Southend's Local Biodiversity Action Plan Annual Report for 2005

Prepared by the Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services Department of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Annual Report for 2005 - Contents Section Page

1. Southend's Local Biodiversity Action Plan 3

2. Meeting the Local Biodiversity Action Plan in 2005 4 2.1 Habitat Action Plans - Aquatic 4 2.2 Habitat Action Plans - Terrestrial 7 2.3 Habitat Action Plans - Urban 11 2.4 Species Action Plans - Birds 14 2.5 Species Action Plans - Invertebrates 16 2.6 Species Action Plans - Mammals 18 2.7 Species Action Plans - Other Vertebrates 20 2.8 Species Action Plans - Plants and Trees 22

3. Other Biodiversity Actions during 2005 23 3.1 Conservation Working Parties in 2005 23 3.2 Walks and other Events in 2005 24 3.3 Educational Activities 26 3.4 Other items of note in 2005 27

4. Biodiversity data recorded during 2005 28 4.1 Biodiversity data recorded on specific sites 28 4.1.1 Bird Report 2005 28 4.1.2 Breeding Bird Survey at Priory Park 2005 30 4.1.3 Bund Bird Report 2005 33 4.1.4 Butterfly Census 2005 34 4.1.5 Butterfly Records 2001 - 2005 39 4.1.6 Butterfly Recording at Belfairs Nature Reserve 42 4.1.7 Other biodiversity notes for 2005 43 4.1.8 Plant Records 2005 44 4.1.9 Shoeburyness Old Ranges SSSI – Plant Survey 2005 46 4.1.10 Shoeburyness Old Ranges SSSI – Survey 2005 49 4.1.11 Southend Foreshore Local Nature Reserve - Bird Count 2004 50

4.2 Biodiversity data recorded about specific species 51 4.2.1 Dormouse Project - Monitoring Results 2005 51 4.2.2 Essex Wildlife Trust Garden Survey Results for 2004 59 4.2.3 First Summer Migrants Report 2005 64 4.2.4 Heath fritillary Butterfly in Hadleigh Great Wood 2005 65 4.2.5 Heath fritillary Daily Count for 2005 66 4.2.6 Heath fritillary in Dodds Grove Glade 2005 70 4.2.7 Little Egret Count 2005 71 4.2.8 Selected Winter Migration Reports 2005 72

4.3 Other unusual data recorded during 2005 73

5. Contact details 75

Cover photographs: Bee Orchid, Two Tree Island Nature Reserve, Mark Bridges – Essex Wildlife Trust Voluntary Warden. Viviparous Lizard, Belfairs Park, Jon Cranfield - Essex Amphibian & Reptile Group.

2 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 Janeiro 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 organisation’s, 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 2003 a number of copies of the Action Plan were printed and distributed to our local partners and provided to library branches, Southend Central Museum and Leigh-on-Sea Town Council. The Local Biodiversity Action Plan has also been placed on Southend Borough Council's web site, where it can be viewed at: www.southend.gov.uk/content.asp?section=343&content=1786

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 2005. Biodiversity activities and any biodiversity data collected in 2005 are also included. Contact details for both Southend Borough Council and our partners can be found in Section 5.

Previous Reports for 2003 & 2004 can be found on Southend Borough Councils web site.

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.

3 Section 2 Meeting the Local Biodiversity Action Plan in 2005 The following list identifies those objectives and targets that were met during 2005. 2.1 Habitat Action Plans - Aquatic Brackish Lagoons Objective 8.1 Protection of this habitat Target 8.1.3 Consider the creation of new coastal lagoons when appropriate opportunities arise

Action: In agreement with Southend Borough Council a new 2.4 hectare (5.9 acre) lake was created by GladeDale Homes Ltd in the summer of 2005 as part of the flood defence works related to the development on Shoebury Barracks and Gunners Park. Whilst primarily a flood defence measure the newly created area is slightly saline and will become an important habitat in its own right. Please note that this is also mentioned in the Ponds and Lakes Action Plan and the Reedbed and Marsh Action Plan

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: Unfortunately Chris Tyas from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was unable to undertake the annual bird count on Southend Foreshore Local Nature Reserve during January 2005. For information we have reproduced the last count in 2004 [see 4.1.11, page 50].

