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In March of this year,
RMC Group p.l.c. was acquired by CEMEX, S.A. de C.V., a major
international building solutions company. Its newly formed subsidiary,
CEMEX UK Materials Ltd., is delighted to continue the sponsorship of the
Annual Reports of the Moor Green Lakes Group.
CEMEX greatly
appreciates the major contribution made by members of the Moor Green
Lakes Group to the increasing interests of the Reserve and looks forward
to continuing the partnership in the years ahead.
CEMEX UK Materials
Ltd
CEMEX House
Coldharbour Lane
Thorpe, Egham
Surrey TW2O BRA
Tel.
01932583600
August 2005 |
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE TWELFTH REPORT OF THE
MOOR GREEN LAKES GROUP
Peter
Scott
In last
year’s introduction I mentioned that some of the ‘infrastructure’ of the
reserve, such as fences, was showing its age and needed a substantial input
of effort and money. Also, vegetation growth was spoiling certain habitats,
notably the scrapes. I never expected that, just one year later, we would
have made such improvements in these areas.
That we have
done so is almost entirely due to our good fortune in being able to use a
grant from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) to employ
contractors. Sue Dent describes the work done with this grant, as well as
our usual work programme, in chapter 2. Sue is unduly modest about her own
contribution to this work. The ALSF money would not have been used so
productively without her efforts in drawing up job descriptions, liaising
with bidders and letting the contracts.
RMC Materials
Ltd., the site owner, was taken over during the year by CEMEX, a
Mexican-owned cement and aggregates company, which is why this new name
appears at various points in the report. The company is currently is in a
state of flux while the new managers familiarise themselves with British and
European regulations and working practices. We must hope that their
commitment to the reserve will not be diminished.
One task that
CEMEX has completed during the year is the replacement of sluices, etc, for
the control of water flow through the lakes. We are optimistic that the
improvements, together with the work carried out with the ALSF grant, will
help us to maintain habitat quality, particularly for wading birds around
the scrapes.
During the
year, Chris Rose resigned from the post of treasurer after many years of
service to the group (having also been membership secretary in earlier
years). Bruce Archer has stepped into this role. Chris has kindly agreed to
continue to collate our annual report for the time being. Sheila Farmer
resigned as membership secretary at the end of the year after three years in
the post, and Katrina Slocombe relinquished the role of mammal recorder.
Brendan McCartney and Ian White have come forward as their respective
replacements. We are grateful to all of them for their work on our behalf,
both past and present.
Our wildlife
recorders have done their usual thorough (and often time-consuming) job of
producing the various chapters of this report, which presents a picture of
the reserve maintaining its place as a valuable ‘home’ for numerous species.
The changes over the years in the relative numbers of different species make
fascinating reading. I hope you will find it interesting and enjoyable.
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CHAPTER 2
SITE MANAGEMENT REPORT, APRIL 2004 TO MARCH
2005
Sue Dent,
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership
It has been
very busy and exciting year at Moor Green. As well as our regular site
management tasks, the site has benefited from an Aggregates Levy
Sustainability Fund (ALSF) grant. Keeping up with the regular tasks while
planning and implementing the grant work was quite a challenge but one that
the team at Moor Green has risen to - admirably. I would like to start by
thanking everyone who has contributed this year: the Moor Green Lakes Group
committee and volunteers for all their hard work; CEMEX for their backup,
support and finance and the users of the site for their patience and
forbearance. I hope that the extra work didn’t spoil your enjoyment of the
reserve: it should be very beneficial in the long run.
Site
Management
Thanks also
to the volunteers who help to organise and run the tasks, especially Peter
Scott for his help with planning and scheduling tasks and to Peter, Simon
Weeks and Tony Elston for leading the Sunday tasks. In recent years Steve
Farmer has done excellent job of recruiting volunteers and encouraging
people to turn up on the day. He has now handed over the reins to Simon
Weeks who is carrying on the good work.
