c.proudley(at)btopenworld.com

MOOR GREEN BUTTERFLIES

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CHAPTER 6

REPORT ON DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES FOR 2003

 Ken Crick

March and April were unusually warm giving the dragonfly season an early start. At Moor Green (MG) the Large Red Damselfly made its first observed flight on the 22nd April, but had been seen 31/2 miles to the west on the 14th April. The first Azure Damselfly at MG appeared on the wing on the 29th April, two to three weeks earlier than usual.

Some netting for larvae was undertaken in March and April with only limited success. As the season progressed netting was abandoned in favour of emergent vegetation searches for exuvia. (Other species of aquatic insect netted were reported on in the August 2003 newsletter.). All exuvia searches are limited to less than 100 meters of shoreline in the far north west corner of Colebrook Lake North. Blue - tailed Damselfly larvae proved easier to net than the Common Blue larva. No true dragonfly larva was found. Exuvia belonging to the Common Blue Damselfly greatly exceeded all other species’ exuvia removed for positive identification. The following species’ exuvia were positively identified: Blue-tailed Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Common Darter, Southern Hawker and Emperor Dragonfly.

The population levels of key indicator species, used in the management plan as indicative of habitat condition i.e.. Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselfly, and Common Darter, just about matched last year’s figures. Banded Demoiselle population figures remain stable despite the fact that the river is disappearing into a tunnel of trees. Black-tailed Skimmer made a good recovery after last year’s poor showing.

The flight season, having started early and continuing fine, sunny and at times very hot, ended early for most species. I was unable to find any exuvia after the 1St September. The first frost occurred on the night of the 23rd September and we were left with only very limited numbers of Migrant Hawker and Common Darter.

The population survey recorded 17 species on the wing. Members reporting on the hide charts were very few this year and failed to confirm the presence of Large Red Damselfly, Four-spotted Chaser and Golden-ringed Dragonfly. Species claimed by members but not picked up by the population survey were Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo and Common Hawker Aeshna juncea, both seen by J Warren.

My thanks are extended to those providing information. They were: -

Mr. John Warren          Bella Milbourn             Mr. R J Eagling         RJG            DMT        ISM
 

ODONATA CHECKLIST

DAMSELFLIES Zygoptera

BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY Ischnura elegans

Numbers were down even on last year’s poor showing. Larvae for this species were caught on two days in April. The first sighting on the wing had to wait until the 21St May. Numbers peaked during the first week in June, as they did last year. This time the maximum count was 109. Exuvia were found during four visits to site. Copulating and ovipositing were also observed. The last sighting was on the 23rd August.

BANDED DEMOISELLE Caloperyx splendens

The population of Banded Demoiselle was not as large as last year, but about average for the last seven years. Larvae for this species are easily caught on the river, though exuvia proved elusive; none were found. Thirty members of the family were seen on the wing on the 4th May. By the 21St May the count had increased to 233, the peak for the year. A second peak occurred on the 5th August with a count of 109. By the 7th September numbers had dropped to 8, after which they were not seen again.

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY Pyrrhosorna nymphala

Colebrook Cut in the vicinity of the sluice is the location at Moor Green favoured by this species; the reason for this is unclear, as they are common in many small ponds in the valley. As many of you will have noticed, Colebrook Cut was r-routed just beyond the sluice/footbridge to accommodate the quarry workings to the west. Whether this was a factor in this year’s decline of this species is not known, but the highest count was only 10 and the presence of females was only recorded on three occasions. Only 35 individuals were recorded from 22nd April to 20th June. This is 2 less than Alex Twyford recorded on a single day last year. Numbers are down by 50%.

EMERALD DAMSELFLY Lestes sponsa

This species again made an appearance with 2 males seen on the 5th August and one member of each sex on view on the 1st September. Bella Milbourn reported the presence of one Emerald damselfly on the 25th July.

COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY Enallagama cyathigerum

The larvae for this species proved elusive; they prefer deeper waters than I am prepared to wade out to. Exuvia were less challenging to locate, good numbers being present on seven of the survey dates. At Moor Green, Common Blue Damselflies made a first showing on the wing during the last week in April in 1999. For 2000, 01 & 02 the first showing on the wing was during the second week in May. This year we had to wait until the third week in May. After the population collapse reported last year, this Management Plan indicator species did not decline further but just matched last year’s overall population figures. Two population peaks were recorded, one in June and the other in August. The last recorded sighting was on the 25th September.

AZURE DAMSELFLY Coenagrion puellao

Larvae were netted on the 29th April when the first female was sighted on the wing. Low numbers were observed throughout May, with 47 males & females present on the 20th June. Among these were copulating and ovipositing pairs. Small numbers continued to be observed until the last pair was seen on the 10th August. This was our best-recorded year to date for this species.

RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Erythromma najas

This species made its first appearance on the 21st May; all three specimens were of teneral form. Further sightings were made in May but none were seen in June, though exuvia were located on emergent vegetation in late June. They were present throughout July and August in low numbers. Copulating and ovipositing pairs were observed and further exuvia located. Again this is the best-recorded year for this species at Moor Green.

DRAGONFLIES Anisoptera

FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER Libellula quadrimaculata

Sightings were limited to two days only, the 4th and 20th of June. On the second occasion a combination of males and females were observed totalling 13 individuals. Among these were copulating pairs, an activity that seems to take a maximum of 20 seconds, and ovipositing females.

DOWNY EMERALD Cordulia aenea

This species was again present this year. For the first time no exuvia were found. The insect was seen on the wing from the 4th May until the 20th June. A member’s hide chart record on the 7th June also noted its presence, but the recorder failed to leave his/her name or initials. Downy Emeralds this year and last have been seen over both Colebrook Lake North and South. They tended to favour the south west bay of the south lake.

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER Orthetrum cancellatum

This species staged something of a comeback this year. Last year only 16 were seen throughout the flight season, whereas, this year a total of 41 were observed on the reserve. One exuvia was found in June. The species was on site from the 12th June until the 23rd August, when a single ovipositing female was observed. Their presence was confirmed via the hide charts, but only RJG left an attributable record.

EMPEROR DRAGONFLY Anax Imperator

The first sighting of an Emperor Dragonfly was reported by J Warren. It was an immature specimen seen on the 30th May. The survey only encountered this species twice, on the 12th and 20th of June. A single exuvia was found on the 9th July.

BROWN HAWKER Aeshna grandis

The first appearance at Moor Green was on the 9th July when five were seen, one an ovipositing female. RJG recorded two on the hide chart for the 12 July. Their presence was continuously recorded through to the 13th September. The overall numbers for the year are low, but not far short of the mean for the last four years.

GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLY Cordulegaster boltonii

Within the terms of reference for the population survey there is no record of this species this year. However, off-transect on the 5th August two males were seen actively patrolling the stony-bottomed cut that carries water from Grove Lake to Colebrook Lake South. Netting was undertaken in this locality in the spring, but no exuvia were found.

BROAD-BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa

No record for 2003.

MIGRANT HAWKER Aeshna mixta

Numbers overall match those of last year. The highest survey count was 18 on the 23rd August. On the hide chart DMT recorded over 20 males, females and copulating pairs on the 3rd September. Work party members present on the 13th September had excellent views near Colebrook hide of males, females, copulating and ovipositing, particularly at the entrance to Colebrook Cut and on the perimeter of the reedbed. Mr. R Eagling made the last sighting of the season on the 17th October.

SOUTHERN HAWKER Aeshna cyanea

The first indication of this species on site was on the 24th July when a shoreline vegetation search turned up two exuvia. A female was seen ovipositing on the 10th August and two males were recorded for the 13th September.

COMMON HAWKER Aeshna juncea

J Warren reported the sighting of one male Common Hawker on the 9th August.

RUDDY DARTER Sympetrum sanguineum

Only four males of this species were seen on site, between the 9th August and 13th September

COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum

This Management Plan indicator species had a disastrous 2002 at Moor Green. 2003 population figures exceeded those of last year by three. It was late making an appearance, not showing until the second week in July. It was hardly to be seen throughout September, and was last sighted on the 24th October by Mr. Eagling.

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CHAPTER 7

SURVEY OF BEES AND WASPS

Tom Ings

Queen Mary College, University of London

In 2003 two visits were made to the Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve to record bees and wasps. The first visit was made on 14th June, a cloudy but warm day. As I was not familiar with the site I walked around the footpath and examined the grassland areas near the car park more closely. Only a few bees were observed but the observation time was short. Three species of bumblebee, Bombus hortorum (worker on red clover), B. pascuorum (worker on red clover), and B. pratorum (worker on bramble) were observed. Three specimens of bees seen in the grassland area by the car park were taken and later identified as: Andrena minutula (female), Lasioglossom lativentre (female) and Hylaeus annularis (male). Of these L. lativentre is a ground nesting bee (possibly in created banks) widespread in the south but infrequently found. H. annularis nests in bramble stems and is also restricted to the south but locally frequent. It is an attractive, small, relatively unhairy black bee with males having a yellow face and yellow marks on the legs.

Following my first visit I was informed of the existence of the three specially created bare banks at the north-west corner of the Reserve, on the north bank of Colebrook North Lake. I returned again on 12th July which was a hot (high 20’s) sunny day. The visit was short (a couple of hours) and was centred around the 3 bare banks and surrounding floral resources. As before only three species of bumblebee were recorded, B. terrestris (male), B. pascuorum (worker) and B. lucorum (male). Overall activity around all three banks was high with several species of bees and wasps clearly present. A number of specimens were taken for identification but unfortunately, due to constraints of collecting gear, individuals from all banks were combined! Eight species of solitary bee and five species of solitary wasp were identified and specimens of other genera were also noted. (see Table 1).

