The MGLG Logo - a pair of Goosander

MOOR GREEN LAKES GROUP

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About the Group and the Reserve

The Moor Green Lakes Group (MGLG) was established in 1993 as an organisation to help manage the Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve in Berkshire, England.  Our aims are:

  • to improve the Reserve for wildlife

  • record and monitor that wildlife

  • enhance the facilities of the Reserve for members of the Moor Green Lakes Group and other visitors

A nice shot of a dificult to protograph Redpoll feeding on Cranesbill seed

The Group works in conjunction with CEMEX, the site owners and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership both of which bring resources and expertise in active conservation within the 30 kilometres of the Blackwater Valley.

For the past 50 years or more gravel has been extracted  from the Blackwater Valley, stretching westward from Sandhurst to Eversley where it continues today. Moor Green Lakes is the result of restoration of part of that area. Land north of the river stretching for 2.5Km to the west of the Reserve, which is presently being worked, will ultimately become a major extension of the Reserve, more than trebling its size.

The existing Reserve occupies 36 hectares (90 acres) north of the River Blackwater and lies in the boroughs of Bracknell Forest and Wokingham, in Berkshire, England. It comprises three lakes: Colebrook North, Colebrook South and Grove Lake; click here for an aerial view. The main access point for the Reserve is the Car Park off Lower Sandhurst Road in Finchampstead, Wokingham. Note that this is a private Car Park and is locked at night. It is usually open from approx 08.00; the lock-up time is displayed on a notice in the Car Park. Due to recent work to improve the drainage in the area, there is no longer any roadside parking just outside the car park, however there is room for a car at the bottom end of Dell Road, just west of the car park; but please don't block the field gates. Alternative Parking is available off Mill Lane near the sailing club at Horseshoe Lake.Parasol Mushroom - acrolepiota procera

If visitors identify any Health and Safety issues on the Reserve, then please report them to the Site Liaison Officer - details on the Contacts page. The Reserve Map shows the features of the reserve, including location of two viewing hides for use by members of the Group. Access to the Reserve is along the footpath running south from the main Car Park, past Colebrook Lakes North and South, to meet the Blackwater Valley Path. The Colebrook Hide is on the spit between the lakes and has wheelchair access. The Blackwater Valley Path runs beside the river along the south of the Reserve. A bridge crosses the river 100m to the east of the path from the car park and leads to Yateley. A bridleway runs in parallel with the path from the car park to the river bridge.  The path from the river bridge to Mill Lane is part of the Three Castles Path, a ramblers route running between Windsor and Winchester.  The hide at Grove Lake is situated on the south-east corner and can be accessed by the footpath from either car park, being closer to the Mill Lane entrance.

The wildlife on the Reserve has been recorded and monitored by the Moor Green Lakes Group since 1993. Nationally rare plants are present on the Reserve and the site is of local importance for wintering wildfowl. Tern Island on Colebrook Lake North holds one of Britain's largest inland nesting colonies of Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls.

[Current Weather]


Latest News

The November Bird Summary has been added.

30 November 2008


The satellite images of Moor Green Lakes are now based on March/April 2008 information showing the more recent state of the restoration on the Manor Farm extension to the Reserve. Click on the top left end of the banner above the image to get a full screen view. Zoom and drag the image to see adjacent areas.

The bird species list has been updated to reflect the sightings presented in the 2007 Annual Report.

16 November 2008


The October Bird Summary has been added.

1 November 2008


The 2007 Annual Report has been added.

23 October 2008


The work party tasks have been updated for the period to the end of the year.

 

The combination lock code for the viewing hides has been changed today. All members should have the new code - if you have missed out on the renewal information, see the Message to Members below.

1 October 2008


The September Bird Summary has been added.

30 September 2008


Four cows, 3 calves and a very tame bull, called Clarence, have arrived to maintain the grassland around the lakes. They are expected to stay until December.

The cattle have arrived to graze the grassland on the Reserve

17 September 2008


The first volunteer work party of the autumn  meets at Moor Green Lakes on Sunday 14 September to clear the scrape and vegetation from around Colebrook hide. As an extra incentive to attend, Blackwater Valley will be providing a free BBQ for all who help on the 14th. This event will also be used to promote the concept of volunteering at Moor Green, so please feel free to invite any family and friends to attend this taster session, so that we can attract more volunteers to cope with the ever expanding conservation work.

If you want to know more about this event then you can contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353 or e-mail: blackwater.valley@hants.gov.uk

 

5 September 2008


The August Bird Summary has been added.

31 August 2008


Message to Members

 

This week the Annual Report for 2007 was dispatched, together with a newsletter and membership renewal form. Unfortunately we had to use the 2006 membership data. This means that Members who first joined the Group between July 2006 and March 2008, or changed their contact information in this period, may not receive their Annual Report, news letter and renewal form.  


We regret this situation and are making all efforts to establish contact with these Members. If you, or somebody you know, has not received a 2007 Report pack by 1st September and are sure that you are a current Member, then please email you contact details to the Group Membership Secretary,
Dave Bishop, or print off and complete a Membership Application Form (making it clear that you are renewing and have not received your Report) and post it with your renewal cheque to Dave Bishop at: 7 Ambarrow Crescent, Little Sandhurst, Berks, GU47 8JA.

 

Some Members who did not renew their membership in 2006/07 may receive the Report pack. Please accept the report with the Groups complements and feel free to renew your Membership for the next year!

28 August 2008


If you spot any faults or mistakes or have any comments or suggestions on this website, then please let me know at: webmaster@mglg.org.uk


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Copyright of images remain with the photographer where indicated