Objective 8.3 Raise Awareness. Target 8.3.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report. Target 8.3.4 Encourage a greater understanding of the biodiversity found or dependant on the mudflats at Southend-on-Sea. Target 8.3.8 Investigate the potential for updating and producing a new Southend-on-Sea Foreshore leaflet.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004. Roger Payne from the Southend Museum Service led a marine life guided walk on the foreshore at Shoebury East beach for South Essex Natural History Society on 7th July 2005. Local naturalist Jim Bishop led a walk on Shoebury beach on 7th August 2005 that looked at plants and insects left above the strand line on the beach for the South Essex Natural History Society. An Annual Brent Goose Watch took part on Two Tree Island on the 16th October 2005, organised by the Southend & Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust with the support of the South East Essex RSPB Local Group, it attracted 40+ attendees. The regional RSPB, supported by the South East Essex Local Group of the RSPB, had a 'Brent Goose Watch' on Victoria Wharf, Leigh-on-Sea, between 1st & 16th October 2005 [1,500+ attendees]. The regional RSPB, supported by the South East Essex Local Group of the RSPB, had a 'Black-tailed Godwits Watch’ on Two Tree Island between 1st & 11th September 2005 [200+ attendees]. Three additional Foreshore Local Nature Reserve interpretation boards – providing information on birds using the foreshore and its marine life - were installed along the seafront in March/April 2005. The Southend Foreshore Local Nature Reserve leaflet was reprinted with modifications in 2004 through a grant from the Cory Environmental Trust in Southend-on-Sea.

Ponds and Lakes Objective 8.2 Improvement of this habitat in Southend-on-Sea

4 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: Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust organised a working party to clear debris and reeds from the centre of a channel on Two Tree Island Nature Reserve on 11th September & 13th November 2005 to allow sufficient water depth to encourage water voles. In September 2005 contractors working for Southend Borough Council renovated part of the pond at Maplin Way Open Space, using a £4,950 grant secured from the Cory Environmental Trust in Southend-on-Sea. The pond has a population of scarce emerald damselfly (Lestes dryas), a nationally rare invertebrate that is only found on around seven sites in Essex. In Southend, it has been recorded at Two Tree Island, Shoebury Barracks and the pond at Maplin Way.

Target 8.2.4 Create appropriate habitats associated with ponds and lakes, for example Reedbeds, where opportunities arise. Objective 8.3 The increase of this habitat in Southend-on-Sea Target 8.3.1 Promote, if appropriate and practicable, the inclusion of ponds and lakes in future landscape or development plans and proposals. Target 8.3.2 Encourage, where appropriate and practicable, the creation of aquatic and wetland communities, including new ponds, on land of otherwise low conservation importance.

Action: In agreement with Southend Borough Council a new 2.4 hectare (5.9 acre) lake was created by GladeDale Homes Ltd in the summer of 2005 as part of the flood defence works related to the development on Shoebury Barracks and Gunners Park. Whilst primarily a flood defence measure the newly created area is slightly saline and will become an important habitat in its own right as it becomes colonised by reeds and rushes. The area that the wetland now occupies was formerly rough grassland with a number of ditches crossing it. This grassland habitat is widespread at the site. Please note that this is also mentioned in the Saline Lagoon Action Plan and the Reedbed and Marsh Action Plan.

Objective 8.5 Raise Awareness. Target 8.5.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

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

Action: Residents in Southend took part in the 'Newts in your Neighbourhood' project in 2005, which is organised by the Essex Biodiversity Project across Essex. Essex Wildlife Trust encouraged members in Southend to undertake a Garden Wildlife Survey in 2004 and the results published in 2005 [see 4.2.2, page 63]. In total 110 people took part and provided information about wildlife in their gardens including data about amphibians found there.