-
Winter
Site Maintenance.
On the grassland and lake edges small trees and scrub were cleared to
maintain the open aspect around the lakes. Last winter the bramble, which
was encroaching from the northern edge of the site, was cut by
contractors. This had grown back with great vigour but the volunteers were
able to clear the re-growth and we hope that by cutting this every 1 or 2
years we should be able to keep it under control and stop it spreading
further into the grassland.
Tern and
Plover Islands were cleared as usual and a start was made on reducing the
amount of bramble and scrub on Long Island.
-
Crassula. The
Crassula in the scrape outside Colebrook hide, which was sprayed with
herbicide in 2003, didn’t come back to its former extent. In the summer
the scrape contained a mixture of plant species rather than a monoculture
of Crassula showing that, if conditions are good, it is possible to
control if not eradicate Crassula by spraying. The scrape was re-modelled
as part of the ALSF grant work and was largely scraped clean of vegetation
so we will be monitoring the return of the Crassula with interest.
Finally thanks to everyone who keeps an eye on
the reserve and lets us know if things are amiss or cattle are straying. It
is much appreciated and a great help. Please keep in touch.
AGGREGATES LEVY SUSTAINABILITY FUND GRANT
Sue Dent,
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership
This year
Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve received a grant for £38,000 for habitat and
access improvements on the site.
The funding
was part of a grant from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF)
which supports projects that benefit areas that have been affected by
mineral extraction. The funding for Moor Green is part of a grant entitled
‘Building for Nature’, which was awarded to the SouthEast England
Development Agency (SEEDA). As well as the practical work at Moor Green the
grant included the development of a web site on Mineral Extraction and
Biodiversily which can be found at
www.mineralbap.com.
Overall the
grant has given us an opportunity to tackle some large jobs on the reserve,
invest in infrastructure and make substantial improvements both to the
habitats of the reserve and the access to it.
HABITAT
1.
Bridge to Long Island
Top of the reserve ‘wish
list’ was a connection between Long Island and the mainland. Being so big it
has been practically impossible to manage Long Island in the way we would
like with access only by boat. In particular it isn’t possible to get any
large machinery onto the island. Putting a bridge in at the eastern end of
the island was considered but we were concerned about putting in a permanent
access to the island. It was decided to purchase a pontoon system that would
span the gap but that we could move at the end of each work session and moor
by the island.
The pontoon is 12 metres
long and made of 54 ‘Cubisystem’ modular blocks. It gives a good stable
access and has already demonstrated its value in facilitating work on Long
Island. It is hoped that it will also be possible to use the pontoon for
access to Plover and Goose Islands.
2.
Ditches and Scrapes
Grove
Scrapes
Since it was created in
1997 the scrape outside Grove Hide has very much split into 2 halves. The
southern end has gradually covered with vegetation (not ideal for bird
watching) while the northern half has remained bare, largely because the
water in it has been found to have roughly the pH of lemon juice (and hence
contains little food for wading birds).
The two halves of the
scrape have been separated from each other with a bund. The level of the
northern half has been lowered and two gaps have been made in the bund
separating it from the lake. This has allowed water to flood the scrape and
has already substantially raised the pH. Most of the vegetation has been
removed from the southern half of the scrape.
Colebrook Scrape
The scrape outside of
Colebrook Hide had gradually become dominated by vegetation that it was
impossible to control by hand. It was also felt that creating a greater
variety of water depths and a number of small islands rather than one long
bund would increase the value of the scrape for feeding birds. All
vegetation was removed from the surface of the scrape and bunds, and the
main bund between the scrape and the lake was broken up into three islands.
The scrape was also widened and a further island created in the centre.
Long
Island
Using our new access to
Long Island contractors tackled some of the backlog of scrub bashing
including clearing vegetation from 3 of the scrapes.