The dominant bee in the vicinity of the banks (clearly nesting there) and the surrounding flowers was the attractive Anthophora bimaculata. This is another species restricted to the southern counties, mainly in heathy areas. It has a distinctive appearance with large green eyes and a rotund body. Macropis europaea (males and females) (Nationally scarce) was fairly abundant on Yellow Loosestrife near the water’s edge. This species, although uncommon, is fairly abundant in the Blackwater Valley. Another Nationally Scarce bee, the parasitic Nomada fucata (female), was taken patrolling the banks presumably looking for nests of its host Andrena flavipes (females also recorded on site). Three other parasitic bees, Coelioxis sp. (cleptoparasitic on leaf cutter bees), Epeolus sp. (cleptoparasitic on Colletes) and Sphecodes (on Lasioglossum and Halictus) were seen near the banks, but only the one Sphecodes was caught. The presence of these species could also suggest that their host species may also be on the site although they were not recorded during the surveys.

The solitary wasps were dominated by the attractive yellow and black Cerceris arenaria (female caught) and C. rybyensis (males and females). C. arenaria preys upon weevils while C. rybyensis provisions its nest with various solitary bees. A few attractive parasitic ruby tailed wasps (metallic blue/green sometimes with red abdomens) were seen and one specimen was taken but remains to be identified. Chrysids are mostly parasitic on Eumenid wasps one of which, Ancistrocerus parietum (female) was also recorded near the banks. Another interesting species seen flying near the banks was the "bee wolf", Philanthus triangulum, which is a large predominantly yellow species which preys upon honeybees and sometimes solitary species. Although originally classified as RDB 2, this species has rapidly expanded its range and is now locally common and widespread.

These two brief visits have yielded some interesting species and the second visit clearly indicates the success of the created banks. A more methodical survey in the coming seasons could provide useful information regarding management of the site, especially the bare banks and surrounding vegetation.

Table 1. Solitary bees and wasps recorded during 2003

(* Denotes parasitic bees/wasps and m = males and f = females)

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CHAPTER 8

MAMMAL REPORT FOR 2003

Recorder: Katrina Slocombe

As remarked in previous Reports, a total of 23 mammals have been observed on the reserve, including at least four bat species, the introduced American mink and over recent years there have been occasional sightings of weasels. Added to this list in 2003 was the first record of another introduction, the diminutive Chinese Muntjac deer, bringing the number of mammals to 24. After escaping from captivity several years ago, the spread of this animal has been noted throughout eastern England and it is now slowly invading many areas of the South East. Although not as destructive of other wildlife as the mink, a definitive carnivore, the addition of the Muntjac to the fauna of Moor Green will, as elsewhere in the country, require monitoring.

Observations of the more conspicuous larger British mammals were made regularly by members throughout 2003, these included: the roe deer, the most often observed mammal; red fox, grey squirrel and rabbit together with a small number of sightings of mink. The roe deer population, often seen on and in habitats alongside the reserve, continues to produce new young each year and the number of animals visible at any One time during the winter months when the vegetation is sparse, can be as high as 6/7, with smaller groups of a doe and one or two fawns regularly observed in the late summer months.

The quality of the grassland and scrub woodland on the reserve remains ideal habitat for our smaller more elusive mammals, such as voles, mice and shrews, but no specific surveys for them have been possible in 2003. Surveys for the common mole hardly seem necessary judging from the familiar eruptions of soil which occur from their runs, although one sighting of an animal was recorded during the year.

Thanks are offered to members who completed the Mammal Observation sheets placed in the hides during the year.

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CHAPTER 9

REPTILE REPORT FOR 2003

Recorder Peter Scott

Reptile recording on site has two components:

●     regular inspections of corrugated iron sheets (and their surroundings) in two areas:

a) five sheets within 50 metres of the hibernaculum near Colebrook Lake North;

b) five sheets spread along a 200-metre section of the north shore of Grove Lake;

●     casual reports of sightings anywhere on the reserve.

Regular inspections

Fourteen sheet-inspection visits were made between mid-March and mid-September. All ten tins were checked each time. The first six visits, in March and April, found no reptiles, but most subsequent visits resulted in at least one sighting. All the animals seen were grass snakes (Natrix natrix) or their moulted skins. All but one were under or close to the tins near the hibernaculum. The other was under a tin beside Grove Lake. The overall results are summarised in the following table:

The data suggest that numbers have increased from 2002 to 2003, though the small scale of the survey makes the reliability of such a conclusion rather doubtful. On the other hand, the 2003 visits began earlier, in March rather than May. Few snakes are likely to be active before April so the figures may, if anything, understate a real increase. If real, the change may be partly due to the ‘immigrant’ snakes released on site late in 2002.

