Southend's Local

Biodiversity Action Plan

Annual Report for 2003

Prepared by the Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services Department of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

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Southend's Local Action Plan - Annual Report for 2003

Contents

Section Page

1. Southend's Local Biodiversity Action Plan 3

2. Meeting the Local Biodiversity Action Plan in 2003 4

2.1 Habitat Action Plans - Aquatic 4 2.2 Habitat Action Plans - Terrestrial 5 2.3 Habitat Action Plans - Urban 6 2.4 Species Action Plans - Birds 8 2.5 Species Action Plans - Invertebrates 8 2.6 Species Action Plans - Mammals 9 2.7 Species Action Plans - Other Vertebrates 10 2.8 Species Action Plans - Plants and Trees 10

3. Other Biodiversity Actions during 2003 12

3.1 Conservation Working Parties in 2003 12 3.2 Walks and other Events in 2003 13 3.3 Education 15 3.4 Other items of note 15

4. Biodiversity data recorded during 2003 16

4.1 Biodiversity data recorded on specific sites 16

4.1.1 Bird Report 2003 16 4.1.2 Bird species recorded at Belton Hills LNR 1997 - 2003 18 4.1.3 Bund Bird Report 2003 19 4.1.4 Butterfly Census 2003 21 4.1.5 Marine Life at East Beach, Shoeburyness 26 4.1.6 Moth recording at Dodds Grove in 2003 27 4.1.7 Other notes from Hadleigh Great Wood in 2003 28 4.1.8 Plant Records 2003 29 4.1.9 Plant records for Pond in Hadleigh Great Wood 2003 30 4.1.10 Southend Foreshore LNR - Bird Count 2003 31 4.1.11 Westcliff Ray - Common Seal Count 2003 32

4.2 Biodiversity data recorded about specific species 33

4.2.1 Bird Highlights of 2003 33 4.2.2 Deptford Pink Report 2003 35 4.2.3 White-letter hairstreak Report 2003 35 4.2.4 The Heath fritillary second flight 2003 35 4.2.5 Fox Records 2003 36 4.2.6 The Heath fritillary Butterfly in Hadleigh Great Wood 2003 37 4.2.7 The Heath fritillary in Hadleigh Great Wood & Dodds Grove 1997 - 2002 39

4.3 Other unusual data recorded during 2003 49

5. Contact details 50

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Section 1 Southend's Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Southend Borough Council's Local Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced as a result of an international agreement, called the Convention of Biological Diversity, which the UK Government signed at the 'Earth Summit' held at Rio de Janiero in 1992.

The UK Government has prepared national plans for over 400 species and 40 habitats, but has recognised that for national plans to be successful they need to be adopted by those local communities that live side by side with the biodiversity.

Local Authorities have been encouraged to prepare 'Local' Biodiversity Action Plans in partnership with local communities. These plans can also identify species and habitats unique to, or important to those individual communities.

Southend's Local Biodiversity Action Plan was begun in 2002 and after considerable effort from the Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services Department and its partners, who consisted of local and regional wildlife groups and organisations, the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Southend- on-Sea was launched on 11th July 2003.

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan consists of individual action plans for eighteen habitats (plus one habitat statement) and fourteen species.

During July 2003 a number of copies were printed and distributed to our local partners and provided to library branches, Southend Central Museum and Leigh-on-Sea Town Council. During late 2003 the Local Biodiversity Action Plan was also placed on Southend Borough Council's web site, where it can be viewed at: www.southend.gov.uk/content.asp?content=1760

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan is an on-going process that consists of a number of key objectives. Under each of the objectives are a number of targets, many of which are open-ended and can be considered as 'on-going'. A small number of targets have specific dates that indicate the target date for completing that action.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council cannot hope to deliver all of the objectives within the Action Plan on its own and it cannot just be the responsibility of the local authority. Everyone has a role to play, either as an individual or in partnership with others, to help to meet biodiversity objectives and make a real difference locally.

This Annual Report highlights the actions of Southend Borough Council and its partners during 2003. Biodiversity activities and any biodiversity data collected in 2003 are also included. Contact details for both Southend Borough Council and our partners can be found in Section 5.

Paul Terry Environmental Officer

What is Biodiversity?

Biological diversity, or biodiversity as it is commonly known, is the collective term given to the huge variety of life that exists today. Not only does it include all species of plants and animals, but also their genetic variation and the complex ecosystems in which they live. It is not just rare or threatened species either: it encompasses the entire natural world including the plants and animals familiar to us in places where we live or work.

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Section 2 Meeting the Local Biodiversity Action Plan in 2003

The following list identifies those objectives and targets that were met during 2003.

2.1 Habitat Action Plans - Aquatic

Brackish Lagoons No specific action during 2003

Intertidal Mudflat and Sandflat Communities Objective 8.2 Monitor this habitat Target 8.2.1 Encourage the monitoring of the mudflats at Southend-on-Sea Target 8.2.2 Encourage the recording of biodiversity found in or depending on the mudflats at Southend-on-Sea, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and any national database that may be established.

Action: Chris Tyas from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds undertook the annual bird count on Southend Foreshore Local Nature Reserve on 14th March 2003. It was noted that this was slightly later in the year than previous years and this was reflected in the lower count numbers [see 4.1.10, page 31]. Roger Payne from the Southend Museum Service led an outdoor meeting for South Essex Natural History Society at East Beach, Shoeburyness on 17th July 2003. During the meeting marine life was recorded [see 4.1.5, page 26]. Mike O'Connor from South Essex Action for Mammals launched a Seal Watch scheme in 2003, which was publicised in local papers and has attracted local support. Six local residents currently provide regular count data for a colony found on Westcliff Ray on Southend foreshore [see 4.1.11, page 32].

Ponds and Lakes Objective 8.2 Improvement of this habitat in Southend-on-Sea Target 8.2.3 Restore local ponds and lakes to a more favourable conservation status where these bodies have had their conservation status degraded.

Action: Second half of silted up pond in Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) cleared out and deepened mechanically by contractor in October 2003. Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust organised a working party to clear debris and reeds from the centre of a pond on Two Tree Island Nature Reserve in October and November 2003 to allow sufficient water depth to prevent the pond from drying out completely.

Objective 8.5 Raise Awareness Target 8.5.4 Encourage the recording of biodiversity associated with ponds and lakes, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre.

Action: South Essex Natural History Society agreed to monitor plants that are found colonising area of renovated pond in Hadleigh Great Wood during 2003 [see 4.1.9, page 30].

Target 8.5.7 Encourage local residents to be aware of their own local garden pond by running the annual 'Pond Survey' scheme.

Action: Publicity about 'Southend's Pond Survey 2003', which was run in partnership with the Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group (EARG), through press release and article in 'Wildlife in Southend' newsletter. Sixty residents take part in 2003 - up from thirty-seven in 2002.

Reedbed and Marsh No specific action during 2003

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Rivers, Streams and Drainage ditches No specific action during 2003

Saltmarsh Objective 8.3 Increase the extent and quality of this habitat. Target 8.3.2 Work with local and regional partners to undertake local practical actions that can lead to local increases in the area occupied by saltmarsh.

Action: Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust organised a working party on saltmarsh adjacent Two Tree Island in July 2003. Work involves bundles of vegetation being positioned across channels to slow the strength of currents, therefore reducing erosion and increasing deposition of silt.

Seagrass Beds No specific action during 2003

2.2 Habitat Action Plans - Terrestrial

Ancient and Veteran Trees No specific action during 2003

Arable Land and Field Margins No specific action during 2003

Hedgerows Objective 8.3 Encourage the increase of this habitat in Southend-on-Sea. Target 8.3.1 Continue to work on the existing 'Green Corridor' programme and where appropriate within this programme, plant native species to create hedgerow habitat.

Action: As part of the Green Corridor project the following were undertaken - 650 mixed native tree and shrub whips planted in Cockethurst Park in December 2003 to extend existing hedgeline. 775 mixed native tree and shrub whips planted in Eastwood Park in December 2003 to create new hedgeline along west boundary. 285 mixed native tree and shrub whips planted in Eastwood Park in December 2003 in clumps amongst existing trees along southern boundary.

Natural Grassland Objective 8.3 Prevent further degradation of existing unimproved grassland. Target 8.3.1 Work with land owners, local and regional organisations and local authorities to ensure all areas of unimproved grassland are managed appropriately and maintained in favourable conservation status.

Action: Fields in Edwards Hall Park cut by contractor for hay crop in August 2003. One field badly infected with ragwort cut by contractor for waste in September 2003. Ragwort sprayed by Woodland Officer on several occasions to control this unwanted plant. Grassland areas on Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve (LNR) were cut by contractor in September/October 2003 to prevent scrub colonisation. Alexanders also removed in May 2003 to control this unwanted plant on Belton Hills LNR. Several small patches of scrub also removed in August 2003 to recover open grassland on Belton Hills LNR.

Objective 8.4 Encourage the creation of areas of unimproved grassland. Target 8.4.1 Consider, where appropriate and practicable, creating new areas of flower-rich grassland as opportunities arise.

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Action: As part of the Green Corridor project the following were undertaken - 2,400 mixed native wildflowers planted in Cockethurst Park in December 2003 to create areas of natural grassland. 3,000 mixed native wildflowers planted in Oakwood Park in December 2003 to create areas of natural grassland. 1,000 mixed native wildflowers planted in Eastwood Park in December 2003 within existing trees along the southern boundary to create patches of natural grassland.

Traditional Orchard No specific action during 2003

Woodland Objective 8.1 Maintain and protect the current extent and quality of this habitat. Target 8.1.4 Consider future management of this habitat that also encourages diversification of biodiversity through secondary features and 'mini-habitats' such as ponds, retained dead wood, rides and glades and veteran trees, whilst at all times protecting the core values of this habitat.

Action: A number of actions during 2003 to manage rides, ponds and glades. Dead wood retained standing and laying within compartments coppiced in 2003.

Objective 8.4 Raise Awareness Target 8.4.9 Seek support for the development of a regional 'woodland resource centre' to educate and raise awareness of this habitat.

Action: Feasibility study undertaken by consultant and final report presented in March 2003. The study, most of the cost being met by a Thames Gateway South Essex grant, looked at the potential for developing a Woodland Resource Centre. Committee report presented to the Biodiversity and Environmental Awareness Working Party in September 2003 that sought support for the development of a Woodland Resource Centre and set out preparation work timetable. Investigation in December 2003 of Heritage Lottery Fund 'Project Planning Grant' and potential consultants to undertake preparation of Audience Development Plan and Access Plan. Environmental Officer attended free seminar about how to prepare successful bids at Heritage Lottery Fund main office in London during Summer 2003.