Grove
Ditch / Colebrook Cut
As part of the overall
project CEMEX have funded the clearance of the ditch behind Grove Lake. This
had stopped functioning at all and was flooding the internal path and the
fields behind the reserve. As part of the process we have thinned the line
of alders along the back of Grove Lake. Two 15m sections of the ditch were
also widened to encourage marginal vegetation and these will be managed in
future years to control bramble and scrub encroachment.
3.
Surveys & Equipment
Small
Mammals
This is an area of the
ecology of the reserve that is little known and Dave Williams of Surrey
Wildlife Trust has carried out a survey of the reserve. His report is not
complete but early results indicate small populations of wood mouse, bank
vole, common shrew and pygmy shrew.
Water
Quality Testing Equipment
Moor Green is in a
fortunate position as Ken Crick has been surveying the quality of the water
for a number of years as part of his work on dragonfly and damselfly
populations on the reserve. A Lab Bench Photometer has been purchased which
will allow an improved analysis of water quality to be made including levels
of dissolved oxygen, phosphate and nitrate. This equipment will also be
available for use on other sites in the valley.
Butterflies of the Blackwater Valley
This is a companion guide
to the ‘Dragonflies of the Blackwater Valley’ that was produced two years
ago. It is hoped that it will encourage local people to get out and explore
the countryside of the Blackwater Valley and to use and value their local
greenspace. It is written by Peter Martin, an expert on butterflies of the
valley. The book is now available from BVCP for £3 including P&P.
ACCESS
4.
Footpath and Fencing
Footpath
The biggest
single element of the grant work is the re-surfacing of 400m of footpath
from Colebrook Hide to the bridge over the River Blackwater. The path has
been resurfaced at a higher level and with a camber and it is hoped that
this will provide a dry, firm surface throughout the year. The path on
either side of the river bridge has been raised so that there is no longer a
significant step up onto the bridge.
Fencing
The grant has
renovated the fencing around the whole reserve, hopefully giving it another
lease of life - keeping the cattle in and the dogs out. This has included:
-
The fence
around the western and southern boundary of the site has been checked and
wherever necessary scrub has been cleared off the fence, straining posts
and intermediates have been replaced and the fence re-tensioned.
-
220m of new
fencing has been installed at the back of Colebrook Lake to replace
existing dilapidated fence.
-
A new field
gate installed at main site access point.
-
100m of
replacement fencing between the footpath and bridleway adjacent to the
river.
5.
Access Points
Car Park
There has
been an on-going problem with motorbikes using the paths of the reserve and
this grant has provided the opportunity to address the problem. The existing
motorbike barrier has been replaced with one which motorised wheelchairs are
able to get through. At the same time a ‘horse stile’ has been installed
across the bridleway. This is essentially 2 sleepers on end that horses and
bikes can step over but motor bikes cannot.
South of
River Blackwater
A similar
system has been installed just south of the bridge over the River Blackwater
- which we believe is the main access route for motor bikes onto the site.
In
conclusion
This grant
has given us a great opportunity to make some real progress on the reserve -
and achieve some things from our ‘wish list’ that would not otherwise have
been possible. Some of the jobs are one-offs that hopefully will need little
or no attention in the near future. With the habitat work such as the
scrapes and ditches their progress will be monitored and it is hoped that it
will be possible to maintain them in good condition with volunteers or by
occasional use of contractors.
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CHAPTER
3
REPORT ON BIRDS 2004
Recorder:
Ian Brown
During the
year 132 species were recorded of which 65 were present in suitable
breeding habitat in the summer, including one new breeding species. One new
species was added to the site list, Slavonian Grebe, bringing the total
number of species recorded to 204.
In the early
winter period there was a site record count of 279 Gadwall on Jan.17th. This
continues resurgence in numbers over the last few winters. Other duck
numbers were as expected, although Wigeon were down a little with a peak
count of 395. Up to three Little Egret visited the site in early January,
representing the first multiple occurrence. Goosander again used the site
regularly for roosting, although daytime numbers were slightly down.
