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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

• Volunteers. Many thanks to all the volunteers who support the conservation work parties and contribute so much to the value and future of the site. There have been 7 Sunday and 8 Tuesday tasks with an average of 13 people out on each task. In all there have been over 200 ‘volunteer days’ which is a tremendous effort.

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.

• Viewing slots. The slots in the plantation along the southern edge of the reserve have been cut. Thanks to Peter Scott for organising this. The plantation is now being coppiced on a 10-year cycle which will ensure that it continues to function as a screen and wildlife habitat while also providing viewing slots for bird watchers.

• Grazing. Once again the site was grazed from September to December. We welcomed back old friends with the same four cows as last year. This has definite advantages as they know the site and soon settle in again. Unfortunately they also remembered the routes to the areas they are not meant to reach and were found outside Colebrook Hide on a couple of occasions.

• 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.

• Hurdle making. In April Dominic Parrette came along to show the volunteers how to make hurdles from willow. Two of the 6’ x 6’ hurdles made were then used to replace the ones outside Grove Hide, which were broken.

• Woodland blocks. Two of the small woodland blocks south of Colebrook Hide were thinned this winter. It is hoped that this will give the remaining trees room to develop and encourage plants to grow underneath the trees.

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 –

In addition the frequency of occurrence was also recorded -

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.

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 

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 FOR 2004

Recorder Sue Proudley

The first butterfly records for 2004 were 5 Brimstone, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma and 1 Peacock recorded on 16th March.

Brimstones showed well in April, but numbers dropped in May and June. The Large White and Small White numbers improved on the 2003 records but Green-veined Whites remained about the same. Orange-tips were disappointing with numbers dropping sharply in May. Skipper records were low again with Large Skippers very low. Speckled Wood butterflies did well again this year with 35 recorded in August and 30 in September. Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet numbers were better than in 2003.

A single Green Hairstreak was recorded in April and 2 Purple Hairstreaks in July and 1 in August. 10 Small Coppers were recorded in August and Holly Blues were also slightly up, but the only record for Common Blue butterflies was 4 seen in August. Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks were seen most months throughout the summer. Red Admirals were not recorded until June, but were seen in low numbers until October.

2 Painted Ladies visited in June and were recorded again in July. 1 Painted Lady was seen in August. There were no sightings of Clouded Yellows.

One Marbled White was found by Dr Delphine Hoyle, while carrying out her Botanical Survey, on 16th July. The Marbled White butterfly lives in colonies in tall, unimproved grassland especially on chalk and limestone, downland, cliffs and undercliffs.

The last butterflies recorded were 3 Speckled Woods, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Comma on 7th October.

The list of species observed on the reserve in 2004 is as follows:

Number of species 24                                   

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 2004:

Sue Proudley may be contacted on tel: 01252 875536 or

By e-mail: c.proudley@btopenworld.com

MOOR GREEN BUTTERFLIES

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CHAPTER 6

REPORT ON DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES FOR 2004

 Ken Crick

It was the 18th May before significant numbers of damselflies appeared over the reserve and shortly after on the 24th May the first Dragonfly was found on the wing. The year’s survey embodied nineteen site visits of which thirteen have records showing high levels of cloud cover.

The survey recorded 17 species on the wing; those that had a particularly good season were Migrant Hawker, Downy Emerald, Four-spotted Chaser and Azure Damselfly. The Common Blue Damselfly, Common Darter and Black-tailed Skimmer all showed positive signs of population recovery after some poor years.

On the negative side Banded Demoiselle and Brown Hawker declined in numbers, with the Large Red Damselfly almost vanishing from the site.

Members’ records submitted via the hide charts picked up only seven species. Two of these were not found on the population survey, i.e. Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo, and Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa.

My thanks go to those members providing information who were:

J Warren           E Godden           S Proudley           C Rose           R Eagling            NRG         I H Brown.

ODONATA CHECKLIST

DAMSELFLIES Zygoptera

BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY Ischnura elegans

The overall population figures for this species have stabilized over the last three years - at a level 1/3 of that pre 2002. No exuvia were found. The first sighting on the wing was on the 18th May when twelve individuals were observed. Numbers peaked at 97 during the first week in June. At no time were females seen ovipositing. The last sighting was on the 8th September when a single male was seen.