Target 8.4.11 Encourage the increase in the membership of the 'Friends of Belfairs Wood and Nature Reserve' group.

Action: Membership of the Friends of Belfairs Wood and Nature Reserve increased from 242 in 2002 to 283 at the end of 2003.

2.3 Habitat Action Plans - Urban

Allotments No specific action during 2003

Churchyards and Cemeteries Objective 8.1 Identification and protection of the most important examples of this habitat. Target 8.1.1 Encourage the surveying of churchyards and cemeteries in order to identify the best examples of this habitat particularly those that contain locally, regionally or nationally important target species, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and any national database that may be established.

Action: Church warden from Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch, met Environmental Officer and Lin Wenlock, from Essex Churchyard Conservation Group, in December 2003 with a view to improving the churchyard for wildlife. Lin Wenlock to arrange surveys to identify areas of grassland with the highest nature conservation value. Further discussions to take place in 2004.

Objective 8.2 Encourage the increase of wildlife within this habitat.

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Target 8.2.2 Consider, when appropriate and practicable, changing maintenance specifications in order to encourage wildlife.

Action: New maintenance specification discussed for Holy Trinity Church (above). To be confirmed in 2004.

Gardens in Urban Areas Objective 8.1 To increase the diversity and abundance of wildlife in gardens in Southend-on- Sea. Target 8.1.3 Encourage management of gardens in ways that benefit wildlife through species specific and general information sheets and leaflets, articles, newsletters and demonstration gardens in strategic parks. Target 8.1.7 Encourage residents to use native plants, shrubs and trees within their gardens.

Action: Leaflets for Chalkwell Park Nature Conservation Garden and Southchurch Park Wildlife Garden produced in 2003. Both leaflets, which were funded by the Cory Environmental Trust, contain ideas on how to encourage wildlife in gardens and list plants and shrubs etc suitable for planting in garden situations.

Objective 8.2 Raise Awareness Target 8.2.5 Encourage the recording of wildlife present in gardens through national initiatives and a continuation of local initiatives, for example 'Southend's Pond Survey', recording stag beetles and the 'Garden Mammal Survey'.

Action: Southend's Pond Survey was run in 2003 and sixty residents took part in the survey. South Essex Action for Mammals encouraged local residents to supply records of foxes within the borough - forty-three records were supplied in 2003 [see 4.2.5, page 36].

Target 8.2.7 Encourage local wildlife groups and organisations to provide information and advice about specific species to residents.

Action: South Essex Action for Mammals provided information and advice about foxes to local residents through a 'fox hotline' - twenty-one residents requested advice on 'nuisance' behaviour from foxes in 2003.

Public Parks and Amenity Open Spaces Objective 8.1 Improve the range of biodiversity found in parks and open spaces. Target 8.1.1 Where possible link parks and open spaces to environmental landscape enhancement initiatives like the 'Green Corridor' programme.

Action: As part of the Green Corridor project the following were undertaken in 2003 - 6,400 native wildflowers were planted in three parks and 1,710 mixed native tree and shrub whips planted in two parks.

Objective 8.3 Raise Awareness Target 8.3.5 Ensure that specific wildlife areas have appropriate interpretation and/or leaflets in order to promote the positive image of wildlife areas and encourage a greater understanding of their value.

Action: Leaflets for Chalkwell Park Nature Conservation Garden and Southchurch Park Wildlife Garden were produced in 2003. Interpretative signage installed in June 2003 in Chalkwell Park Nature Conservation Garden. Interpretative signage, which was funded by Cory Environmental Trust, was installed in 2003 in St Mary's Church Nature Reserve, Shoeburyness.

Railway Embankments No specific action during 2003

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Roadsides and Verges No specific action during 2003

2.4 Species Action Plans - Birds

Dark-bellied Brent Goose Objective 8.2 Raise Awareness. Target 8.2.5 Consider working with local and regional partners in order to highlight the arrival and presence of this species, including providing publicity material, organising events such as guided walks or running 'Goose days'.

Action: Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust, supported by the Southend RSPB Local Group had a 'Brent Goose Watch' day in October 2003. Where possible Southend Borough Council publicised the event. Garden Birds No specific action during 2003

Skylark Objective 8.1 Protect and maintain the current population of this species Objective 8.1.1 Protect, where appropriate and practical, the important breeding sites of this species in Southend-on-Sea.

Action: Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust mowed and removed arisings from meadow areas on Two Tree Island Nature Reserve in September 2003 in order to encourage this species to breed on Two Tree Island.

2.5 Species Action Plans - Invertebrates

Heath Fritillary Objective 8.1 Maintain a viable population of heath fritillary butterflies in Belfairs Nature Reserve. Target 8.1.1 Manage appropriate 'core' butterfly areas, for example Dodds Grove, and 'temporary' meadow areas along woodland rides.

Action: Small glades and rides mown by contractor in October 2003 in order to stop build up of vegetation and to encourage cow-wheat - larval food plant of the Heath fritillary butterfly. South Essex Natural History Society had work parties to manage key butterfly site in Dodds Grove on 29th January, 11th March, 28th October, 11th November, 25th November and 10th December 2003. South East Essex Conservation Volunteers also had a working party on the same area on 26th January, 1st June and 16th November 2003.

Target 8.1.3 Undertake appropriate woodland management operations, i.e. coppicing with standards, in order to provide a regular supply of suitable habitat.

Action: Within Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve); Compartment 14 [two acres] was coppiced in December 2003 and Compartment 7 [five acres] was coppiced in October 2003 [due to bad weather compartment 7 was completed in February 2004].

Target 8.1.5 Encourage the expansion of the population currently found in Belfairs Nature Reserve into the woodland of Belfairs Park by undertaking coppicing with standards.

Action: Within Belfairs Wood (Belfairs Park) one acre was coppiced in November 2003.

Objective 8.2 Monitor the population of the heath fritillary butterfly in Belfairs Nature Reserve.

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Target 8.2.1 Undertake a weekly count of this species between mid-May and early July in order to monitor and record the status of this species. Target 8.2.2 Pass on all monitoring data to the Local Biological Records Centre and any national database that may be established.

Action: Woodland Officer undertook regular count during the flight period in 2003. The highest daily count was on 13th June 2003 when 150 butterflies were recorded - this is slightly down on the highest in 2002 when 160 were recorded. A full breakdown of Heath fritillary data for 2003 can be found in 4.2.6, page 37.

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness Target 8.4.5 Undertake a number of regular walks, with local residents and the 'Friends of Belfairs Wood and Nature Reserve' group, that highlight the presence of this species.

Action: General public guided walks, led by the Woodland Officer, undertaken in Belfairs Wood and Nature Reserve on 27th April and 11th May 2003. The presence of the Heath fritillary is always mentioned as one of the nationally rare species that occur in the Reserve.

Shrill Carder Bee Objective 8.1 Maintain and protect the current range of the shrill carder bee. Target 8.1.2 Ensure that sites containing this species are managed appropriately and consider, if appropriate and practicable, altering the contract specification of sites containing this species to encourage an increase in range.

Action: Grass cutting on Belton Hills Local Nature undertaken at the end of September 2003 to allow maximum foraging opportunities for the bee. A site visit between South Essex Natural History Society and Environmental Officer in August 2003 designated several small areas on Belton Hills that were to be left uncut for overwintering invertebrates. These areas would have benefited the bee by providing uncut foraging areas late into the autumn.

Stag Beetle No specific action during 2003.

2.6 Species Action Plans - Mammals

Bats Objective 8.1 Identify the current distribution and status of bat populations in Southend-on-Sea. Target 8.1.3 Continue to collect and collate sightings and reports of bats and their roost sites.

Action: Requests for bat sightings were made in 2002. A number were supplied in 2002 and 2003. A list was supplied to South Essex Action for Mammals (SEAM) in 2003 as contributions towards a bat survey this group were proposing.

Cetaceans Objective 8.2 Recording these species Target 8.2.2 Encourage the active recording of cetaceans, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and any national or regional database that may be established.

Action: Recording cards for Cetaceans, which were provided by the Essex Biodiversity Partnership, were sent to the group that represents Southend's various yacht clubs in 2003 with a request that they were distributed to the individual clubs.

Dormouse Objective 8.2 Halt the further decline of the dormouse population. Target 8.2.1 Ensure all sites containing populations of this species are managed appropriately.

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Target 8.2.2 Protect, where appropriate and practicable, the current levels of the dormouse in Belfairs Nature Reserve.

Action: Coppicing in 2003 undertaken in Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) on Compartment 7 [five acres] and Compartment 14 [two acres]. One acre was also coppiced in Belfairs Wood (Belfairs Park). Rotational woodland management such as coppicing allows a diversity of habitats and species thus providing a rich ecosystem suitable for dormice.

Water Vole Objective 8.2 Increase the population and range of this species Target 8.2.4 Support, where appropriate and practicable, regional and national initiatives to improve water vole habitat and to increase their numbers.

Action: Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust undertook local action to improve water vole habitat on Two Tree Island Nature Reserve by organising work parties in September and October 2003 to create channels through some areas of reedbed to prevent them drying up.

2.7 Species Action Plans - Other Vertebrates

Great Crested Newt Objective 8.1 Identify the current distribution of the great crested newt population Target 8.1.1 Obtain information on great crested newt distribution through a borough wide survey of public land preparing a report on the results and publicising the findings. Target 8.1.2 Encourage the involvement of local residents in participating in 'Southend's Pond Survey' in order to locate localised populations in private gardens.

Action: No new populations of Great Crested Newts located in 2003. However sixty residents took part in the Pond Survey in 2003 - an increase in the number that took part in 2002. During April pond dipping - as part of a 'pond dipping day' - took place in Priory Park, Chalkwell Park and Edwards Hall Park. Two adult Great Crested Newts were captured in Edwards Hall Park.

Reptiles No specific action during 2003

2.8 Species Action Plans - Plants and Trees

Black Poplar Objective 8.1 Protection of the existing population of black poplar trees in Southend-on-Sea. Target 8.1.7 Establish cuttings of each individual tree in Southend-on-Sea at a clone bank to be based at Southend Park's Central Nursery.

Action: Black poplar cuttings taken early in 2003 established themselves during the year at the Parks Central Nursery.

Deptford Pink Objective 8.1 Maintain existing population levels of this species. Target 8.1.1 Ensure appropriate management of the two sites that deptford pink occurs on Belton Hills.

Action: 'Main' Deptford pink patch on Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve (LNR) cut and raked in May 2003. This was slightly later than usual but encouraged the plants present to produce increased flower spikes and seed production. It is intended to cut this area at this time each year to encourage maximum seed production. 'Second' Deptford pink patch On Belton Hills LNR also cut in May 2003.