Casual reports

There were sixteen reports of reptile sightings. This is a large increase on the seven reports in 2002, probably due mostly to greater awareness of the request to report sightings. Twelve of the sightings were of grass snakes or their skins, three were of adders ( Vipera berus) and the remaining one was of a slow worm (Anguis fragilis).

Summary

The usual warning: the data collected cannot give a reliable picture of reptile populations on site. Rather, they give a rough indication of the direction and size of changes. The slow worm report is the first of a lizard on site. It seems unlikely that they are really as rare as this suggests. Probably they are just more elusive than snakes.

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CHAPTER 10

REPORT ON NEST BOXES 2003

Dr. K. B. Briggs

The occupancy of the boxes was good at 83%, but despite the warm spring and generally good weather, the breeding season was late and of poor productivity when compared to previous years.

1) Great Tit

Thirteen pairs attempted to breed with the first egg being laid on 10 April. The mean laying date was 20th April (sd 6.1 days) with the latest clutch initiated on 30th April. Clutch size was good, ranging from 10 to 4 with a mean of 7.9 eggs (sd 1.750) per pair. However, 6 nests were predated by weasels at the egg stage so production of broods overall was low (mean 3.7, sd 3.80) and the fledgling rate was the same. Overall 103 eggs were laid, 49 hatched and 49 young fledged.

2) Blue Tit

Only five pairs used the nest boxes, as again the bat boxes were preferred. The first egg was laid on 18th April, the last on 27th April, with 20th April (sd 3.9) being the mean. Clutch size ranged from 12 to 6 with mean of 9.6 (sd 2.6) eggs. Weasel predation at the egg or very young brood stage meant only 2 pairs successfully raised young. Mean hatching and fledging sizes were the same at 3.8 (sd 5.3) young. In all 48 eggs gave rise to 19 young.

3) Stock Dove

Six pairs nested with the first eggs from 2nd April and final first-clutch eggs laid on 1st May. The boxes were not followed for 2nd or 3rd broods. The mean laying date was 19th April (sd 13.0) Clutch size was 2 eggs in all but one case (the earliest nesting attempt) which contained three eggs. One box was usurped by Grey squirrels but the other pairs were successful and raised 10 young.

4) Mandarin

Six boxes held clutches of various sizes ranging from 12 to 24 eggs. The first egg was produced on 24th March and the final clutch initiated on 25th April (mean 11th April sd 12.7 days). The large clutches suggested egg dumping by certain females and probably 8 birds were involved. All the incubating females were ringed this year but only 6 females were captured. The mean clutch size was 13.7 (sd 4.4) eggs and the 6 boxes hatched mean broods of 11.7 (sd 4.9) young. In total 96 eggs produced 70 young.
 

Ringing on Tern Island.

Tern Island was visited on 20 June to ring the Common tern and Black Headed Gull chicks. Twenty-one gulls were ringed (3 more swam to Plover Island and were not captured). There was also a nest containing 2 eggs and one hatching pulli, which was not included. The island was examined for used nests and 10 were found suggesting 11 breeding pairs. One chick was found to have 3 legs with a complete tibiotarsus and toes growing out from the left leg at the tarsus joint. Thirty Common Tern chicks were ringed and 13 others swam over to Plover Island and were not pursued. Two nests with clutches of 3 and one eggs were found outside the enclosure and three of these did fledge later in the year. (These were the chicks that the Moorhens kept robbing of their fish, if you watched from the hide in July). So it seems that 46 young were produced from at least 16 nests. Also found were two Barnacle Goose nests with 4 and 1 egg, both hatching, a Lapwing with 3 eggs, a Mallard with 12 ducklings and 1 adopted Tufted Duck duckling. Seventeen Tufted Duck nests were found as well, both in the enclosure and outside. Clutch sizes were 7,10,5,7.4,5,12,6,5,16,6,10,2,1,13,6, and 6.

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APPENDIX A 

PROFILE OF THE RESERVE

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 I.

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 certain limits. By this method, 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 RMC Aggregates (Southern) Ltd., Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership 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, which was established in 1993. The group committee members are listed in Appendix G. The necessary costs of the Group not covered by membership subscriptions are met by RMC. 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 RMC which overlook respectively Colebrook Lake North and Grove Lake (see map at Appendix I). Unfortunately vandalism has meant that the hides cannot be left permanently open, but members of the public may 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 viewing 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 Rambler’s Car Park at the entrance to the Horseshoe Lake Water Sports Centre off Mill Lane (grid reference SU820620).

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APPENDIX B

EVERSLEY GRAVEL PITS (INC MOOR GREEN LAKES RESERVE)

ANNUAL BIRD REPORT 2003

LITTLE GREBE Resident and winter visitor. During the breeding season three pairs were present rearing a total of 2 young. A maximum of 19 was recorded on Sept. 13th.