Egyptian Geese were on eggs during February, making them amongst the
earliest breeders and the first such record for the site. Two Red Breasted
Mergansers were also noteworthy, being the first record for some years.
Spring was
heralded by a relatively early Willow Warbler on March 22nd, when Buzzards
began to put in more regular appearances. The first evidence of wader
passage was a March Oystercatcher and this was to begin a good spring for
the species. Highlight of the month was several sightings of Caspian Gull, a
newly recognised race of Herring Gull from the East. The month closed with
another record of two Red Breasted Merganser. During April there was a good
wader passage with plenty of variety including Jack Snipe, 5 Whimbrel, and
Bar Tailed Godwit, the first on the deck for many years! Other notable April
records included Little Gull and a singing Grasshopper Warbler. May was even
better for quality with a fine summer plumage Spotted Redshank, more Little
Gulls, a Nightjar and Osprey.
Generally for
most species it was a successful breeding season. Little Ringed Plovers
again bred successfully on and off the reserve while a pair of Redshank
valiantly raised one young despite consistent harassment from predators.
Lapwing were also moderately successful for the second successive year. The
reserve was again dominated by the expanding gull colony that increased in
size from 8 pairs last year to approximately 80! Nevertheless the Common
Terns continued to thrive, rearing at least 23 young. Mandarin continued to
do well in nestboxes and natural holes. Gadwall bred successfully for the
third year and Tufted Duck did moderately well, rearing four broods.
Barnacle Geese bred on the reserve, and Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were
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.
In June there was a Red Kite and a few records of Little Egret, the first
ever summer records.
In late
summer/autumn the highlight was probably an obliging Wood Sandpiper that
stayed for nine days, invariably in the Colebrook scrape. Other waders
included a brief staying Ruff, Greenshank and Ringed Plover. September’s
highlight was undoubtedly four records of Osprey involving at least two
birds, including the first multiple occurrence, and a record count of 34
Egyptian Geese. Autumn closed with an excellent record of Sandwich Tern that
sadly only lingered for 15 minutes in October. The year closed with some
notable December records including an unseasonal Black Tailed Godwit, seven
Pintail and two Brent Geese, but pride of place goes to the first site
record of Slavonian Grebe that largely gave obliging views on CLS but did
leave on a Friday night!
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 2004
Dr
Delphine Hoyle
A
quantitative survey of the meadows on the North and West sides of Colebrook
Lake North was undertaken using a method based on National Vegetational
Classification Methodology. This method has been used since 1997.
Ten random
samples (1 x 1 m) were surveyed on 16th July 2004, five on the North side
and five on the West side of the Lake.
In each of
the sample squares the species present were identified and quantified on the
abundance present –
| 1. |
<4 % few
individuals |
6. |
26-33 % |
| 2. |
<4 %
several individuals |
7. |
34-50 % |
| 3. |
<4 % many
individuals |
8. |
51-75 % |
| 4. |
4-10% |
9. |
76-90% |
| 5. |
11-25% |
10. |
91-100% |
In addition the frequency of occurrence was
also recorded -
|
I |
1-20 % |
(1 in 5
samples) |
|
II |
21-40% |
(2 in 5
samples) |
|
III |
41-60% |
(3 in 5
samples) |
|
IV |
61-80% |
(4 in 5
samples) |
|
V |
81-100% |
(5 in 5
samples) |
Table A gives
the frequency and abundance of the species found in the samples squares
while Table B lists other species noted in the immediately surrounding
areas.
As in
previous surveys black knapweed, ox-eye daisy and ribwort plantain were
abundant and there were increased amounts of bird’s-foot trefoil, common
mouse ear and lesser stitchwort. On the North side there was more wild
carrot and more selfheal on the West side. Several new species were recorded
including scarlet pimpernel, eyebright and goatsbeard. Eyebright was an
unexpected find. Goatsbeard had been seen adjacent to the path in 2003 and
was found in one plot this year.