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Objective 8.2 Encourage the increase of the deptford pink population on Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve. Target 8.2.1 Continue to remove areas of scrub and trees as identified within the Management Plan for the reserve.

Action: Several small patches of scrub removed from Compartment 'D' on Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve (LNR) during August 2003. Large patch of scrub removed from Compartment 'C' during October 2003 in line with the management plan for Belton Hills LNR.

Objective 8.3 Raise awareness Target 8.3.4 Undertake an annual survey and record the population numbers present, passing this data to the regional Local Biological Records Centre, and to any national database that may be established.

Action: Woodland Officer undertook annual count on 14th July 2003 [see 4.2.2, page 35]. No plants were recorded on the 'second' Deptford pink patch on Belton Hills LNR.

Target 8.3.7 Consider setting up a 'Friends of Belton Hills' group, using this group to raise awareness about the deptford pink.

Action: Friends group for Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve was established in August 2002. During 2003 other work commitments prevented any events being organised and membership was static through the year at only eight members.

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Section 3 Other Biodiversity Actions during 2003

Both Southend Council and our nature conservation partners undertake a number of actions every year that may benefit local biodiversity. These actions are often overlooked and unrecorded and may not necessarily be found as clear objectives or targets within the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Where possible details of these actions will be included in future Annual Reports

3.1 Conservation Working Parties in 2003

Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve)/Dodds Grove South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 26th January [8 volunteers], 1st June [8 volunteers] and 16th November [5 volunteers]. South Essex Natural History Society (SENHS): 29th January, 11th March, 28th October, 11th November and 25th November.

Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 11th May [5 volunteers] Southend-on-Sea Venture Scouts: Evening of 21st May [40 Venture Scouts helped remove Alexanders]

St. Mary's Church Nature Reserve, Shoeburyness South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 6th April [4 volunteers], 27th July [5 volunteers] and 7th September [3 volunteers]

Two Tree Island Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust: Work parties were held on the second Sunday of each month and every Wednesday evening during the summer. South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 9th March [9 volunteers] and 30th November [8 volunteers]

Hadleigh Castle Country Park South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 12th January [9 volunteers], 23rd March [6 volunteers], 4th May [5 volunteers], 15th June [8 volunteers], 21st September [7 volunteers], and 2nd November [4 volunteers].

° Contact details for the above groups can found in Section 5, page 50.

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3.2 Walks and other Events in 2003

1st March 2003 - 14th February 2004 Exhibition called 'Insects', in Southend Central Museum that illustrated the diversity of insect life on our planet. Exhibition comprised photographs, text, and displays of specimens and examples of large, colourful living insects. Featured topics included the various orders of insects, camouflage, chemical defence, metamorphosis and secrets of success. Total number of visitors - 22,362.

27th April - Guided Walk at Belfairs Wood/Nature Reserve General public walk, led by Woodland Officer and advertised in local press [10 attendees].

11th May - Two Tree Island Nature Reserve Open Day Open day on Two Tree Island Nature Reserve organised by the Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust. Guided walks and stalls/displays.

11th May - Guided Walk at Belfairs Wood/Nature Reserve General public walk, led by Woodland Officer and advertised in local press [11 attendees].

19th June - Heath fritillary meeting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council hosted a meeting at the Civic Centre, which was organised by the Biodiversity Project Officer from the Essex Biodiversity Partnership. The meeting looked at sharing experiences and good practice from the several organisation that were present and are working towards sustaining and re-introducing the Heath fritillary butterfly in Kent and Essex. A site visit, led by the Woodland Officer, to Hadleigh Great Wood looked at the local action undertaken by Southend Borough Council for this species. A document entitled "The Heath Fritillary in Hadleigh Great Wood and Dodds Grove 1997 - 2002" [see 4.2.7, page 39] was produced for the meeting, which highlighted the release and annual count figures since the butterfly re-introduction [16 attendees].

4th August - Youth Offenders Programme Visit Organised visit, led by Woodlands Officer, to Belfairs Wood/Nature Reserve by Youth Offenders Programme [26 attendees].

23rd August - History Walk at Belfairs Park/Belfairs Wood Guided Public Walk, led by Woodlands Officer and looking at the history of the site, part of a larger event held at Belfairs Park [20 attendees].

September - Shoebury Old Ranges Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust organised a guided walk around Shoebury Old Ranges SSSI for the Woodham Trust and Natural History Society Group.

25th October - HGBI East Anglia Regional Meeting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council hosted the Regional meeting of the Herpetofauna Groups of Britain and Ireland (HGBI) at the Civic Centre. An all day event, which was open to the public through ticket purchase, presentations included 'law enforcement'; 'crested newt conservation at the landscape level' and 'the palmate newt in Essex' that involved 9 speakers. It is hoped Southend-on-Sea can host the regional meeting again in 2006 [60 attendees].

26th October - Brent Goose Watch Day event on Two Tree Island organised by the Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust with the support of Southend RSPB Local Group.

Southend RSPB Local Group - ran a number of events from September to May 2003 including an indoor lecture on the first Monday of every month, free local walks at least one Sunday every month and at least five coach trips each season.

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Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust - ran a series of indoor meetings during the autumn and winter of 2003.

South Essex Natural History Society - ran a series of indoor and outdoor meetings (usually in partnership with the Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust) during 2003.

Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group (EARG) - provided a talk in 2003 that raised the profile of amphibians and reptiles within Southend-on-Sea. Three rare UK species - sand lizard, smooth snake and natterjack toad - were displayed at the talk. EARG also organised Great Crested Newt survey-training sessions at Hadleigh Castle Country Park - 6 volunteers attended.

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3.3 Education

Web site information - A new section within the Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services Department part of Southend Borough Councils web site was created in 2003 and called "Nature Conservation and Biodiversity". Data within the section includes the Local Biodiversity Action Plan together with copies of the 'Wildlife in Southend' newsletter.

Portable Display - In December 2003 a new portable display featuring biodiversity was designed and manufactured by a local designer. The display was created for use at future events and meetings.

Leaflets - The following leaflets (funded by Cory Environmental Trust) were produced during 2003: ° Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve ° Chalkwell Park Nature Conservation Garden ° Southchurch Park Wildlife Garden

Schools and Groups - Woodland Officer had the following schools and groups visiting Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) and Belfairs Wood in 2003:

May - 3 classes from Leigh Junior School May - I pupil through Trident Project June - 2 pupils through Trident Project June - 1 class from Hadleigh School July - 1 pupil through Trident Project July - 1 class from Belfairs High School 25th July - group from South Essex Archaeology Society

The Parks Ranger Service - The Parks Ranger Service, through its Environmental Education Programme had over 400 young people from various schools taking part in either pond dipping or mini-beast activities. The Environmental Education Programme ran from May until late September 2003. Other events organised by the Parks Rangers Service included "bird nestbox making" on two days in August 2003, which attracted 30 young people [contact details for the Environmental Education Programme can be found in Section 5, page 50].

3.4 Other items of note

The following do not fit within any of the previous categories.

° Southend RSPB Local Group donated £100 towards a bird feeding station at Hadleigh Castle Country Park.

° Environmental Officer and Portfolio Holder for Environment attended a conference on 26th November 2003, organised by the Essex Biodiversity Partnership at Writtle College, which included the presentation of the Essex Biodiversity Partnerships Annual Report 2002-2003.

° A new Biodiversity Logo was designed in 2003 by an independent graphic designer, for use by the Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services Department in biodiversity related material. Launched with publicity in June 2003 the logo was used within the Biodiversity Action Plan document itself, those leaflets produced in 2003 and the new portable Biodiversity display.

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Section 4 Biodiversity data recorded during 2003

4.1 Biodiversity data recorded on specific sites

4.1.1 Bird Report 2003 (Provided by the Woodlands Officer)

Belfairs Nature Reserve and Belfairs Park

During the year 74 species were reported and, of these, 27 species nested in the Nature Reserve. In addition, nuthatch and tree creeper nested in Belfairs Park.

With another mild and wet winter, there were few reports of redpoll or siskin, and none of fieldfare. Grey wagtails were present throughout, tawny owls were seen each month and there were records of woodcock on 17th January, bramblings on 12th and 17th March and 3 Canada geese west on 29th March. The first migrants were recorded on 14th March (chiffchaff) and 26th March (blackcap), there were 5 singing nuthatches and 3 singing tree creepers in Belfairs Park and sparrowhawks were displaying at both sites. A most unusual sighting was of 2 woodlarks flying west on 28th February.

The number of pairs of summer migrants holding territory this year was down, with 8 chiffchaffs, 14 blackcaps, single garden warbler and no common whitethroat. A willow warbler was singing on land adjacent to Dodds Grove to the end of June and occasionally ventured into the Nature Reserve – in the 1980’s and early 1990’s up to 6 pairs nested annually! 2 cuckoos were reported. A female grey wagtail was present to 10th April, redwings to 15th April and bramblings to 16th April. There were 8 pairs of great spotted woodpecker holding territory and 6 pairs of stock doves. One pair of sparrowhawks in the Nature Reserve raised 2 young. A second pair failed. A jackdaw was seen on 6th June – this species is normally only recorded between September and March. Unusual records were of crossbill on 1st April, a rook on 8th April, whimbrel on 28th April and a red kite flying north on 27th May. A female kestrel on 13th June was the only record in the Nature Reserve this year.

Autumn movement started with a crossbill on 28th July and a returning grey wagtail on 15th August. There were a number of records of yellow wagtail and sand martin, including 30 of the latter on 11th September. A hobby was present on 1st September; small parties on siskins from 11th September and a honey buzzard at roost in Belfairs Park on 18th September.

Redwings arrived from 5th October and fieldfares from 16th – there were 8 further records of this species to year-end. There were 6 records of brambling including 3 birds on 13th November and 15 records of small groups of redpoll. The first woodcock of the period arrived on 29th October. Unusual records were a flock of 24 jackdaws high west on 17th October, two reports of lapwings (scarce in recent years), a yellowhammer on 2nd December, a waxwing south on 9th December and a common buzzard at roost in Dodds Grove on 28th December.

Records of the six species being monitored at Belfairs are detailed below:

Turtle dove No records in 2003.

Lesser spotted woodpecker A single female was seen on 5 occasions between 10th March and 28th April at various locations on both sites. There was one autumn record, an individual at Belfairs stables on 19th October.

Song thrush 5 pairs held territory in the Nature Reserve and 2 pairs in Belfairs Park.

Spotted flycatcher No records in 2003.

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Coal tit One record only, 2nd October in the Nature Reserve.