BANDED DEMOISELLE Caloperyx splendens

Larvae for this species were again easily found in the River Blackwater adjacent to the reserve. The population peaked at 272 on the 24th May; the last individual was seen on the 21st September. Population levels held up well early in the season but there was a significant reduction in numbers on the wing from the last week in June onwards. This coincides with the period of dense leaf cover over the river and adjacent habitats. For the bond between a dragonfly and its place of emergence to be maintained the presence of factors other than the correct water conditions must also be favourable. The correct conditions on land for nocturnal roosting, feeding, mate-seeking and pairing must also exist. It is felt that the increased riverside shading is starting to degrade this habitat.

BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE Calopteryx Virgo

J Warren reported two females on the 24th July just to the west of the reserve adjacent to a small stony bottomed stream entering the river from the south. C Andrews and Y Hammond confirmed the sighting. The site was visited from the 24th July every week until the end of the flight season but failed to locate a single Beautiful Demoiselle.

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY Pyrrhosorna nymphala

With the damming of Colebrook Cut the demise of this species on site is almost complete. Examples were seen on only five occasions and never broke into double figures. By the 7th June the population was reduced to one male. Fortunately this is a common species elsewhere throughout the valley.

EMERALD DAMSELFLY Lestes sponsa

This species did not put in an appearance this year. However, the hide chart records a sighting by J Warren of a single specimen on the 24th August.

COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY Enallagama cyathigerum

Exuviae proved numerous and easy to find along the 100 meters of shoreline that was searched. One hundred and thirty nine were recovered between May and the end of July. They are easily sexed and there proved to be slightly more females than males despite the fact that the majority seen on the wing are males. The adults first appeared on the wing during mid May. The population peak of over 600 individuals lasted from 3rd June until the 21st June after which numbers declined rapidly, with the final sighting on the 26th September. This management plan key indicator species seems to have stabilized its population levels over the last three years at a figure some 68% below its best years of 1999 and 2000.

AZURE DAMSELFLY Coenagrion puellao

A small number of exuviae were found. The overall numbers remain at a low level, but unlike the common blue damselfly, which appears everywhere on site, the Azure is most easily located at the water’s edge. It was on the wing from 2nd May until the 7th June when its recorded population peaked at 30 individuals. Copulating and ovipositing was observed on three site visits.

RED-EYED DAMSELFLY Erythromma najas.

Exuviae were first found on the 18th May and continued to appear periodically until the 27th July. The adult population peaked at 50 on the 25th May. The last adult, a male, was also seen on the 27th July.

DRAGONFLIES Anisoptera

FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER Libellula quadrimaculata

The first sighting was of a female ovipositing on the 24th May. The season proved short with numbers in double figures for the first two weeks in June after which there were no further sightings.

DOWNY EMERALD Cordulia aenea

The north west corner of the reserve cannot be described as woodland and it does not have overhanging trees and shrubs, yet despite this lack of habitat prerequisites, this is the fifth year in succession that the species has been observed over this stretch of water. No exuvia were found this year, but the number of adults on the wing made this our best year to date.

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER Orthetrum cancellatum

Three exuviae were found on the 24th May, one with the dragonfly still emerging from it. In all 19 exuviae were located between the last week in May and the 13th July. The species was on the wing until the 4th August.

EMPEROR DRAGONFLY Anax Imperator

A single male appeared on the 24th May, one or two males were seen throughout June. Nothing was seen then until the 27th July, when two males were observed. There were no further sightings.

BROWN HAWKER Aeshna grandis

The overall figures for this species were again low matching our worst ever year of 2001. Activity associated with breeding was not observed. The first sighting was on the 13th July with a final appearance on the 8th September.

GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLY Cordulegaster boltonii

Two males were again seen this year, one at the start of July and the other at the beginning of August. Both were seen at the southwestern end of the reserve near the wooden bridge over the River Blackwater.

BROAD-BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa

This occasional visitor was seen once, a single male, on the 3rd June.

MIGRANT HAWKER Aeshna mixta

This was one of our best years for this species. Good numbers of males, females and copulating pairs were observed, along with 15 exuviae removed from the emergent vegetation on the shoreline of the north western bay of Colebrook Lake North. Twelve exuviae were found at this location during a single visit, eight females and four males.