Monthly maxima:

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Common resident. A maximum of 29 was recorded on Nov. 17th, Four pairs were present during the summer, one pair successfully rearing one young.

Monthly maxima:

BLACK NECKED GREBE Rare visitor. One was present on Grove from Sept.18th to Nov.27th (BH, GH, IHB et al). Only the second site record, the previous one being in 1997.

CORMORANT Common winter visitor that oversummers in small numbers. Recorded in all months with a site record count of 80 on Dec.17th (KBB).

Monthly maxima:

BITTERN Scarce visitor. One was seen on six dates between Jan.13th and Feb.23rd (NS et al) in and around CLS and CLN. It was invariably elusive but occasionally on sunny afternoons went walkabout around CLN! The second year in succession a bird has lingered on the site.

LITTLE EGRET Scarce visitor with records increasing. Six records all in December with 1 on 13th, 1 on 20th, 2 on 23rd, 1 on 28th, 3 on 29th and 2 on 30th. The first occurrences involving more than one bird. These birds wandered the Blackwater valley during the winter. Recorded in five of the last six years.

GREY HERON Common resident.

Monthly maxima:

MUTE SWAN Common resident and winter visitor. One pair bred rearing five young.

Monthly maxima:

GREYLAG GOOSE Frequent visitor in increasing numbers.

Monthly maxima:

SNOW GOOSE Common resident, with birds from the nearby free-flying flock regularly visiting the site. In the early and late winter periods up to 13 and 11 (including one first-winter bird) birds were present respectively. Although birds were present on the site in summer there was no evidence of breeding. This flock has declined from 34 ten years ago due chiefly to predation.

CANADA GOOSE Abundant resident.

Monthly maxima:

BARNACLE GOOSE Very common resident. Four pairs attempted to breed rearing a total of six young.

Monthly maxima:

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Regular visitor that has summered. The count of 20 on Oct.1st was a site record (SW) consistent with a recent upward trend.

Monthly maxima:

SHELDUCK Regular visitor. Recorded as follows: 1, May 8th, 2, May 10th and 1, Dec.24th.

MANDARIN Common summer visitor resident in small numbers. At least six pairs bred successfully including use of nest boxes.

Monthly maxima:

WIGEON Very common winter visitor. Birds were recorded up to Apr.24th and from Aug.26th. The maximum count was of 576 on Jan.7th.

Monthly maxima:

GADWALL Common winter visitor that has bred in recent years. Eight males oversummered with up to four females. One brood of two young was seen on Jul.5th. The second successive year that successful breeding has occurred. The count of 204 on Dec.27th (IHB) was a site record count.

Monthly maxima:

TEAL Common winter visitor that occasionally summers. 1/3 birds were present in May and June but breeding was not suspected. The maximum count was 58 on Dec.17th.

Monthly maxima:

MALLARD Common resident and winter visitor. Numbers may be declining.

Monthly maxima:

GARGANEY Rare visitor, A pair on CLN on Apr.13th (AF et al) was only the third site record and three days earlier than last year!

PINTAIL Uncommon but regular visitor. The only record was of a pair on Jan.31st (SFa, NS).

SHOVELER Common winter visitor. Recorded until Apr.2lst and from Aug.3Oth.

Monthly maxima:

POCHARD Common winter visitor, irregular in summer. The maximum was 85 on Dec.18th.

Monthly maxima:

TUFTED DUCK Abundant resident and winter visitor. During the summer at least four broods totalling 5 young were raised. A total of 17 nests were located on Tern Island in June. Winter numbers peaked at 237 on Jan.6th a site record count (KBB) and the largest since 1991.

Monthly maxima:

GOLDENEYE Winter visitor in increasing numbers. In the early year birds were recorded until Apr.23rd. First returns were from Oct.22nd.

Monthly maxima:

GOOSANDER Common winter visitor. Consistent with the recent downward trend fewer birds used the site during the day but the roost still held small numbers. The last early year record was on Mar.30th. First returns were from Nov.12th.

Monthly maxima:

RUDDY DUCK Occasional visitor of annual occurrence. The only record was of one female on Jan.14th to 19th

RED KITE Scarce visitor. A good year with singletons on Jun.28th and 29th (BH) and over north on Nov.8th (RJG).

SPARROWHAWK Common resident that breeds nearby.

BUZZARD Frequent visitor that may have bred nearby. Consistent with birds present in the Blackwater valley there was a significant increase in records. 1/3 birds were recorded in the months January to September.

KESTREL Common resident. One pair reared two young.

HOBBY Common summer visitor. Up to three birds were recorded between Apr.24th and Oct.4th.

PEREGRINE infrequent visitor. A male was present on a daily basis between Jun.2nd and Aug.l2th (TF et al) invariably perched on the pylons near Mill farm! The first summer records.

RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE Formerly bred possibly now breeding locally following release of birds. Several records throughout the year.

GREY PARTRIDGE Formerly bred now very rare. One was flushed from near the Colebrook hide on Jun.l6th (CR). The first record since 1994.

PHEASANT Common resident.

WATER RAIL Winter visitor. Up to two were recorded until Mar.24th and from Oct.17th.

MOORHEN An abundant resident.

Monthly maxima:

COOT Abundant resident.

Monthly maxima:

OYSTERCATCHER Occasional visitor. A good year with three records: 1, Apr.18th (BH), 1, Apr.20th (IT)

and 1, Apr.27th (NS)

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded from Mar.3rd (KBB) earliest date ever until Aug.1st. Three/four pairs were on the site but only one bred successfully (and that was on the reserve!) rearing three young.

RINGED PLOVER Summer visitor and passage migrant that formerly bred. The only record was of 1 on May 4th  (IT).

LAPWING Common resident and winter visitor. Eight pairs attempted to breed rearing a total of five young.

Monthly maxima:

PECTORAL SANDPIPER Very rare visitor. The first record of this North American wader from Nov.1st to 7th (CRG, IHB et al) was undoubtedly bird of the year! It was located late am on Nov.1st on the newly extracted workings to the west of the reserve and over the course of the week gave obliging views down to a few metres to many but on occasions it could he very elusive feeding in some of the deep gulleys.

DUNLIN Regular passage migrant. A very good year with records in spring of 1-4 on seven dates (max 4 May 13th) between Apr.20th and Jun. 1st arid in autumn singletons on Jul.30th, Aug.1st, Nov.1st -2nd and Nov.15th.

JACK SNIPE Occasional winter visitor and passage migrant. Four records: 3, Jan.6th (KBB), 1, Mar.3rd (KBB), 1, Apr.2nd to 6th (GR, CR et al) and 1, Apr.24th (TJC).

COMMON SNIPE Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded until Apr.26th and from Aug.3rd. The maximum count was of 46 on Jan.25th.

BLACK TAILED GODWIT Scarce visitor. A remarkable record of 14 on Jul.1st (CRG) after heavy rain were seen between 19:30 and 21:00 in both Berkshire and Hampshire. Recorded in five of the last seven years.

WHIMBREL Occasional passage migrant. A good year with three records all in spring/summer as follows: 3, May 2nd (JJW), 1, May 9th (JBS) and finally 1, Jun.30th (TJC) was a very unusual date and the first for that month.

REDSHANK Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded between Mar.3rd and Jun.8th. One on Feb.2nd before returning birds from Mar.12th to Jul.7th. Two pairs were present on the reserve until June but breeding was unsuccessful. Other records were of singletons on Aug.28th and Sept.17th.

GREENSHANK Regular passage migrant. A poor year with only one record of a singleton on Jul.22nd.

GREEN SANDPIPER Winter visitor and very common passage migrant. Up to three birds were present in both early and late winter periods. Recorded until Apr.26th and from Jun.17th. Records were mainly of 1 to 3 birds, with a maxima of 5 on Nov.8th.

WOOD SANDPIPER Occasional visitor of annual occurrence. The only record was of one on Apr.27th (TJC). Recorded in 11 of the last 14 years.

COMMON SANDPIPER Common passage migrant. in spring there were records between Apr.19th and May 21st Returns were from Jul 5th to Sept.19th. An unusual count of nine was made on the relatively early date of Jul.l0th (CR).

BLACK HEADED GULL Very common visitor and new breeding species. A total of eight pairs reared 21 young all of which were ringed. The small colony was established on the reserve on Tern Island for the first time and is significant at the regional level. The largest count was of 215 on Feb.23rd.

COMMON GULL Common winter visitor. Recorded until May 3rd and from Aug.9th. The maximum count was of 72 on Dec. 17th.

LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL Very common visitor. The maximum count was 83 on Aug.17th.

HERRING GULL Winter visitor occasional in summer, but in reduced numbers.

YELLOW LEGGED HERRING GULL Regular visitor of annual occurrence. Records all of adults; 1, Feb.22nd; 1, Feb.24th; 2, Mar.22nd and 3, Mar.28th.

GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL Formerly frequent winter visitor with numbers of records declining. The only record was of 1 on Jan.1st. The second consecutive year there has only been a single record! All records required again for next year.

COMMON TERN Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded from Mar.26th, the earliest ever arrival date. Nineteen pairs attempted to breed on Tern Island and all were successful rearing a total of 30 young all of which were ringed. Consistent with increased numbers of birds breeding the success was also the best achieved. First young were hatched on Jun.4th and breeding birds and young lingered in the area until Aug.11th.

BLACK TERN Occasional visitor. The only record was of 4 on the very early date of Apr.17th (BH, GH).