Bullfinch The species was recorded on 139 days, with half of the records between June and September. There was 51 records in the Dodds Grove area and 62 adjacent the old Hardwood Nursery site. There were records in 10 other compartments during the year, 8 in compartments 6,7 & 12 between April & June, the rest widely scattered. It is likely that pairs bred in the Hardwood Nursery area, where 3 juveniles were seen with 2 adults on 27th August, and in Dodds Grove, where, however, no juveniles were seen. Away from the Nature Reserve, 4 birds were seen together in Bramble Lane on 28th January.

Distribution of records was as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 9 5 8 7 6 20 14 15 20 10 14 11

Edwards Hall Park

Single pairs of blackcap and common whitethroat held territories and there were regular sightings of sparrowhawks. A cuckoo was calling on 5th June and a goldcrest was in song on 21st June. Both hobby and stock dove were recorded on 25th June and 2 moorhens were at the pond on 18th July.

Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve

Single pairs of blackcap, chiffchaff and common whitethroat held territories and a pair of sparrowhawks raised one young. A common buzzard flew west on 15th April and a tree pipit was seen on 1st September.

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

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4.1.2 Bird species recorded at Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve between 1997 - 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Breeding: Sparrowhawk Wood pigeon Collared dove Dunnock Common whitethroat Lesser whitethroat Blackcap Chiffchaff Robin Blackbird Song thrush Wren Chaffinch Greenfinch Jay Magpie Carrion crow

Resident non-breeders: Kestrel Green woodpecker Great spotted woodpecker Long tailed tit Great tit Blue tit House sparrow Starling

Recorded on passage or in winter: Common buzzard Hobby Cuckoo Tree pipit Meadow pipit Pied wagtail Yellow wagtail Sedge warbler Goldcrest Fieldfare Redwing Goldfinch Siskin Bullfinch Linnet Jackdaw

Fly-overs: Comorant Grey heron Whimbrel Black-headed gull Herring gull Lesser black-backed gull Great black-backed gull Common gull Swift Skylark Swallow House martin

Unusual Records: Waxwing Crossbill Nightingale

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

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4.1.3 Bund (Maplin Trial Bank) Bird Report 2003 (Provided by the Foulness Wildfowl & Wader Counting Group)

Visiting Team on 6th June 2003: Dr Chris Lewis (Secretary of FWWCG), Ben Lewis (Member of FWWCG) and Mark Outten (Member of FWWCG).

General description: The shape of the Bund had altered a little as usual. Its orientation was more North - South (NE - SW last year). The North end was narrower than last year though still broader than the South. A creek-like channel is developing to the East. The linear top section, above the high tide line showed no sign of recent inundation. The highest tide in two weeks leading up to our visit was 5.3 metres

Nests of four species were identified: Common Tern A cluster of tern nests all containing eggs, was found at the North of the bund (similar site to last year). Seven nests were clearly of Common Tern, contained identifiable Common Tern eggs, and we found fourteen adults. Five nests contained three eggs each and two nests two eggs each. A further tern-like nest containing two eggs was also located with this colony. The eggs in this nest were greener and slightly larger than those in the other nests, raising the possibility of a different parent species. However we did not see adults of any other relevant species, the eggs of Common Tern are quite variable, and as far as I can gather from the literature these eggs were within the range of variability for Common Tern. I therefore conclude that there were eight pairs of Common Tern (down from thirty-four pairs in 2002, four pairs in 2001).

Lesser Black-backed Gull One nest containing two obviously green eggs was present (all the other large gull eggs being brown/brownish). One pair of adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was present and was associating with the portion of the bund in which we had found this nest. I conclude that one pair of Lesser Black-backed Gull was present and had produced two eggs.

Herring Gull Twelve nests of Herring Gull were found scattered across the top section of the bund South of the Common Tern colony. Nest contents were as follows: nest 1 had three chicks and another chick outside the nest, nest 2 had three chicks and one hatching egg, nest 3 had three eggs, nest 4 & 5 had two eggs each, nest 6 had 2 hatched or predated eggs, nests 7 & 8 had one egg each and nests 9 - 12 were all empty. One clutch of three chicks was sufficiently well developed to move away from the nesting section of the bund as we approached. I assume that these originated from one of the empty nests. Two separate single chicks moved away from their nest but remained within the nesting area, and I assume that the bird outside nest 1 was not the product of that nest. These three chicks may have originated from one to three of the remaining empty nests. I conclude that twelve pairs of Herring Gull had produced twelve surviving chicks and a further ten eggs.

Oystercatcher Four nests of Oystercatcher were found scattered fairly evenly from one end of the ridge to the other. These nests contained one, two, two and three eggs. An additional predated oystercatcher egg was found away from any nest. Ten adults were present raising the probability that five pairs were present, but we could not locate a fifth nest.

Other Species Twenty-seven non-breeding Common Eider were on the sea close to the bund. Two Turnstones were on the bund. Once again there were no ringed Plover seen this year.

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On the trip to and from the bund we observed eight Sandwich Terns feeding off-shore from the mudflats.

Breeding records for three years (number of pairs):

2001 2002 2003 Common Tern 4 34 7 Herring Gull 24(25) 11 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull (3) 4 5 1 Oystercatcher 5 6 5

Chris Lewis Foulness Wildfowl & Wader Counting Group 7th June 2003

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4.1.4 Butterfly Census 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Belfairs Nature Reserve, Belton Hills LNR and Edwards Hall Park

The year totals for the three sites were all up on 2002, with increases of 50% at Belfairs Nature Reserve and 100% at Edwards Hall Park.

Counts were carried out on all 27 weeks at Belfairs Nature Reserve. Week 7 (13th May) was not counted at Belton Hills. In addition, the autumn cut of the site started in week 26 (23rd September) and consequently no count was possible in week 27.

At Edwards Hall Park week 7 (13th May) was not counted and no butterflies were seen on site in weeks 26 & 27.

The following weather detail was noted:

DRY RAIN

April 24 6 May 17 14 June 19 11 July 20 11 August 27 4 September 25 5

The prolonged dry and warm weather meant that several species ended their flight period early, though there was not a marked difference in emergence dates.

Ride mowing was undertaken at Belfairs Nature Reserve between 6th and 21st October and all areas were completed satisfactorily. Mechanical cutting of alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) at Belton Hills was completed by 21st May. The site continues to respond positively to this work. The autumn cut was completed by the end of September. At Edwards Hall Park ragwort (Senecio) continues to be a problem. Spraying and pulling were successful on three fields which were cut for hay during week 19 (5th August). Pond field was cut to waste during week 23 (2nd September). The late hay cut allowed most butterfly species to complete their flight though loss of foraging areas was followed by a sharp decline in species’ numbers, noted particularly in painted lady and common blue.

SPECIES DETAIL:

Brimstone

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 48 records between 1st April and 5th August. There were no autumn records.

At Belton Hills there was a single record, on 15th April.

At Edwards Hall Park there was a single record, on 15th April.

Brown argus

There was a single record of the species at Belfairs Nature Reserve on 29th July.

At Belton Hills there were 13 records between 5th August and 2nd September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 6 records between 22nd July and 12th August.

Clouded yellow

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There was a single record of the species this year, at Belton Hills on 23rd September.

Comma

The species increased at all sites.

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 38 records between 1st April and 16th September, with the majority between 17th June and 29th July.

At Belton Hills there were 16 records between 1st April and 23rd September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 15 records between 1st April and 2nd September, with the majority between 17th June and 15th July.

Common blue

The species increased at all sites.

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 16 records between 10th June and 16th September.

At Belton Hills there were 161 records between 20th May and 23rd September, with a peak of 40 on 5th August.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 129 records between 20th May and 19th August, with a peak of 46 on 29th July.

Gatekeeper

The species increased at all sites.

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 300 records between 1st July and 19th August.

At Belton Hills there were 506 records between 8th July and 19th August.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 198 records between 8th July and 12th August.

Holly blue

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 8 records between 15th April and 10th June, and 8 records between 22nd July and 12th August.

At Belton Hills there were 5 records between 22nd April and 10th June, and 6 records between 8th July and 26th August.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 10 records between 29th April and 2nd September.

Large skipper

The species increased at all sites.

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 42 records between 10th June and 22nd July.

At Belton Hills there were 6 records between 10th June and 1st July.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 22 records between 10th June and 22nd July.

Large white

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 27 records between 24th June and 9th September.

At Belton Hills there were 59 records between 15th April and 23rd September.

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At Edwards Hall Park there were 25 records between 17th June and 2nd September.

Marbled white

At Belton Hills there were 69 records between 17th June and 29th July. This is the highest total since surveying began in 1997.

At Edwards Hall Park there was a single record, on 22nd July.

Meadow brown

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 409 records between 10th June and 26th August.

At Belton Hills there were 84 records between 17th June and 12th August.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 2181 records between 3rd June and 12th August.

Orange-tip

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 10 records between 15th April and 20th May.

At Belton Hills there were 9 records between 22nd April and 6th May.

The species was not recorded at Edwards Hall Park.

Painted Lady

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 9 records between 3rd June and 26th August.

At Belton Hills there were 56 records between 24th June and 23rd September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 58 records between 3rd June and 19th August.

Peacock

The species declined at all sites.

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 14 records between 1st April and 29th April, and a single late summer record on 8th July.

At Belton Hills there were 10 records between 15th April and 27th May, and single late summer records on 8th July and 12th August.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 11 records between 1st April and 6th May.

The latest record was of an individual at Belfairs Nature Reserve on 7th October.

Purple hairstreak

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 12 records between 1st July and 19th August. In addition 6 individuals were recorded around an oak canopy on a site not included in the survey, on 15th July.

Red admiral

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 28 records between 3rd June and 30th September.

At Belton Hills there were 12 records between 17th June and 16th September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 7 records between 3rd June and 19th August.

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The latest record was of an individual at Belfairs Nature Reserve on 14th October.

Ringlet

There were single records of the species at Belfairs Nature Reserve and Belton Hills on 15th July. In addition, up to 4 individuals were recorded in Dodds Grove, away from the survey area. These are the first records of the species for 10 years.

Small copper

The species increased at all sites.

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 10 records between 15th April and 16th September.

At Belton Hills there were 14 records between 29th April and 23rd September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 26 records between 29th April and 2nd September.

Small heath

Only recorded at Belton Hills, where there were singles on 24th June, and 12th and 26th August.

Small/Essex skipper

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 181 records between 17th June and 5th August.

At Belton Hills there were 218 records between 10th June and 29th July.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 86 records between 24th June and 29th July.

Small/green-veined white

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 179 records between 1st April and 30th September.