SOUTHERN HAWKER Aeshna cyanea

Numbers for this species, though low in comparison with some other species, remain stable. The first sighting was a female seen on the 21st August; the last was of a copulating pair seen on the 13th September, when an ovipositing female was also observed.

RUDDY DARTER Sympetrum sanguineum

First seen on the wing on the 27th July, a single exuvia was found on the 4th August. The last sighting was on the 13th September, with the highest total on any given day being two.

COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum

The population on the wing almost doubled compared with last year. The overall figures are still well down on those consistently recorded in the late 1990s. Eighty-five exuviae were removed from the north western bay of Colebrook Lake North. The first sighting was on the 21st June, with a final sighting on the 14th November, during a work party when it settled on one of the vertically cut faces prepared for mining bees.

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CHAPTER 7

REPTILE REPORT FOR 2004

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

Fifteen sheet-inspection visits were made between early April and late September. All ten tins were checked each time. As in previous years, early visits found no reptiles, but from May onwards most visits resulted in at least one sighting. For the first time, not all the animals found were Grass snakes (Natrix natrix), 3 Adders ( Vipera berus) giving some variety. Most were under or close to the tins near the hibernaculum, though the tins beside Grove Lake seemed to be used more than in previous years.

The overall results are summarised in the following table:

Summary of Surveys of Reptile Basking Tins

The data suggests a small increase in snake numbers, due to the addition of Adders to the counts (the frequency of Grass-snake sightings remaining the same as in 2003). As usual, the small scale of the survey must be borne in mind when interpreting these results. Perhaps the safest conclusion is that, at the very least, numbers are being maintained.

Casual reports

Ten reptiles were reported, down from 16 in 2003. Seven of these (5 Adders and two Grass snakes) were seen on a single day in April by D. Courtenay. The remainder comprised one report each for Grass snake, Adder and Slow worm. [In addition, N. Silver reported seeing a Terrapin on the Hampshire side of the river - near to, but not actually on, the reserve. Please keep your eyes peeled: this is one reptile we don’t want!].

Summary

After three years, a picture is beginning to emerge of fairly stable numbers of grass snakes on the reserve. There are also signs of an increase in Adders, though the very small numbers make this even less certain than the trend for Grass snakes.

I am grateful to those (D. Courtenay, N. Silver, B. Harland and K. Crick) who reported seeing reptiles. Please take the trouble to note your sightings on the forms in the hides.

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CHAPTER 8

REPORT ON NEST BOXES 2004

Dr K B Briggs

In January 2004 half of the small wooden nestboxes were replaced by woodcrete nestboxes with the aim of reducing Great Spotted Woodpecker and weasel predation, as well as reducing maintenance costs, Unfortunately, vandals preferred them as target objects. One box had the so-called unbreakable front smashed and 2 Great Tit eggs were damaged. Another had the front removed causing a Blue Tit to desert during laying. This box had the front replaced but the whole box, complete with a clutch of 9 Blue Tit eggs was then stolen. These boxes had been undisturbed by humans for 9 years when just plain wooden boxes. The boxes have since been resited. The good news is that predation was reduced. Forty-four nestboxes are now erected on the site and 38 were occupied in 2004.

Great Tit

Egg laying started on 14th April and as very well synchronised with over 80%of birds laying in the next week. The latest pair started on 1st May. The mean laying date was 18th April s.d. 4.9 days for 16 pairs. Clutch size was large with 14 successful pairs laying 133 eggs (mean clutch size 9.5 s.d 1.0) and 123 hatched (mean brood size 8.78 s.d. 1.42) and 122 fledged (mean fledged brood size 8.71 s.d. 1.44). These are very good results and even if the 2 pairs that suffered desertion and vandalism are added into the totals, the mean fledging success is still 7.6 (s.d.3.3).