Reedbed and Marsh Objective 8.2 Increase the extent of Reedbed habitat, when and if appropriate. Target 8.2.1 Identify opportunities for Reedbed creation within existing and future landscape or development plans and proposals in order to meet national objectives. Target 8.2.2 Identify sites with the potential for reedbed enlargement or establishment.

5 in its own right as it becomes colonised by reeds and rushes. Please note that this is also mentioned in the Saline Lagoon Action Plan and the Ponds and Lakes Action Plan.

Rivers, Streams and Drainage ditches Objective 8.2 Increase the current extent and quality of this habitat. Target 8.2.2 Seek, where appropriate and practicable, the enhancement of this habitat when future landscape and development plans and proposals are adjacent to watercourses.

Action: In agreement with Southend Borough Council a number of new ditches have been created by GladeDale Homes Ltd during the summer of 2005 as part of the flood defence works related to the development on Shoebury Barracks and Gunners Park. Whilst primarily a flood defence measure the newly created ditches have been rapidly colonised by native vegetation and will become extensive wetland habitat in their own right.

Saltmarsh Objective 8.2 Monitoring and surveying of this habitat Target 8.2.1 Encourage the surveying of biodiversity associated with this habitat, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and any national database that may be established. Target 8.2.2 Work with local and regional individuals, organisations, statutory bodies and other partners in order to encourage regular monitoring of the extent and quality of this habitat.

Action: The Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust have agreed to ‘champion’ the Councils Saltmarsh Action Plan. Since 2004 they have arranged to monitor the saltmarsh flora and they undertook two monitoring visits to the saltmarsh adjacent to Two Tree Island in May & September 2005.

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 an annual working party on saltmarsh adjacent Two Tree Island on 17th July & 14th August 2005 with the help of the Epping Forest Conservation Volunteers. Work involves bundles of brush and brushwood faggots (prepared the local work parties on 8th May & 10th July 2005) being positioned across channels to slow the strength of currents, stabilise the saltmarsh, reduce the erosion and increase the deposition of silt.

Objective 8.4 Raise Awareness. Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004

Target 8.4.3 Seek and work with local and regional partners in order to help to deliver the targets of this Action Plan.

Action: During 2004 Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust agreed to oversee and 'champion' the saltmarsh action plan. The group will continue to increase its involvement in the action plan as opportunities arise.

Seagrass Beds No specific action during 2005

6 2.2 Habitat Action Plans - Terrestrial Ancient and Veteran Trees No specific action during 2005. Arable Land and Field Margins No specific action during 2005. Hedgerows Target 3.3.4 Investigate the potential for creating new species-rich hedgerows on private land, including gardens, through a donated 'whip' scheme.

Action: A funding application in 2004 for a free 'donated' whip scheme was not successful; however, the Leisure Services department established a 'whips for wildlife' project themselves in 2004. Residents were able to purchase a set of three whips (one each of wild privet, hawthorn and hazel) to plant in their own gardens. In all 61 sets – 183 whips – were provided to residents in early 2005. Additionally, a small number were sold at the Parks Central Nursery open weekend on 23rd & 24th April 2005.

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

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 to waste by contractor between 22nd July and 5th August 2005 and field edges were flailed by contractor on 26th August 2005. Grassland areas on Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve (LNR) were cut, using a pedestrian power scythe, by the in-house Direct Services Organisation in September/October 2005 to prevent scrub colonisation. The arisings generated from the cut were collected by a local organisation called Trust Links who used volunteers to undertake the clearance. Alexanders were removed by machine in week beginning 16th May 2005 to control this invasive plant on Belton Hills LNR. Volunteers removed Alexanders on 15th May 2005 and the Woodland Officer and Environmental Officer also removed plants on several occasions in late May 2005.

Target 8.3.2 Draft individual management plans, when appropriate and practicable, for each noteable unimproved grassland site or other grassland that contains national target species.

Action: Work on the revised Management Plan for Edwards Hall Park continued in 2005, however, the public consultation has not yet started.