Among the
grasses Agrostis continued to be abundant and there was an increase in
ryegrass.
Again there
was little evidence of tree or shrub invasion in the sample areas although
bramble continues to increase in the surrounding areas.
Seventeen of
the 23 species in the original seed mix were found in the sample squares and
two more in the surrounding area.
The number of
species found in the survey of the meadow areas of Colebrook Lake North has
remained fairly consistent over the past eight years with the exception of
2003.
|
Year |
Number
of species present |
|
1997 |
57 |
|
1998 |
66 |
|
2000 |
67 |
|
2001 |
64 |
|
2002 |
65 |
|
2003 |
48 |
|
2004 |
63 |
The reduction
in 2003 was probably due, as reported in the 2003 Annual Report, to the
season and the abundance of rank growth which made some species difficult to
find and identify. Up to now the survey has been postponed until the bird
nesting season was largely over to avoid bird disturbance. This makes it
more difficult to identify those species whose flowering is over,
particularly if the grasses are flourishing. It is, therefore, proposed to
survey earlier next year.
Thanks are
due to Irene Draper, Doreen Dye, Lettice Tanner and Marjorie Trendall for
their help with this survey.
TABLE A
|
|
LATIN NAME |
COMMON NAME |
COLEBROOK LAKE NORTH |
|
|
|
|
North Side
|
West Side |
|
S |
Achillea millefolium |
Yarrow |
III (2-5) |
0 |
|
|
Anagallis arvensis |
Scarlet
pimpemel |
I (1) |
0 |
|
S |
Centaurea nigra |
Black
knapweed |
IV (1-5) |
V (4-9) |
|
|
Cerastium fontanum |
Common
mouse-ear |
IV (1-3) |
V (1-4) |
|
|
Cirsium |
Thistle |
I (1) |
II (2) |
|
|
Crepis capillaris |
Smooth
hawksbeard |
I (1) |
0 |
|
S |
Daucus carota |
Wild
carrot |
IV (1-7) |
II (1) |
|
|
Euphrasia officinalis |
Eyebright |
I (1) |
0 |
|
|
Filago vulgaris |
Common
cudweeed |
II
(1) |
0 |
|
S |
Galium verum |
Lady’s
bedstraw |
III (1-7) |
I (7) |
|
|
Geranium dissectum |
Cut-leaved cranesbill |
0 |
II (3-5) |
|
|
Geranium pratense |
Meadow
cranesbill |
0 |
I (2) |
|
S |
Hypericum perforatum |
Perforate
St.John’s wort |
II (1) |
0 |
|
S |
Hypochaeris radicata |
Common
catsear |
II (1) |
0 |
|
|
Lathyrus pratensis |
Meadow
vetchling |
I (3) |
0 |
|
S |
Leucanthemum vulgare |
Ox-eye
daisy |
V (4-8) |
III (1-2) |
|
S |
Lotus corniculatus |
Bird’s-foot trefoil |
IV (4-5) |
III (1-8) |
|
|
Lychnis flos-cuculi |
Ragged
robin |
0 |
I (1) |
|
|
Matricaria spp |
Mayweed |
I (1) |
0 |
|
S |
Medicago lupulina |
Black
medick |
III (1-4) |
I (3) |
|
S |
Plantago lanceolata |
Ribwort
plantain |
V (1-8) |
V (2-9) |
|
|
Polygonum aviculare |
Knot
grass |
I (1) |
0 |
|
|
Prunella vulgaris |
Selfheal |
0 |
III (1-5) |
|
|
Ranunculus acris |
Meadow
buttercup |
II (1) |
I (1) |
|
|
Ranunculus repens |
Creeping
buttercup |
II (1-3) |
IV (1-3) |
|
|
Rubus fructicosus agg |
Bramble |
II (1-4) |
0 |
|
S |
Rumex acetosa |
Sorrel |
I (1) |
| |