Blue Tit

Only 9 nesting attempts were followed, as the Blue Tit population still prefers woodcrete bat boxes to nestboxes. The first clutch was initiated on 8th April and 7 more were started by 24th April (mean 16th April; s.d. 4.6 days), but a re-lay on 9th May puts the mean laying date for all pairs back to 19th April;(s.d. 8.6 days) In nine breeding attempts, 79 eggs were produced (mean clutch size 8.7 s.d. 3.7). Two pairs deserted and one was vandalised so only 49 young hatched from 6 successful nests (mean brood 7.5 s.d. 2.8 young). From this 44 fledged (mean fledging size 7.3 s.d. 2.8). From the nesting attempts the mean brood size at fledging was 4.8(s.d. 4.3) per pair.

Stock Dove

These birds suffered greatly this year from Grey Squirrels and Mandarins that usurped their nestboxes. Four pairs attempted to breed with the first clutches being initiated on 21st March (s.d. 2.9 days). All the 8 eggs failed. The second laying attempt was initiated in early to mid-April (mean date 11th April +/- 6 days) and from 8 eggs only 3 hatched and just 1 young fledged. A third attempt by 3 pairs in mid-May (12th May s.d.1.0 days) produced two fledged young and a final attempt (fourth), laying on 26th June fledged two young. Of the 11 nesting attempts followed, 22 eggs produced 7 young and fledged only 5 birds. 

Mandarin

Egg dumping (2 or more females laying in the same nest) regularly occurs in hole-nesting ducks and is often thought to be due to a limiting supply of nest sites. The number of Mandarin boxes was increased in winter to reduce the effect. Unfortunately it only provided more drey sites for Grey Squirrels and aggravation for these ducks. The first five nests found started laying on 27th March (mean date 6th April s.d. 11 days) but only 2 nestboxes held normal clutches of 12 and 14. Over the next two weeks three other nestboxes held clutches of 19, 33 and 33, obviously the work of at least 7 females. This put the probable breeding population at 9 pairs. Unfortunately, all the first five clutches laid failed due to squirrels usurping the box during egg-laying or aggression between female Mandarins. Sometimes the Mandarins deserted as a Stock Dove built a nest and laid on top of the clutch only to be covered by a Squirrel drey. In situations like this the boxes are cleaned out to allow re-nesting. This was the situation this year and later in the season successful nesting attempts were initiated in late April / early May (mean laying date 7th May s.d 7 days). These five pairs produced normal, if rather small, clutches and all hatched broods (mean clutch size 8.8 s.d.3.1 and mean brood size 7.6 s.d 3.2).

No Tawny Owls or Little Owl used boxes this year.

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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 CEMEX 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 CEMEX. 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 CEMEX 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 2004

LITTLE GREBE Resident and winter visitor. During the breeding season three pairs were present on the whole site. A maximum of 23 was recorded on Sept.12th

Monthly maxima:

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Common resident. A maximum of 26 were recorded on Dec.18th. A total of four pairs were present during the summer, two successfully rearing a total of three young.

Monthly maxima:

SLAVONIAN GREBE Very rare visitor. A first winter bird was present on Colebrook Lake South, Dec.14th to 18th (BMA, NS et al). The first record for the site. The bird gave very confiding views from the footpath but equally could be very elusive feeding close to the bank under the bushes.

CORMORANT Common winter visitor that oversummers in small numbers. Recorded in all months with a site record count of 68 on Feb.1st.

Monthly maxima:

LITTLE EGRET Regular visitor with increasing frequency. A marked increase in records relating to birds being present in the Blackwater Valley. Recorded in all months except May and September to November. Records on 33 dates relating to singletons except three were present Jan.1st to 8th and two on March 20th and July 8th.

GREY HERON Common resident.

Monthly maxima:

MUTE SWAN Common resident and winter visitor. The usual pair on CLS failed but one pair reared three young on the river.

Monthly maxima:

GREYLAG GOOSE Moderately common visitor in increasing numbers. A maximum of 37 on Dec.20th (BMA) was a site record count.

Monthly maxima:

SNOW GOOSE Common resident but numbers declining. In the early and late winter periods up to 9 and 6 birds were present respectively. Although birds were present on the site in summer there was no evidence of breeding.

CANADA GOOSE Abundant resident.

Monthly maxima:

BARNACLE GOOSE Very common resident. Eight pairs attempted to breed but no young survived. The size of the wintering flock has dramatically reduced by half compared to early 2003.