At Belton Hills there were 789 records between 1st April and 23rd September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 149 records between 22nd April and 16th September.

Small tortoiseshell

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 4 records between 1st April and 29th July.

At Belton Hills there were 35 records between 1st April and 23rd September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 17 records between 1st April and 24th June.

Speckled wood

There were increases at all sites.

At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 303 records between 1st April and 30th September.

At Belton Hills there were 115 records between 8th April and 23rd September.

At Edwards Hall Park there were 65 records between 29th April and 16th September.

The latest record was of an individual at Belton Hills on 14th October.

White-letter hairstreak

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At Belton Hills there were 25 records between 24th June and 5th August, all in compartment 3 on young elm.

Heath fritillary

At Belfairs Nature Reserve the species was reported between 30th May and 7th July, with 150 individuals counted on 13th June. The species occurred widely at the west end of the Reserve.

Wall

A single individual was seen at Belfairs Nature Reserve on 6th September, though not during a census walk. This appears to be the first record since 2nd August 1993.

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

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4.1.5 Marine Life at East Beach, Shoeburyness (Provided by South Essex Natural History Society)

On 17th July 2003 Roger Payne led an outdoor meeting of the South Essex Natural History Society. The following Species were recorded:

Marine Life:

Brown Shrimp (Crangon crangon) Prawn (Palaemon longirostris) Opossum Shrimp [Mysid] (Mesopodopsis slabberi) Sand Goby (Pomatoschistus minutus) Native Oyster (Ostrea edulis) Portuguese Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Coat of Mail Shell [Chiton] (Leptochiton asellus) Keel-worm (Pomatocerus sp.) Sand Mason Worm (Lanice conchilega) Great Pipe Fish (Syngnathus acus)

Other species included:

Eel-grass (Zostera noltii) Whiteweed [a hydroid] (Sertularia cupressina) on strand line Sea anemone (probably Sagartia sp.) Lug-worm (Arenicola marina) Australian Barnacle (Elminius modestus) Isopod (Idotea sp.) Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas) Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) Edible Mussel (Mytilus edulis)

Roger Payne Southend Central Museum

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4.1.6 Moth recording at Dodds Grove in 2003 (Provided by South Essex Natural History Society)

On 28th May 2003 a moth trap was set up in Dodds Grove by South Essex Natural History Society with the agreement of Southend Council and the following species recorded:

3 x Small White Wave 2 x Common White Wave 3 x White Wave 2 x Little Emerald 3 x Light Emerald 1 x White Privin Spotted 1 x Clouded Silver 3 x Pale Oak Beauty 3 x Pale Tussock 2 x Mottled Pug 1 x Flame Shoulder 3 x Pebble Hook-tip 1 x Eyed Hawk 4 x Brown Silver-lines 1 x Broken Barred carpet 3 x Common Swift 1 x Marbled Carpet 1 x Marbled Brown-spot

The group also observed bats, including one suspected Brown long-eared bat and a fox.

Don Down South Essex Natural History Society

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4.1.7 Other notes for Hadleigh Great Wood in 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Muntjac deer Singles on 27th January, 18th September and 12th December. One was reported on 8th fairway of Belfairs Golf Course on 16th August.

Weasel One on 27th April

Grass snake One in Dodds Grove on 7th June.

Slow worm Five records in April, May, July and August

‘Pipistrelle’ - type bats Five individuals seen in 4 areas in March and 7 individuals in April

Wood ant Active from 3rd March

Bumble bee First record 3rd March

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

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4.1.8 Plant Records 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Belfairs Nature Reserve and Belfairs Park The following first-flowering dates were noted: Celandine 2nd January Primrose 2nd January Coltsfoot 25th February Creeping buttercup 3rd March Wood anemone 14th March Barren strawberry 15th March Dog violet 30th March Greater stitchwort 5th April Bluebell 11th April

Noteworthy Records Bitter vetch in flower from 22nd April, 1 station

Goldilocks A single plant at its usual station, in flower from 27th April

Celery-leaved crowfoot Very common in the “new pond” area from 21st May

Common meadow buttercup Common this year on many rides and in Dodds Grove

Primrose 230+ clumps, April.

Honesty A single plant in compartment 21, 18th April.

Heath milkwort Very common,”meadow” area.

Charlock 20+ plants, various sites, probably spread by contractor's vehicles.

Scarlet pimpernel 2 records, Dodds Grove & compartment 19.

Agrimony Recorded in both the Nature Reserve & Belfairs Park.

Broad helleborine 138 spikes, including 71 in Belfairs Park, 51 in Poors Lane & 10 at the rear of the “new pond” in the Nature Reserve.

Hardheads 1 record, 22nd September.

Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve Mistletoe 2 new locations in compartment D.

Bithynian vetch In flower from 29th April and recorded in all 10 compartments.

Grass pea Abundant in 4 compartments.

Deptford pink 214 flowering heads 14th July.

Field scabious First flowers were noted on 11th June. Distribution is unchanged, though wider cutting of the roadside boundary affected plants.

Spiny restharrow Common this year, with a first record from compartment E.

Common centaury Compartment D, 14th July.

Edwards Hall Park Common centaury Great Brooklands & Pond fields, 7th July.

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

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4.1.9 Plant Records for Pond in Hadleigh Great Wood 2003 (Provided by South Essex Natural History Society)

Plants in the renovated pond were recorded on the following dates: 3rd January, 28th March, 23rd April, 2nd June, 15th July, 2nd October and 31st October 2003.

Hypericum pulchrum Slender St. John's-wort / Elegant St. John's Wort Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Leontodon autumnalis subsp. Autumn Hawkbit autumnalis Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass / Common Rye-grass Lotus pedunculatus Large Bird's-foot-trefoil Luzula pilosa Hairy Wood-rush Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed Mentha aquatica Water Mint Moehringia trinervia Three-nerved Sandwort Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue Plantago major Greater Plantain / Ratstail Plantain Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Polygonum aviculare Knot-grass Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry Primula vulgaris Primrose Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble / Blackberry Rumex sanguineus Wood Dock Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle / Common Sow-thistle Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort Aster aggregate Michaelmas Daisy aggregate Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort Stellaria media Common Chickweed Taraxacum aggregate Dandelion Urtica dioica Common Nettle / Stinging Nettle Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell / Common Speedwell Atriplex patula Common Orache Viola riviniana Common Dog-violet Callitriche stagnalis sens. lat. Common Water Starwort Carduus crispus Welted Thistle Carex pendula Pendulus Sedge / Drooping Sedge / Pendulous Sedge Pyracantha coccinea Firethorn Ajuga reptans Bugle

Barbara Williams, South Essex Natural History Society

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4.1.10 Southend-on-Sea Foreshore Local Nature Reserve - Bird Count 2003 (Provided by RSPB)

Low-Tide Count 14th March 2003

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2003 2002 2001 2000 5 Year Total Total Total Total Mean Cormorant 1 1 0 1 34 8 Grey heron 0 2 0 1 Brent goose 21 16 282 319 247 614 50 328 Shelduck 18 41 59 57 24 8 47 Teal 41 41 35 0 35 29 Mallard 27 27 9 2 0 10 Oyster-catcher 128 355 510 147 88 35 57 31 1351 1945 1812 2594 2148 Ringed plover 0 0 20 22 9 Golden plover 0 0 1240 413 Grey plover 3 58 55 88 7 211 558 698 1034 730 Lapwing 0 0 28 41 20 Knot 145 15 26 231 417 5090 2848 4212 3898 Sanderling 61 13 74 48 45 59 57 Dunlin 140 540 1710 540 110 149 3189 3136 4376 4091 3791 Bar-tailed godwit 6 45 40 91 759 981 1194 703 Black-tailed godwit 10 10 92 0 95 39 Snipe 0 0 0 1 0 Curlew 4 13 41 5 11 7 19 18 118 210 266 253 224 Redshank 18 11 22 13 65 28 88 122 367 324 1008 572 538 Turnstone 14 7 5 1 27 70 69 91 71 Rock pipit 0 1 1 Twite 0 6 3

Total Birds 375 1084 2346 225 800 205 546 721 6302 12582 14032 24811 13068 Number of Species 9 7 6 5 7 6 8 9 15 17 16 15

Birds and Species 723/8 3742/ 2805/ 1379/ 700/ 140/ 1829/ 1964/ in 2002 9 9 9 10 7 8 9

B Bold = Nationally Important Count bold = Internationally Important Count o l d

N.B. Gulls were not counted. 5 Year Mean = average of five counts 1999-2003

Chris Tyas

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Senior Warden - Old Hall Marshes Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

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4.1.11 Westcliff Ray - Common Seal Count 2003 (Provided by South Essex Action for Mammals)

The following daily counts of Common Seal were recorded at the Westcliff Ray colony:

September October 8th 8 23rd 17 9th 1 24th 0 10th 3 25th 13 11th 2 26th 2 12th 7 27th 0 13th 4 28th 0 14th 9 29th 5 15th 6 30th 7 th st 16 4 31 9 17th 8 18th 0 November 19th 0 1st 4 20th 1 2nd 9 21st 8 3rd 7 22nd 1 4th 7 23rd 0 5th 9 24th 6 6th 4 25th 5 7th 11 26th 3 8th 9 27th 9 9th 7 28th 4 10th 3 29th 9 11th 11 30th 0 12th 9 th 13 13 October 14th 6 1st 3 15th 3 2nd 15 16th 7 3rd 11 17th 10 4th 8 18th 0 5th 4 19th 8 6th 10 20th 2 7th 7 21st 2 8th 0 22nd 5 9th 15 23rd 3 10th 28 24th 8 11th 12 25th 0 12th 4 26th 9 13th 22 27th 0 14th 29 28th 5 15th 8 29th 6 16th 18 30th 1 17th 5 18th 4 19th 11 20th 11 21st 10 Mike O'Connor 22nd 5 South Essex Action for Mammals

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4.2 Biodiversity data recorded about specific species

4.2.1 Bird Highlights of 2003 (Provided by the Southend RSPB Local Group)

January The Pier, as ever at this time of year, started us off on a good footing with a Slavonian Grebe and a Glaucous Gull being spotted at Westcliff. The 11th of the month saw the return of the wonderful Waxwing with two birds returning to their favourite spot at Tesco in Pitsea, by the end of the month their numbers had risen to 28. ‘Rossi’ the Ring-billed Gull also returned to Westcliff for his seaside winter holiday as he has done over the past few years.

February The 15th saw a further two Slavonian Grebe off the sea wall at Gunners Park and the Pitsea Waxwing had increased to 35.