Objective 8.5 Raise awareness Target 8.5.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Target 8.5.4 Encourage the recording of plant and animal species occurring on this habitat, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and to any national database that may be established.

7 Action: Woodland Officer completed butterfly, bird and plant surveys in 2005 [see 4.1.1, 4.1.4, 4.1.5 and 4.1.8 pages 28, 34, 39 and 44 respectively]. Essex Wildlife Trust also undertook an updated survey in 2005 at Shoeburyness Old Ranges SSSI [see 4.1.9, page 46] and Roger Payne and Tim Pyner undertook a survey of a limited part of the same reserve in 2005 [see 4.1.10, page 49].

Target 8.5.5 Consider setting up 'Friends' groups for sites such as Belton Hills and Edwards Hall.

Action: 'Friends' group for Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve launched in late 2003. Membership remains static at 23 in 2005 as other work priorities prevented publicising or encouraging new members in 2005.

Target 8.5.6 Encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of this habitat through publicity, articles and guided walks by promoting the wildlife value of this habitat.

Action: Several guided public walks were held in 2005 [see 3.2 page 24 for details].

Traditional Orchard Objective 8.1 Protect the existing extent of this habitat and prevent further losses. Target 8.1.1 Protect the existing quality and extent of this habitat within Southend-on-Sea Target 8.1.2 Ensure that existing traditional orchards are managed appropriately in order to maximise the wildlife value and the longevity of the fruit stock.

Action: Management of the orchard began its first phase in November/December 2004. In July 2005 Trust Links, a local organisation who work with volunteers from the local community, agreed to start managing the orchard area on behalf of Southend Borough Council. Trust Links have tried to strengthen links with the local community and 10 visitors, shown around the site, were encouraged to join the 12 volunteers who undertook work on the orchard area in 2005.

Objective 8.2 Increase the extent of traditional orchards in Southend-on-Sea Target 8.2.2 Increase the extent of the current orchard resource through new plantings on the site using traditional varieties or if these cannot be sourced, other suitable varieties. Target 8.2.3 Ensure any site specific management plans integrate nature conservation actions within the site.

Action: During late 2004/early 2005 a number of traditional apple trees were purchased from a traditional fruit tree supplier with the intention of replacing some of the fruit trees that had formerly existed on the site but had died or been removed. In total 32 new fruit trees were planted during early 2006.

Objective 8.3 Raise Awareness Target 8.3.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Report for 2004

Target 8.3.6 Where possible increase the knowledge and appreciation of the value of old orchards both in their contribution to biodiversity and their landscape and cultural value.

Action: On 29th October 2005 Trust Links held an ‘Apple Day’ at the St Laurence Park Orchard. The Apple Day was intended to publicise and raise awareness of the orchards existence. About 100 people attended on the day during which they were provided with information about the history of the site, the apple varieties growing on the site, the orchards management and future plans for Trust Links involvement on the site.

8 Woodland Objective 8.1 Maintain and protect the current extent and quality of this habitat. Target 8.1.3 Ensure that all woodland owned by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has an individual management plan in order to manage this habitat appropriately.

Action: Management Plan for Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) has previously been adopted by Council and for information also placed on the Southend Borough Council web site in 2004.

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 within Belfairs Nature Reserve during 2005 to manage rides and glades. Dead wood retained standing and laying within compartments coppiced in 2005.

Objective 8.3 Monitor the status of this habitat. Target 8.3.1 Encourage the recording of biodiversity by individuals and groups, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and any other national database that may be established.

Action: Woodland Officer completed butterfly, bird and plant surveys in 2005 [see 4.1.1, 4.1.4, 4.1.5 and 4.1.8 pages 28, 34, 39 and 44 respectively].

Objective 8.4 Raise Awareness Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Target 8.4.4 Encourage a greater awareness of the sustainable management of local woodland and encourage the development of markets for locally produced timber and other wood based products.