Monthly maxima:

BRENT GOOSE Rare visitor. Two were present on Dec.26th am. The second record in the last three years.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Resident in increasing numbers. One pair bred on Horseshoe Lake rearing 1 young successfully from two broods. First brood (4) was seen on Jan.29th with a second brood (8) on July 10th. Young lost presumably through predation. These are the first breeding records for the site. The count of 34 on Sept.9th was a site record (JMC). Monthly maxima:

SHELDUCK Regular visitor. Recorded as follows: 3, April 13th; 3, April 20th and 2, May 2nd.

MANDARIN Common summer visitor resident in small numbers. At least eight pairs bred successfully including use of nest boxes. One brood was seen on July 10th.

Monthly maxima:

WIGEON Very common winter visitor. Birds were recorded up to April 19th and from Sept.7th. The maximum count was of 563 on Dec.27th.

Monthly maxima:

GADWALL Very common winter visitor that breeds in small numbers. A minimum of five males oversummered with up to three females with breeding successful. At least one brood of eight young was reared. The third successive year that breeding has been confirmed. The count of 279 on Jan.17th (IHB) was a site record count.

Monthly maxima:

TEAL Common winter visitor that occasionally summers. The maximum count was 59 on Jan.4th.

Monthly maxima:

MALLARD Common resident and winter visitor. Numbers are declining.

Monthly maxima:

PINTAIL Infrequent visitor. An excellent year, recorded as follows: One male, Jan.10th (IHB BMA), a party of seven [2 imm males, 5 fem/imm] on Dec.17th (NRG et al) with three (2m -additional, 1f) till the year end (IHB et al). Recorded in all years since 1993, except 1999.

SHOVELER Common winter visitor. Largely recorded until May 7th and from Aug.21st. The maximum count was of 55 on Feb.7th (JMC), a site record.

Monthly maxima:

POCHARD Common winter visitor, occasional in summer. The maximum was 94 on Dec.27th.

Monthly maxima:

TUFTED DUCK Abundant resident and winter visitor. During the summer a minimum of four broods totalling 12 young were raised. A site record count was of 261 on Dec.5th (JMC).

Monthly maxima:

GOLDENEYE Winter visitor in increasing numbers. In the early year birds were recorded until April 14th. First returns were from Nov.10th.

Monthly maxima:

RED BREASTED MERGANSER Scarce visitor. A good year with two records, the first since 1997. Two males on Feb.18th (JEW, BH, GH) and a pair on March 31st (RMW)

GOOSANDER Common winter visitor. Birds continued to roost on the site and this accounted for most of the higher counts, with daytime numbers generally low. The last early year record was on March 29th. First returns were from Nov.13th.

Monthly maxima:

RUDDY DUCK Occasional visitor of annual occurrence. The only record was of one immature male on Nov.20th (IHB).

RED KITE Uncommon visitor. One record of a singleton on June 14th (RMW).

SPARROWHAWK Common resident that breeds nearby.

BUZZARD Frequent visitor that breeds nearby. Recorded in all months except November with a maximum of 6 on March 13th.

OSPREY Scarce visitor. A very good year with five records. In spring, one flew west on May 8th (RMW). In autumn there were four records that may relate to the same individuals; 1, Sept. 11th; 2, Sept. 16th; 1, Sept. 17th (BMA) and 1, Sept. 18th (JOB). The record of two birds was the first multiple occurrence for the site.

KESTREL Common resident. One pair reared two young.

HOBBY Common summer visitor. Up to four birds (but mainly 1 or 2) were recorded between April 30th and Oct.6th. Maximum four on Sept.19th.

PEREGRINE Infrequent visitor. The only record was of one on Jan.7th. Recorded in every year since 1998.

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

PHEASANT Common resident.

WATER RAIL Winter visitor. Up to two were recorded until March 24th and from Dec.1st.

MOORHEN An abundant resident.

Monthly maxima:

COOT Abundant resident. A maximum of 330 on Dec.27th was a site record count (JMC). The previous count of 325 was recorded in 1982!

Monthly maxima:

OYSTERCATCHER Occasional visitor. A good year with five records: 1, March 13th (IHB); 1, April 12th (BMA); 1, April 25th (BMA); 1, April 26th (MGP), and 1, April 28th (IHB). It is possible that the April records related to the same bird.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded from March 23rd until the relatively late date of Aug.18th. Three/four pairs were on the site of which two bred successfully (including one on the reserve!) rearing 5 young in total.