March Waxwings numbers had risen to 41 birds at Pitsea and a Bittern was seen flying across Wat Tyler leading to hopes of an over-wintering bird which must surely be on the cards. Also on the 6th of the month two White-fronted Geese were observed in the fields opposite Wat Tyler. The pier, though down on previous years, produced a Red-necked Grebe on the 9th. Highlight of the month saw 3 Common Cranes flying over Gunners Park. It was subsequently learnt that these birds had roosted on a field behind Little Wakering Church until the 17th but just as birdwatchers became aware of this they were scared off by the land-owner with a shotgun because he “didn’t want birdwatchers all over my land"!

April A Black Kite was certainly a major rarity as it was seen flying over Gunners Park on the 24th. Migration started off with the following first sighting dates:

Hobby Wakering Old Tip 24/04/03 Little Ringed Plover Barling Pits Curlew Sandpiper Two Tree Island 28/04/03 Whimbrel Barling 01/03/03 Spotted Redshank Hadleigh Downs 05/04/03 Sandwich Tern Westcliff Seafront 09/04/03 Common Tern Canvey Point 13/04/03 Turtle Dove Hadleigh Downs 26/04/03 Cuckoo Hadleigh Downs 15/04/03 Swift Two Tree Island 21/04/03 Sand Martin Wakering Old Tip 15/03/03 Swallow Wat Tyler CP 08/04/03 House Martin Wat Tyler CP 13/04/03 Yellow Wagtail Fleet Head 31/03/03 White Wagtail Gunners Park 15/03/03 Nightingale Benfleet 16/04/03 Black Redstart Gunners Park 15/04/03 Whinchat Fleet Head 21/04/03 Wheatear Fleet Head 09/03/03 Ring Ouzel Gunners Park 11/04/03 Garden Warbler Wat Tyler CP 17/04/03 Grasshopper Warbler Wakering Stairs (heard) 18/04/03 Sedge Warbler Two Tree Island 13/04/03 Reed Warbler Hadleigh Marshes 18/04/03 Lesser Whitethroat Gunners Park 22/04/03

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Common Whitethroat Two Tree Island 15/04/03 Willow Warbler Rochford Golf Course 29/03/03 Firecrest Gunners Park 16/04/03

May The 7th saw the very welcome return of the Grasshopper Warbler to Two tree Island (west) as 2 of these birds set up territories behind the model aeroplane field. The birds were enjoyed by a large number of birdwatchers as they became quite easy to see over the whole month and in to June. The 27th saw a Red Kite over Belfairs NR being mobbed by Crows.

June June was a very quite month and the only birds of note were our regular Spotted Flycatchers returning to one of Southend's most popular parks.

July The 1st of the month saw a new Essex record being set with a count of 65 Mediterranean Gulls being observed on the Pier. More evidence of migration could be seen in the form of an Osprey circling over Waitrose on Eastern Avenue heading East.

August Reverse migration was in evidence and saw a Pied Flycatcher in Gunners Park on the 7th. With a pair being seen on the 24th. A Curlew Sandpiper was in Benfleet Creek also on this day. Focus returned to Canvey Point for the annual seabird migration and a sighting of a Pomarine Skua along with Arctic Skuas on the 25th heralded the start of the regular seawatching. Regular sightings of Pomarine Skuas were to continue for the rest of the month. Without doubt the highlight of the month and indeed the year was a Red-necked Phalarope found by Steve Sanford at Paglesham Lagoon on the 31st. This bird stayed around and offered very good views to a large number of birdwatchers. The last record of this species in the area was in 1985.

September Carrying on with the migration theme a Common Redstart was seen in Gunners Park on the 3rd. along with a Garden warbler on the 7th. Back to Paglesham Lagoon and a Garganey was seen on the 6th. Spotted Flycatchers were in Gunners Park on their return leg to Africa. A singing Cetti’s Warbler was heard at Wat Tyler and these birds appear to have over-wintered with us. Further afield a Pectoral Sandpiper at Hanningfield Reservoir was a new tick for many people. There were a few reports of Honey Buzzard flyovers but nothing like the numbers of a few years ago.

October Just to complete the set a Grey Phalarope was on the Two Tree Island lagoon and stayed long enough for the local birdwatchers to get good views. Visible raptor migration could be seen at Wakering Stairs on the 11th with no less than 4 Hen Harrier and a Common Buzzard. Seawatchers at Canvey were rewarded with a Leach’s Petrel that appeared over a week along with Pomarine Skuas a Sooty Shearwater and a Sabine’s Gull. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in Gunners Park on the 16th along with Firecrest and a Wryneck a few weeks later. The emphasis was again on Two Tree Island on the 21st as a Dartford Warbler moved in to over- winter near the lagoon. A Ring Ouzel along with a few Twite were also seen briefly at this time.

November The Pier and Canvey were well watched producing Red-necked Grebe, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Pomarine Skuas and Leach’s Petrel. The regular Mandarin Ducks moved back in to Southchurch Hall Park for the winter. Highlight of the month was a Long-tailed Duck on the River Roach. The first over-wintering Waxwing was seen at Eastwood on the 23rd.

December

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Hadleigh downs held its usual Woodcock. While Hen Harriers made a welcome return to the Foulness areas.

All of these records are taken from our latest sightings pages on our web site. We are indebted to everyone who has made a report to us in the past year. It is only due to people like yourselves that we are able to compile detailed records such as these. Please keep your sightings and reports coming in, as they are very important to us.

Graham Mee Web Author Southend RSPB Local Group.

4.2.2 Deptford Pink Report 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

On 14th July 2003 214 flowering spikes of the deptford pink were recorded on the 'main' deptford pink patch on Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve.

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

4.2.3 White-letter hairstreak Report 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

During the weekly butterfly transect at Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve eight white-letter hairstreak butterflies were recorded on 24th June 2003 flying above elm scrub to the north of the path that runs through the middle of Compartment 'C'.

The butterfly lays its eggs on elm. A sufficiently large patch of elm scrub should be retained to safeguard this colony during any future scrub clearance on the nature reserve.

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

4.2.4 The Heath fritillary second flight 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

The Heath fritillary butterfly, re-introduced to Hadleigh Great Wood in 1997, had a good season with 150 individuals being recorded on 13th June 2003. The butterfly was on the wing between 30th May and 7th July and occurred widely at the west end of the SSSI.

There are a few records of a second flight occurring in the United Kingdom. However when they do occur numbers are generally low, as at Hockley Woods (Rochford District Council) in 1992 and 1997, though in 1999 large numbers were present with a peak of over 80 on 5th September.

At Hadleigh Great Wood individuals were reported in 2003 between 11th and 20th September. Undoubtedly the unusually hot and sunny weather had stimulated the emergence, though the drought conditions meant that few flowers were available for those individuals to nectar on.

Several other species of butterfly have benefited from the unusual summer conditions. Ringlet butterflies were recorded for the first time in the SSSI since the 1990's and a Wall butterfly on the 6th September was the first record since 1993. Painted lady and Red admiral butterflies have been common and there is a single record of Clouded yellow from Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve.

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

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4.2.5 Fox Records 2003 (Provided by South Essex Action for Mammals)

During 2003 South Essex Action for Mammals (SEAM) received a number of records of foxes from local residents in Southend-on-Sea. In total 43 records were collected and are shown below:

Fox records for 2003

Mike O'Connor South Essex Action for Mammals

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4.2.6 The Heath fritillary Butterfly in Hadleigh Great Wood 2003 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

1. The butterfly was recorded between 30th May (South Essex Natural History Society) and 7th July. Numbers peaked earlier this year, on 13th June (2001 - 24th June 2002 - 24th June). The highest day count, 150 on 13th June, was slightly lower than last year (2002 - 160). Butterflies were recorded widely at the west end of the SSSI with good colonisation of Compartment 8 and its associated rides 8/13, 8/15 and 8/9. Small numbers of the butterfly continue to be recorded on ride 2/Poors Lane (9th-23rd June, maximum 5 on 15th June) and ride 6/12 (9th-24th June, maximum 4 on 15th and 21st June), though both Compartments 2 and 6 are now under dense young coppice.

2. (a) Release Area 3 and Ride 2/7

The butterfly was recorded between 2nd June and 7th July, with a peak of 59 on 15th June (2002 peak - 35 on 26th June). The area was not cut in autumn 2002.

(b) Release Area 4 and Ride 1/6

The butterfly was recorded between 2nd and 29th June, with a peak of 33 on 13th June (2002 peak - 48 on 22nd June). The area was cut in autumn 2002, with a pedestrian-operated Alleyn Scythe and the arisings removed.

(c) Dodds Grove Glade

The butterfly was recorded between 30th May and 3rd July with a peak of 30 on 13th June and 45 on 23rd June (SENHS count). The 2002 peak was 52 on 24th June. The area is maintained by members of the South Essex Natural History Society. Some scrub and ground vegetation was cleared in autumn/winter 2002.

(d) Dodds Grove Ride

The butterfly was recorded between 6th and 25th June, with a peak of 20 on 13th June (2002 peak - 29 on 21st June). Stumps were removed from this ride in autumn 2002, with consequent surface disruption.

(e) Compartment 8 and its associated rides 8/13, 8/15 & 8/9

The compartment was coppiced during winter 2000 (1 acre) and winter 2001 (4 acres). The butterfly was first recorded on ride 8/13 in 2001, with a maximum of 7 on 3rd July. In 2002, records came from Compartment 8 and its associated rides, with a maximum of 16 on 24th June. In 2003, the species was recorded between 7th and 25th June, with a peak of 21 on 16th June.

Stumps were removed from ride edges during autumn 2002, with consequent surface disruption. Areas of dense ground vegetation along ride 8/9 were cut and cleared with the pedestrian- operated scythe in autumn 2002.

3. Cow-wheat (Melamyyrum pratense) was late to develop in 2003 and remained scarce in some parts of release area 4 and Dodds Grove glade.

4. There were no reports this year of butterflies with damaged or worn wings, as noted last year.

5. It is interesting that the butterfly increased on the uncut release area 3, but declined slightly on other managed areas this year. Following the most useful meeting with other fritillary workers on site on 19th June and the general discussion on management issues, it is proposed to alter the future management programme for the butterfly as follows:

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(a) Release Area 3 and Ride 2/7

The whole area will be cut with the tractor-mounted Rytec harvester this autumn and the arisings removed. From 2004 it is proposed to cut half the area each autumn, to form a mosaic of cut and uncut areas which will be rotated in future years. Thinning of coppice stools on the “meadow” area will be undertaken and overhang from Compartment 2 will be cut back.