STOCK DOVE Common resident.

WOOD PIGEON Abundant resident.

COLLARED DOVE Common resident breeding nearby.

CUCKOO Summer visitor. 1/2 singing males throughout May.

LITTLE OWL Moderately common resident. Birds present in at least two territories.

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

SWIFT Numerous summer visitor. Recorded from Apr.27th.

KINGFISHER Moderately common resident. Two pairs bred successfully.

GREEN WOODPECKER Common resident.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Common resident.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Occasional visitor. Records all of singletons as follows; Jan. 18th, Mar.28th and Dec.23rd.

SKYLARK Resident in declining numbers and winter visitor. Three singing males held territory.

SAND MARTIN Common summer visitor. Recorded from Mar.28th. Small numbers bred on the new workings on the Hants side of the complex but no specific counts were made. Breeding habitat was much reduced compared to previous years.

SWALLOW Common summer visitor. Recorded between Apr.8th and Oct.4th.

HOUSE MARTIN Abundant summer visitor. Recorded between Apr.1st and Oct.4th.

TREE PIPIT Occasional passage migrant. The only record was of 1 flying over on Aug.23rd (IHB). The first since 1998.

WATER PIPIT Scarce visitor. One summer plumage bird was present on the reserve from Mar.27th to 29th (CR et a!). The fourth site record and the first since 1995.

MEADOW PIPIT Moderately common winter visitor and passage migrant that has summered.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Regular passage migrant that has bred. Records as follows: 1, Apr.11th; 1, May 17th and 1, Sept.17th.

GREY WAGTAIL Moderately common resident. A minimum of two pairs bred successfully.

PIED WAGTAIL Common resident and winter visitor.

WREN Abundant resident.

DUNNOCK Common resident.

ROBIN Very common resident.

REDSTART Irregular visitor. Two records the first since 1998; 1, Apr.18th (JBS) and 1, Sept.7th (GR).

WHINCHAT Moderately common passage migrant. Three records all in autumn; 1, Aug.25th; 1, Sept.11th and 1, Sept. 13th.

STONECHAT Irregular resident and passage migrant. In the early winter there were 2 pairs present on Jan.23rd  and then a singleton between Jan.30th and Feb.l0th. In the late year there were 3 on Oct.4th; 1, Sept.23rd and 1, Nov.8th.

WHEATEAR Moderately common passage migrant. In spring; 1, Apr.1st-2nd; 1, Apr.25th and 1, May 24th. In autumn; 1, Aug. 16th; 2, Sept.7th and 1, Sept.13th.

BLACKBIRD Common resident.

FIELDFARE Common winter visitor. Recorded until Apr.20th and from Oct.21st. The maximum count was of 120 on Mar.29th.

SONG THRUSH Common resident.

REDWING Very common winter visitor. Recorded until Apr.20th and from Oct.4th.

MISTLE THRUSH Common resident.

SEDGE WARBLER Moderately common summer visitor. Recorded from Apr.15th. Four singing males held territory (cf 8 in 2002)

REED WARBLER Moderately common summer visitor. Recorded from Apr.26th. Three singing males held territory (cf 4 in 2002).

LESSER WHITETHROAT Summer visitor. Two records of singing males on Apr.26th and May 9th.

WHITETHROAT Very common summer visitor. Recorded between Apr.15th and Sept.13th. Approximately 13 singing males held territory (cf 13 in 2002).

GARDEN WARBLER Very common summer visitor. Recorded from Apr.18th. At least 12 singing males held territory (cf 19 in 2002).

BLACKCAP Common summer visitor and occasional winter visitor. Recorded between Mar.30th and Sept.21 st. At least eight singing males held territory (cf 4 in 2002).

CHIFFCHAFF Common summer visitor and regular winter visitor. One Feb.8th followed by records between Mar.1st and Nov.12th. Seven singing males held territory (cf 4 in 2002).

WILLOW WARBLER Common summer visitor. Recorded from Mar.29th until Sept.7th. Four singing males held territory (cf 4 in 2002).

GOLDCREST Common winter visitor and passage migrant with small numbers breeding. At least two singing males were present during the summer.

FIRECREST Scarce visitor. One on Mar.1st (DJB) south east of CLS. Fourth site record, the second in March with the last record in 1997.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Regular passage migrant that may breed. A family party of 2 adults and 4 juveniles was present on the edge of the site on Jul.26th. Other records were of 2, Aug.22nd; 1, Aug.16th and 2, Sept.13th.

LONG TAILED TIT Abundant resident.

COAL TIT Uncommon visitor. The only record was of  1 on Apr.19th.

BLUE TIT Abundant resident.

GREAT TIT Abundant resident.

NUTHATCH Moderately common resident.

TREECREEPER Moderately common resident.

JAY Common resident.