RINGED PLOVER Summer visitor and passage migrant that formerly bred. Records as follows: 1, April 2nd; 3, May 18th; 1, July 1st and 1, Aug.15th to 16th.

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

Monthly maxima:

RUFF Irregular visitor. The only record was of one on Aug.15th on the new workings to the west of the site in Berkshire (BMA). Last recorded in 2001.

DUNLIN Regular passage migrant. One of the best years since records began. In spring 1-8 were recorded on 17 dates (max 8, May 3rd) between April 15th and June 4th. In autumn there were singletons on July 14th, July 18th and Aug.16th.

JACK SNIPE Occasional winter visitor and passage migrant. Two records: 1, Jan.2nd (BJH) and 1, April 13th to 14th (NRG, RJG et al).

COMMON SNIPE Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded until April 17th and from Aug.21st. In addition, one was present on May 26th. The maximum count was of 21 on Feb.14th.

BLACK TAILED GODWIT Scarce visitor. The only record was one on Dec.16th (BH, GH). The first record for December. Recorded in six of the last eight years.

BAR TAILED GODWIT Very scarce visitor. One on April 30th (BMA) remained till mid morning the following day in the vicinity of CLN (RMW,IHB). The first record of a bird staying longer than one day and the first since 1993.

WHIMBREL Occasional passage migrant. Two records both involving birds flying over: 4 on April 16th (BMA) and 1 on April 25th (GR).

REDSHANK Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded between March 13th and July 26th. Up to three pairs were present on the reserve. One brood of four young hatched on June 10th but only one survived. The only other record was of 1, Oct.5th.

GREENSHANK Regular passage migrant. A poor year with only two records: 1, April 17th and 1, Aug.16th.

GREEN SANDPIPER Winter visitor and very common passage migrant. Up to two birds were present in both early and late winter periods. Recorded until April 19th and from June 20th. Records were mainly of 1 to 3 birds, with a maximum of 6 on Aug.20th.

WOOD SANDPIPER Occasional visitor of annual occurrence. One present from Aug.5th to 13th (m.o.) was a particularly long staying bird. Recorded in 12 of the last 15 years.

COMMON SANDPIPER Common passage migrant. In spring there were records of 1 to 3 birds on 14 dates between April 16th and May 25th. Returns were of 1 to 3 birds on 19 dates from July 19th to Sept.29th.

LITTLE GULL Irregular visitor. A very good year with four records all in spring: 2 adults, April 3rd (IHB, DM);  first summer, May 1st (GR et al), a different first summer May 2nd – 3rd (RIJ et al) and 1 adult, May 6th (BMA). The first records since 1999.

BLACK HEADED GULL Very common visitor and breeding species. Approximately 80 pairs (cf 8 in 2003) reared in excess of 130 young. The second year that breeding has occurred with the colony well established on the reserve on tern island. The largest count was of 280 on Nov.24th.

COMMON GULL Common winter visitor. Recorded until April 24th and from Sept.10th. The maximum count was of 120 on Nov.22nd.

LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL Very common visitor. Recorded in all months with a maxima of 850 on Sept.5th. Large numbers were present at Fox Lane during September.

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

YELLOW LEGGED HERRING GULL Regular visitor. Recorded as follows: 1, March 16th; 5, Sept.5th; 2, Sept.12th; 1, Sept.13th; 5, Sept.26th; 5, Oct.10th; 2, Oct.16th & 1, Nov.22nd.

CASPIAN GULL Very scarce visitor. One second winter on March 13th (IHB) and that or another bird on March 15th (BH, GH) and 17th (BMA) both unaged. Only the second year in which records have occurred, the first being in 2001.

GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL Formerly frequent winter visitor with numbers of records declining. Only two records both of singletons on March 19th and Sept.23rd. The downward trend continues and all records are required again for next year.

COMMON TERN Summer visitor and passage migrant. Recorded from April 2nd. Twenty four pairs attempted to breed on Tern Island and successfully reared a minimum of 23 young. Most nests were outside of the fenced area on Tern Island due to colonisation by gulls. First young were hatched on May 29th and breeding birds and young lingered in the area until Aug.21st.