(b) Release Area 4 and Ride 1/6

The area will be cut with the pedestrian-operated scythe and the arisings removed. Coppice growth on the south side of ride 1/6 will be cut back 1 stool depth at its junction with ride 6/7 to allow light back along this section of ride and maintain the connection with release area 3. Thinning of coppice re-growth (1 stool depth) to the west of release area 4 will be undertaken to maintain high levels in the area, and thinning of coppice stools within the release area will be carried out.

(c) Dodds Grove (Centre) Ride

It is proposed to cut areas A, B & C this autumn with the tractor-mounted Rytec harvester and create a mosaic of cut and uncut areas. Thinning of coppice stools along the ride will be carried out. Areas D, E & F will be cut in autumn 2004 and the areas then rotated annually. Mature trees at ride edge have been marked to ensure continuity.

(d) Dodds Grove Glade

Members of the South Essex Natural History Society will undertake thinning of coppice re- growth and clearance of dense ground vegetation. Assistance will be provided by Southend on Sea Borough Council as requested.

(e) Compartment 8 and Rides 8/13, 8/15 & 8/9

Rides 8/13 and 8/15 will be cut on one side this autumn, with the tractor-mounted Rytec harvester and the arisings removed. Ground vegetation on ride 8/9 will be cut with the pedestrian-operated scythe. A small area of coppice regrowth on the south west corner of the adjacent Compartment 9 will be cut, to encourage movement of butterflies to ride 9/16.

(f) Ride 2/Poors Lane

This ride will not be cut in autumn 2003.

(g) Ride 6/12

This ride will be cut on both sides with the tractor-mounted Rytec harvester this autumn, and the arisings removed. If a fritillary population persists in the area it is proposed to cut on alternate sides from 2004. There is potential to develop a large glade on the south side of ride 6/12 and this will be investigated.

6. Compartment 14 (2.5 acres) is scheduled to be coppiced this autumn and will provide new habitat for fritillary occupation, from Compartment 8 and its associated rides.

7. For the first time at Great Wood SSSI during this re-introduction, the butterfly was seen as a second brood between 11th- 20th September, with single individuals on ride 8/13 and release area 3.

Tony Mead Woodlands Officer

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4.2.7 The Heath fritillary in Hadleigh Great Wood & Dodds Grove 1997 - 2002 (Provided by the Environmental Officer and Woodland Officer)

The following data, which provides information about the release and annual count figures of the heath fritillary between 1997 to 2002, was provided as a report to attendees of the Heath fritillary meeting on 19th June 2003

1997 On the 10th June 1997 20 female and 17 male heath fritillary butterflies were released between 13.30 and 14.00 at four sites in Hadleigh Great Wood & Dodds Grove.

The butterflies were released by Mr E. Steer, English Nature, with the assistance of Mr. K. Ulrich, Essex Wildlife Trust, having been provided from Hockley Woods, near Rochford, Essex.

Release areas:

Site 1

4 males and 4 females were released in a glade measuring approx. 50 x 20 metres, to the north of the ride. The coppice in the compartment to the south is 10 years old. The glade is generally a rather wet area, with Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre), Rosebay (Epilobium angustifolium), Marsh Birds Foot (Lotus uliginosus), Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and Common Rush (Juncus subuliflorus). Common cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense) grows in quantity along the ride running east and west of the glade.

The released butterflies were present in the glade to the 20th June, and pairing was noted on one occasion.

Site 2

3 females and 2 males were released in a glade area approx. 35 x 25 metres, on the north side of the ride, some 160 m west of Site I. The compartment to the south is 8 year old coppice with standards. The site is an open grassy area with large bramble bushes (Rubus sp.), Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), and large areas of Cow-wheat along the ride edges.

Unfortunately, no released butterflies were seen at the site after the release date.

Site 3

11 females and 10 males were released in a wide east-west ride, some 250 metres west of Site II, the sides of which are mown in alternate years. The compartment to the north of the ride was coppiced in the winter of 1996/97, and should provide excellent habitat as the ground cover develops. The compartment to the south comprises 17 year old coppice and is due for felling in winter 2000/01. The site contains abundant Cow-wheat, Bramble and many species of flowering plants and grasses.

Various butterflies were seen in the area to 17th June and pairing was noted. On the 15th June, 2 individuals were noted along the main ride in Dodds Grove, just north of the release site.

Site 4

2 females and 1 male were released in a glade area approx. 30 x 30 metres, located within a coppice with standards compartment of 3 year's re-growth. The compartment due south of the release area comprises 20 year old coppice with Oak standards, and is due to be felled in winter 1997/98. The site contains abundant Cow-wheat, Bramble and other flowering plants.

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During the course of the release, an additional male butterfly was noted, presumed to have flown to the area from Site III. Various individuals were noted until 24th June 1997.

1998 30th May (2) 2 males in Release Area 3

8th June (1) 1 male in Release Area 4

16th June (10 reported by Ken Ulrich as follows:) 3 in Release Area 3 2 in Release Area 4 5 in glade in Dodds Grove

17th June (4) 2 in Release Area 3 1 in Release Area 4 1 in glade in Dodds Grove

19th June (1) 1 in Release Area 3

20th June (21 reported as follows:) 4 in Release Area 3 4 on path parallel to Poors Lane, north of Release Area 3 3 on Poors Lane 9 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 along ride between compartment 1 & 6

22nd June (22 reported as follows:) 2 in Release Area 1 6 in Release Area 3 2 along Poors Lane 7 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 [female] in central ride in Dodds Grove 4 in Release Area 4

24th June (20 reported as follows:) 1 in Release Area 1 10 in Release Area 3 6 in glade in Dodds Grove 2 in Release Area 4 1 along ride between compartments 6 & 7

30th June (9 reported as follows:) 3 in Release Area 3 4 in glade Dodds Grove 2 in Release Area 4

Observations by Woodland Officer:

Butterflies were only noted on the wing in full sun conditions. On very sunny days there was movement of individuals from Release Area 3 across Poors Lane into Dodds Grove and vice versa. One individual was noted on fresh horse dung along Poors Lane. One individual was seen taken by a Jay (Garrulus glandarius) in Release Area 3. One individual was released from a spider's web in Dodds Grove glade. Mating was noted in Release Area 3 and Dodds Grove glade.

1999 1st June (2) 1 in Release Area 3

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1 in glade in Dodds Grove

5th June (11) 10 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 in Release Area 4

6th June (8) 7 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 in Release Area 4

9th June (7) 7 in glade in Dodds Grove

14th June (20) 4 in Release Area 3 3 in Dodds Grove ride 10 in glade in Dodds Grove 3 in Release Area 4

16th June (25) 8 in Release Area 3 1 along Poors Lane path 12 in glade in Dodds Grove 2 in Dodds Grove ride 2 in Release Area 4

17th June (35) 3 in Release Area 3 25 in glade in Dodds Grove 3 along Dodds Grove ride 4 in Release Area 4

18th June (24) 7 in Release Area 3 7 in glade in Dodds Grove 2 in Release Area 4 8 in compartment 6

19th June (23) 12 in Release Area 3 7 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 along Dodds Grove ride 2 in Release Area 4 [1 noted flying from Release Area 3 into compartment 6]

20th June (14) 4 in Release Area 3 10 in glade in Dodds Grove

23rd June (17) 6 in Release Area 3 2 along Poors Lane path 5 in glade in Dodds Grove 2 along Dodds Grove ride 2 in compartment 6

25th June (8) 2 in Release Area 3 4 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 along Dodds Grove ride 1 in Release Area 4

28th June (2) 1 in Release Area 3 1 in glade in Dodds Grove

2000 31st May (2) 2 in glade in Dodds Grove (SENHS)

4th June (1) 1 in glade in Dodds Grove 42

6th June (1) 1 in glade in Dodds Grove

8th June (3) 2 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 in Release Area 4

10th June (4) 2 in glade in Dodds Grove 2 in Release Area 4

11th June (8) 6 in glade in Dodds Grove (SENHS) 2 in Release Area 4

12th June (13) 1 in Release Area 3 1 in Poors Lane ride 5 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 along ride in Dodds Grove 5 in Release Area 4

13th June (4) 4 in Release Area 4

14th June (18) 3 in Release Area 3 10 in glade in Dodds Grove 5 in Release Area 4

15th June (35) 3 in Release Area 3 26 in glade in Dodds Grove 6 in Release Area 4

17th June (45) 8 in Release Area 3 5 in Poors Lane ride 30 in glade in Dodds Grove 2 along ride in Dodds Grove

18th June (77) 9 in Release Area 3 2 in Poors Lane ride 40 in glade in Dodds Grove 3 along ride in Dodds Grove 1 in ride at the junction of compartments 1, 2 and 6 22 in Release Area 4 and ride between compartments 1 and 6

19th June (1) 1 in ride between compartments 14 and 15 (SENHS)

20th June (49) 48 in glade in Dodds Grove (SENHS) 1 in ride between compartments 15 and 16 (SENHS)

24th June (42) 7 in Release Area 3 1 in Poors Lane ride 19 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 along ride in Dodds Grove 14 in Release Area 4 and ride between compartments 1 and 6

26th June (24) 2 in Release Area 3 14 in glade in Dodds Grove 1 along ride in Dodds Grove 7 in Release Area 4 and ride between compartments 1 and 6

27th June (27) 4 in Release Area 3 14 in glade in Dodds Grove

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2 along ride in Dodds Grove 7 in Release Area 4 and ride between compartments 1 and 6

28th June (8 taken alive by Dr Domino Joyce as follows:) 2 from glade in Dodds Grove 1 from ride in Dodds Grove 5 from Release Area 4

2nd July (14) 6 in Release Area 3 5 in glade in Dodds Grove 2 along ride in Dodds Grove 1 in Release Area 4

3rd July (4) 2 in Release Area 3 1 in Release Area 4

6th July (2) 2 in glade in Dodds Grove

Count numbers followed by "SENHS" indicates individuals recorded by the South Essex Natural History Society.