MAGPIE Common resident.

JACKDAW Common resident. A maximum count of 200 on Jan.2nd.

ROOK Regular visitor.

CARRION CROW Common resident. A large count of 200 on Jan.2nd.

STARLING Common resident.

HOUSE SPARROW Common resident nearby.

CHAFFINCH Abundant resident and winter visitor.

BRAMBLING Regular winter visitor usually in small numbers. Three records; 2, Apr.14th; 1, Oct.19th and 6, Nov.12th.

GREENFINCH Moderately common resident and winter visitor.

GOLDFINCH Very common resident and winter visitor.

SISKIN Common winter visitor. The maximum count was 150 on Jan.1st.

LINNET Moderately common resident and winter visitor. Breeding successful.

LESSER REDPOLL Moderately common winter visitor. The maximum count was 20 on Nov.15th.

BULLFINCH Moderately common resident.

YELLOWHAMMER Resident in small numbers. At least one singing male held territory.

REED BUNTING Moderately common resident.

OTHER RECORDS

BLACK SWAN One on Mar.26th.

LIST OF OBSERVERS

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APPENDIX C

EVERSLEY GRAVEL PITS (inc MOOR GREEN LAKES)

BIRD SPECIES LIST 1990-2003

Click here to open the spreadsheet with Excel (63Kb)

If you do not have Excel, the following link provides an html version

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APPENDIX D

NOTES AND GUIDELINES ON BIRD RECORDING

Following the creation of Moor Green Lakes (part of the Eversley Gravel Pit complex) as a Nature Reserve, it was necessary to maintain a detailed log of birds using the site in order to monitor bird populations. This influences conservation management carried out on the site by the Moor Green Lakes Group and CEMEX. 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.

Recording Area

The boundaries of the site for recording purposes are defined as:

Information required

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.

Where possible the following information should be provided:­

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 Ian Brown, 4 Evesham Walk, Sandhurst, Berkshire. GU46 0YU

Sightings of birds in category 1*, would be gratefully received by phone (01344 778412), particularly if still present, to enable dissemination of information to other interested observers!

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APPENDIX E

NOTES AND GUIDELINES ON DRAGONFLY RECORDING

Any person visiting the site who wishes to submit dragonfly/damselfly records may do so. Any attributable records are gratefully received. Observers may add their records to the monthly dragonfly posted in both Grove and Colebrook hides.

Alternatively records of a more detailed nature may be submitted at any time direct to the recorder but for preference before the end of October. If submitted after the end of October the data will be logged on to the Reserve’s database but may be too late for inclusion in the Annual Report.

Records can be presented in any form that best suits the observer but should include:

All records should be sent to the Recorder: Ken Crick, 29 Village Way, Yateley, Hants GU46 7SE. Information on sightings of rare or unusual species would be welcomed by phone (01252 872508).

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APPENDIX F

pH SURVEY 2003

Ken Crick

For the spring and summer of 2003 a limited pH survey was undertaken. Three previously used survey sites were selected for no better reason than they offered minimal disturbance to the site’s wild life. The location of each of the three sites was redefined using a global positioning system facilitating accurate future relocation.

Water entering the system on the shoreline of Colebrook Lake North throughout 2003 mirrored the pH values collected during 2001. The water entering the system by this route was mildly acidic with the exception of week 37 when it was neutral.

Water leaving the reserve via the sluice through Colebrook Cut had been mildly alkaline throughout 2001. However from as early as week 21 of 2003, the water leaving the lakes was registering as mildly acidic. This change was seen elsewhere in the area where acidic ponds registered no change year on year but previously alkaline ponds became mildly acidic.

The third measuring point was on the river Blackwater and it also showed a change from mildly alkaline during 2001 to mildly acidic in 2003. It is interesting to note that the results for both the river and Colebrook Cut, though not being absolutely identical, are very similar. The cut and therefore presumably the lake was more alkaline than the river in 2001, and for 2003 the mild acidity of the river is mirrored by the cut both moving up and down the pH scale in unison. This is all the more remarkable as during periods of drought such as 2003 the two are not intimately linked.

These changes in pH are well within the acceptable limits for most water-borne invertebrates and fish, though the shells of bivalves and water snails caught this year were noticeably thin.

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APPENDIX G

MOOR GREEN LAKES GROUP COMMITTEE MEMBERS

2003-2004

           * Represents Moor Green Lakes Group on the Steering Group.   

Peter Scott can be contacted on ppscott(at)aol.com

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APPENDIX H

MOOR GREEN LAKES NATURE RESERVE REFERENCE LIBRARY

The contents of the library so far collected are listed below.

If anybody has information about the reserve, however small, please could they deposit a copy in the library. It will be copied and the originals returned.

If anybody would like to view the information or add documents, please contact Steve Bailey on 01252 331353 to make arrangements.

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APPENDIX I

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