SANDWICH TERN Rare visitor. One was present on Horseshoe lake from 12.0O-12.15pm on Oct.13th (ROD). Only the second site record the first being in April 1991.

STOCK DOVE Common resident.

WOOD PIGEON Abundant resident. Maximum 200 on Oct.30th.

COLLARED DOVE Common resident breeding nearby.

CUCKOO Summer visitor. 1 singing male between April 22nd and June 4th. Other records of singletons on July 24th and the exceptionally late date of Sept.25th (CRG), the latest ever site record.

BARN OWL Irregular visitor that formerly bred. The only record was of one near Dell Road on Nov.1st (SW).

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

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

NIGHTJAR Rare visitor. One on May 1st (JMC) was no doubt a bird returning to a nearby heathland locality. This is only the second site record, the first was in 1998.

SWIFT Numerous summer visitor. Recorded from April 27th.

KINGFISHER Moderately common resident. Two pairs bred successfully.

GREEN WOODPECKER Common resident.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Common resident.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Occasional visitor that may breed. Records all of singletons as follows; Jan.1st; Jan.21st; Jan.30th and April 3rd.

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

SAND MARTIN Common summer visitor. Recorded from March 19th to Sept.25th. Due to loss of habitat breeding did not occur for the first time since 1994.

SWALLOW Common summer visitor. Recorded between March 28th and Oct.3rd. A maximum of 460 on May 1st.

HOUSE MARTIN Abundant summer visitor. Recorded between April 10th and Oct.15th. A maximum of 450 on May 1st and Sept.25th.

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

YELLOW WAGTAIL Regular passage migrant that has bred. Records as follows: 3, April 18th; 1, April 21st; 5, May 1st; 1,May 4th; 1, Aug.21st and 1, Sept.12th.

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

PIED WAGTAIL Common resident and winter visitor.

WHITE WAGTAIL Occasional visitor. One on April 30th (BMA). The first since 1998!

WREN Abundant resident.

DUNNOCK Common resident.

ROBIN Very common resident.

STONECHAT Irregular resident and passage migrant. In spring, 1, March 22nd - 26th; 1, May 21st. In autumn, 1/2 recorded from Sept.16th and a pair present irregularly to the year end.

WHEATEAR Moderately common passage migrant. In spring; 1, March 17th and 1, April 16th. In autumn; 1, Aug.16th; 2, Aug.28th - 29th, and 1, Sept.4th.

BLACKBIRD Common resident.

FIELDFARE Common winter visitor. Recorded until April 12th and from Sept.16th. The maximum count was of 200 on Nov.29th.

SONG THRUSH Common resident.

REDWING Very common winter visitor. Recorded until April 3rd and from Oct.9th.

MISTLE THRUSH Common resident.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Infrequent visitor. One was singing to the north of Horseshoe lake on April 25th to 26th (GR, NRG, RJG). The first since 1999.

SEDGE WARBLER Moderately common summer visitor. Recorded from April 8th. Seven singing males held territory (cf 4 in 2003)

REED WARBLER Moderately common summer visitor. Recorded from May 1st. Four singing males held territory (cf 3 in 2003).

LESSER WHITETHROAT Summer visitor. Three records, two of singing males on May 1st and 10th. In autumn, 1, Aug.30th.

WHITETHROAT Very common summer visitor. Recorded from April 7th. Approximately 10 singing males held territory (cf 13 in 2003).

GARDEN WARBLER Very common summer visitor. Recorded from April 19th. At least 15 singing males held territory (cf 12 in 2003).

BLACKCAP Common summer visitor and occasional winter visitor. Recorded between April 2nd and Oct.2nd. At least 15 singing males held territory (cf 8 in 2003). In winter, 1, Dec.27th.

CHIFFCHAFF Common summer visitor and regular winter visitor. Recorded from March 16th to Nov.13th, then 1, Nov.28th and 1, Dec.1st. Approx six singing males held territory (cf 7 in 2003).

WILLOW WARBLER Common summer visitor. Recorded from March 22nd until Aug.22nd. Five singing males held territory (cf 4 in 2003).