2001 5th June (3) 2 in Release Area 3 1 in Dodds Grove glade

7th June (2) 2 in Release Area 3

9th June (4) 1 in Release Area 3 3 in Release Area 4

10th June (4) 4 in Release Area 4

11th June (15) 1 in Release Area 3 3 in Release Area 4 7 in Dodds Grove glade 3 in Dodds grove ride 1 in north end of ride 8/9

12th June (18) 2 in Release Area 3 6 in Release Area 4 10 in Dodds Grove glade

13th June (37) 6 in Release Area 3 9 in Release area 4 16 in Dodds Grove glade 5 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in west end of ride 6/12

18th June (50) 16 in Release Area 4 30 in Dodds Grove glade 2 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in ride 2/Poors Lane 1 in ride 6/12

19th June (88) 8 in Release Area 3 29 in Release Area 4 34 in Dodds Grove glade 7 in Dodds Grove ride 44

6 in ride 2/Poors Lane 2 in ride 6/12 2 in ride 8/13

20th June (99) 1 in Release Area 1 10 in Release Area 3 29 in Release Area 4 43 in Dodds Grove glade 7 in Dodds Grove ride 6 in ride 2/Poors Lane 3 in ride 6/12 2 in ride 8/13 1 in compartment 13

22nd June (118) 1 in ride 8/9 16 in Release Area 3 35 in Release Area 4 47 in Dodds Grove glade 9 in Dodds Grove ride 7 in ride 2/Poors Lane 1 in ride 1/2 1 in ride 6/12 1 in ride 8/13

24th June (140) 1 in ride 19, Hardwood Nursery 1 in ride 16/20 1 in ride 19/20 3 in ride 8/9 12 in Release Area 3 40 in Release Area 4 51 in Dodds Grove glade 9 in Dodds Grove ride 12 in ride 2/Poors Lane 2 in ride 1/Poors Lane 1 in ride 6/12 5 in ride 8/13 2 in ride 15/14

25th June (125) 2 in Ride 8/9 13 in Release Area 3 29 in Release Area 4 55 in Dodds Grove glade 12 in Dodds Grove ride 7 in ride 2/Poors Lane 1 in ride 6/7 1 in ride 6/12 1 in compartment 13 3 in ride 8/13 1 in ride 14/15

26th June (105) 4 in ride 8/9 12 in Release Area 3 33 in Release Area 4 39 in Dodds Grove glade 5 in Dodds Grove ride

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9 in ride 2/Poors Lane 2 in ride 13/8 1 in ride 14/15

3rd July (60) 3 in ride 8/9 1 in ride16/20 1 in ride 4/8 8 in Release Area 3 13 in Release Area 4 14 in Dodds Grove glade 5 in Dodds Grove ride 5 in ride 2/Poors Lane 1 in ride 6/7 1 in ride 6/12 7 in ride 13/8 1 in ride 14/15

4th July (26) 1 in ride 8/9 5 in Release Area 3 4 in Release Area 4 8 in Dodds Grove glade 2 in Dodds Grove ride 3 in ride 2/Poors Lane 3 in ride 13/8

6th July (9) 1 in ride 8/9 3 in Release Area 3 2 in Release Area 4 1 in Dodds Grove glade 1 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in ride 2/Poors lane

9th July (3) 2 in Dodds Grove glade 1 in ride 13/8

10th July (1) 1 in Dodds Grove glade

Observations by Woodland Officer:

20 individuals were retained by Dr D. Joyce on 26th June 2001, in order to examine their DNA.

1 individual with a deformed upper right wing was seen on the 20th June 2001. It was mobile. Also 1 individual with a deformed upper right wing was found dead during Dr. D. Joyce's visit and retained.

2002 1st June (3) 1 in Release Area 3 1 in Dodds Grove glade 1 in Release Area 4

2nd June (10) 2 in Release Area 3 1 in Dodds Grove glade 3 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in ride 2/Poors Lane 3 in Release Area 4

8th June (47) 8 in Release Area 3 46

12 in Dodds Grove glade 5 in Dodds Grove ride 2 in ride 2/Poors Lane 20 in Release Area 4

10th June (33) 13 in Dodds Grove glade 2 in Dodds Grove ride 17 in Release Area 4 1 in ride 8/13

11th June (23) 9 in Release Area 3 3 in Dodds Grove ride 11 in Release Area 4

12th June (13) 5 in Dodds Grove glade 1 in Dodds Grove ride 7 in Release Area 4

15th June (41) 3 in Release Area 3 16 in Dodds Grove glade 8 in Dodds Grove ride 6 in ride 2/Poors Lane 8 in Release Area 4

17th June (103) 18 in Release Area 3 34 in Dodds Grove glade 18 in Dodds Grove ride 7 in ride 2/Poors Lane 16 in Release Area 4 2 in ride 8/13 1 in ride 8/15 6 in ride 8/9 1 in compartment 8

18th June (121) 15 in Release Area 3 47 in Dodds Grove glade 16 in Dodds Grove ride 12 in ride2/Poors Lane 20 in Release Area 4 2 in ride 8/13 8 in ride 8/9 1 in ride 9/16

20th June (142) 20 in Release Area 3 47 in Dodds Grove glade 22 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in ride 1/2 11 in ride 2/Poors Lane 28 in Release Area 4 1 in ride 8/13 8 in ride 8/9 4 in compartment 8

21st June (153) 20 in Release Area 3 39 in Dodds Grove glade 29 in Dodds Grove ride

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12 in ride 2/Poors Lane 37 in Release Area 4 1 in ride 6/12 1 in ride 8/13 11 in ride 8/9 2 in compartment 13 1 in ride 16/20

22nd June (49) 48 in Release Area 4 1 in ride 6/12

24th June (159) 1 in Release Area 1 22 in Release Area 3 52 in Dodds Grove glade 18 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in ride 1/2 12 in ride 2/Poors Lane 32 in Release Area 4 3 in ride 6/12 8 in ride 8/13 8 in ride 8/9 2 in compartment 13

26th June (134) 35 in Release Area 3 26 in Dodds Grove glade 24 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in ride 1/2 12 in ride 2/Poors Lane 19 in Release Area 4 2 in ride 6/12 4 in ride 8/13 6 in ride 8/9 3 in compartment 13 1 in ride 9/16 1 in ride 14/15

30th June (28) 1 in Release Area 3 7 in Dodds Grove glade 7 in Dodds Grove ride 6 in ride 2/Poors Lane 6 in Release Area 4 1 in ride 8/9

1st July (4) 1 in Dodds Grove glade 1 in Dodds Grove ride 2 in Release Area 4

2nd July (3) 1 in Dodds Grove ride 2 in Release Area 4

4th July (29) 5 in Release Area 3 8 in Dodds Grove glade 5 in Dodds Grove ride 2 in ride 2/Poors Lane 9 in Release Area 4

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6th July (7) 4 in Dodds Grove glade 1 in Dodds Grove ride 2 in Release Area 4

8th July (3) 1 in Dodds Grove glade 2 in Release Area 4

9th July (1) 1 in Release Area 4

10th July (2) 1 in Dodds Grove ride 1 in Release Area 4

Environmental Officer and Woodlands Officer All count data has been provided by Woodlands Officer unless otherwise indicated June 2003

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4.3 Other unusual data recorded during 2003 (Provided by Local Biological Records Centre)

27th April and 26th June 2003 Visits were made to Shoebury Ranges SSSI & LNR with Dr Howard Mendel of the Natural History Museum and also, on the latter date, Ian Middlebrook of English Nature's Species Recovery Programme to search for various stages of a rare Click beetle (Family Elateridae), Melanotus punctolineatus. This is a Red Data Book 1 (Endangered) species and also an UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. On both occasions many larvae in various stages of development were found as well as the remains of a dead adult. As yet, no living adults have been found. This beetle was last taken in the Southend area in 1860. It survives only in a very small part of the nature reserve near the Coastguard Station but is much commoner here than at its other site in Kent. Its only other site in Britain is a narrow belt of dunes on the Kent coast near Sandwich.

20th June 2003 Although not in Southend Borough, one of the highlights of the year was the rediscovery of a very rare hoverfly in South-east Essex. This was the large black and yellow, wasp like, Doros profuges, a Red Data Book 2 (Vulnerable) species. A specimen was found flying in Pitsea, on the slopes of the mound near the ruined St. Michael's church. It was formerly known from the eastern part of Hadleigh Downs, but has not been seen since the early 1970's.

1st September 2003 A specimen of the Nationally Scarce (Notable B) spider Trachyzelotes (Zelotes) pedestris was found in Manchester Drive Allotments in Leigh. This spider is confined to southern Britain, south of a line from Norfolk to Herefordshire. In Essex it is found on dry south-facing grassy slopes.

6th September 2003 A specimen of a large dung beetle with 3 horns known as the Minotaur beetle, Typhaeus typhoeus was found crawling on a path crossing the Country Park side of Two Tree Island. Although there are a few records for North Essex, records for South-east Essex are virtually non-existent.

24th September 2003 A specimen of the Cellar Spider, Nesticus cellulanus was found in the land-slip area of Southend Cliffs. It was right at the edge of a deep fissure in the London Clay. This is a very local spider (only 133 10 sq. Km. Squares since 1980) nationally with most records in the north of the country. In Essex, it is known from only one other record, inside a hollow tree stump in Thorndon Park (1980's). It lives in permanently dark, damp habitats such as mines, caves, cellars, culverts, and hollow trees and amongst boulders.

Roger Payne Southend Central Museum

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Section 5 Contact details

For information about the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and current biodiversity initiatives contact: Paul Terry, Environmental Officer, Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services Department, 4th Floor, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6ER Tel: (01702) 215602 E-mail: [email protected]

Other contacts:

° Essex Biodiversity Partnership Biodiversity Co-ordinator: Claire Cadman C/o Joan Elliot Visitor Centre, Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough, Colchester, Essex C05 7RZ Tel: 01621 862981

° Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group (EARG) EARG Chair: Ray Cranfield, 47 Wedgwood Way, Ashingdon, Essex SS4 3AS E-mail: [email protected]

° Parks Ranger Service Environmental Education Programme: Paul Jenkinson Tel: (01702) 215743 E-mail: [email protected]

° South East Essex Conservation Volunteers Conservation Working Parties: Tel: (01702) 258492 or 01268 780585 for more information

° South Essex Action for Mammals (SEAM) Mike O'Connor, 3 Priorywood Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 4BU Tel: 07803 700064

° Southend Museum Service/Local Biological Records Centre Roger Payne, Tel: (01702) 434449

° South Essex Natural History Society Chairman: Pat Wortley, Tel: (01702) 588115 Secretary: Beryl Murfin, Tel: 01268 784133 Hadleigh Great Wood Conservation Working Parties: Tel: (01702) 558558 or 01268 792251 for more information

° Southend & Rochford Local Group - Essex Wildlife Trust Vice Chairman: Julian Kaye, 'Charnwood', Anchor Lane, Canewdon, Essex SS4 3BP E-mail: [email protected] Two Tree Island Conservation Working Parties: Mark Bridges, Warden - Two Tree Island, Tel: (01702) 557971 (after 5.00pm) for more information

° Southend RSPB Local Group (contact details from September 1st 2004) Chairman: Graham Mee, Tel: (01702) 297554 E-mail: [email protected] Conservation Officer: Yasmine Hamid, Tel: (01702) 346932 E-mail: [email protected]

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