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

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Regular passage migrant that breeds nearby. Records as follows; 1, Aug.29th; 2, Aug.30th; 2, Sept.3rd and 1, Sept.5th.

LONG TAILED TIT Abundant resident.

COAL TIT Uncommon visitor. The only record was of 1 on Sept.25th.

BLUE TIT Abundant resident.

GREAT TIT Abundant resident.

NUTHATCH Resident in small numbers.

TREECREEPER Moderately common resident.

JAY Common resident.

MAGPIE Very common resident.

JACKDAW Common resident.

ROOK Regular visitor.

CARRION CROW Common resident.

STARLING Common resident.

HOUSE SPARROW Resident nearby.

CHAFFINCH Abundant resident and winter visitor.

BRAMBLING Regular winter visitor usually in small numbers. Two records; 6, April 10th, and 1, Dec.28th.

GREENFINCH Moderately common resident and winter visitor. A winter roost held 81 on Dec.31st.

GOLDFINCH Very common resident and winter visitor. A maximum of 65 on Dec.4th.

SISKIN Very common winter visitor. The maximum count was 70 on Jan.24th.

LINNET Moderately common resident and winter visitor. Breeding successful. Maximum 100 on Nov.21st.

LESSER REDPOLL Moderately common winter visitor. The maximum count was 30 on March 20th.

BULLFINCH Moderately common resident.

YELLOWHAMMER Resident in small numbers. At least two singing males held territory.

REED BUNTING Moderately common resident. Approximately six singing males held territory.

OTHER RECORDS

BLACK SWAN Two on Sept.28th.

PEACOCK One, Oct.4th to 5th on Grove Island surprised the observer (RMW)!

RECORDS A WAITING DETAILS

RED RUMPED SWALLOW One reported on May 1st. Details have not been received by the site or county recorders.

LIST OF OBSERVERS

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APPENDIX C

EVERSLEY GRAVEL PITS (inc MOOR GREEN LAKES)

BIRD SPECIES LIST 1990-2004

Click here to open the spreadsheet with Excel (56Kb)

If you do not have Excel, the following link provides a pdf 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 RMC. 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

WATER ANALYSIS 2004

For some years now the pH of the reserve’s water bodies has been sampled. Water being a major asset on the reserve, it was decided to add a limited amount of chemical analysis to our on-site monitoring. The task is time-consuming so was limited to four site visits per year. The pH measurements continued as normal. Eight other water bodies within the valley from Farnham Park to Bramshill Common were also sampled. The chemical constituents under investigation were phosphate, nitrate and dissolved oxygen. From the data collected it is clear that the reserve’s water matches the norm for still-water bodies throughout the valley.

Phosphate levels at Moor Green varied from 0 to 1.0 mg/I, nitrate levels from 0.1 to 0.7 mg/l and dissolved oxygen from 5 to 6 mg/I.

Samples were also taken from the River Blackwater, which occasionally, at times of heavy rainfall, flows into the reserve. For the river: phosphate levels varied from 0.5 to 1.5 mg/l, nitrate levels from 4 to 10 mg/l and dissolved oxygen from 5 to 6 mg/I.

The lakes remained mildly acidic at all the measuring points from week 21 through to week 38, as did the river.

The large scrape in front of Grove Hide remains highly acidic. Measurements were taken only twice, once at the beginning of the dragonfly flight season and again at the end. A pH of 2.3 was typical.

Acknowledgments

Thanks are extended to the Blackwater Countryside Partnership and Andy Glencross (Dinton Pastures), without whose help these data could not have been compiled.

References

Clegg. Freshwater life. Appendix 1. Warne & co Ltd. 1974.

Crick. Water Analysis at Moor Green Lakes and other sites. Copy with BCP. 2004.

Mackereth, Heron & Talling. Water Analysis. Freshwater Biological Association. 1978

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APPENDIX G

MOOR GREEN LAKES GROUP COMMITTEE MEMBERS

2004-2005

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APPENDIX H

MOOR GREEN LAKES NATURE RESERVE REFERENCE LIBRARY

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

I would like to request that if anybody has information about the reserve, however small, please could they deposit a copy in the library. I shall be able to copy it and return the originals.

If anybody would like to view the information please contact me Steve Bailey on 01252 331353 to make arrangements.

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APPENDIX I

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