Action: Timber from Belfairs Wood and nature reserve was used to rebuild the pergola in Priory Park ‘Old World Garden’ in 2005. Wood was also used within the construction of the Tudor façade used as a backdrop for Southend Borough Council’s Chelsea Flower Show entry in May 2005. A new ‘wood store’ constructed in the yard of the Woodland Officer at Belfairs Farm was built predominantly of Belfairs produced oak in 2005 and used to store timber for other projects. During the autumn of 2005 there were heavy sales of logwood, much heavier than has been seen in recent years, to local residents.

Target 8.4.7 Provide information, publicity and where appropriate raise the profile of this habitat.

Action: Information about Belfairs Wood and Belfairs Nature Reserve, including their history, byelaws and management has been previously placed on Southend Borough Councils web site (2004).

Target 8.4.8 Provide, where appropriate and practicable, interpretative signage and information leaflets for specific sites of this habitat.

Action: A grant was secured from Cory Environmental Trust during 2005 for a revised and renewed leaflet for Belfairs Wood and Nature Reserve. An agreed design went for printing in early 2006.

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

9 Action: During 2004 the Leisure, Culture and Amenity Services Department prepared and submitted a 'Project Planning Grant' application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (August 2004). On 9th November 2004 a grant of £13,800 was given to the authority for preparation work on a future bid related to a Woodland Resource Centre. Consultants undertook an Access Audit and prepared an Access Plan in 2005. The Access Plan will be used in any future funding application. Work also progressed on an Audience Development Plan with a questionnaire circulated and a visitor survey undertaken by volunteers in late August and early September 2005. Information from these exercises will be used in the Audience Development Plan.

Target 8.4.10 Encourage increased informal recreational and leisure use, whilst at all times protecting the core value of this habitat.

Action: During 2005 Southend Borough Council secured a grant through the Thames Gateway South Essex ‘Green Grid’. The grant was to be used to design a proposed ‘Prittle Brook Greenway’ route between Priory Park and the adjacent boroughs next to Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, and to construct a ‘pilot section’ of the route. A period of consultation with key stakeholders and then a wider public consultation took place in 2005. Construction of an agreed route through Belfairs Park was started in November 2005. The route through Belfairs will allow safer use of the site by bicycles, improving the access across it and has provided an additional stretch of trotting track thus providing a circular route for horse riding.

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 283 in 2003 to 323 at the end of 2004. In 2005 membership stayed fairly static as other work priorities prevented publicising or encouraging new members.

10 2.3 Habitat Action Plans - Urban Allotments Objective 8.3 Increase the numbers of allotment holders Target 8.3.1 Advertise the benefits of allotments through articles, stories and other varied publicity. Target 8.3.2 Ensure the sustained production of promotional materials Target 8.3.4 Link with individuals, organisations and other partners in order to promote and encourage the social and health benefits of working on allotment sites.

Action: The Landscape Officer – responsible for allotments in Southend – supported a number of articles about allotments in the local press in 2005. He also ensured allotment leaflets were available at a number of events in 2005. The Landscape Officer, working with local allotment societies, supported the allotment competition in 2005 organising judges and arranging for a prize giving ceremony that was publicised in 2005.

Target 8.3.3 Investigate the designing and production of an allotment 'starter' pack.

Action: Unsuccessful funding application submitted in 2004 for the production of a starter pack for new allotment holders. Request for Council funding failed in 2005.

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Report for 2004.

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. The Church warden was still working on a funding application for the area in 2005. A number of small areas of grass were left uncut in 2005 to facilitate surveying and final plans for encouraging wildlife within the site.

Objective 8.2 Encourage the increase of wildlife within this habitat. 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). Work continued on the project (above) in 2005 although there has been no formal reduction or change in maintenance agreed with the contractor yet, rather some ad-hoc changes through relaxing grass-cutting in places. In August 2005 Essex Churchyards Conservation Group produced a report for St. Clements Church, Leigh-on-Sea, that highlighted some options for increasing the value of the site for wildlife. As a result the Environmental Officer met with the vicar and other interested parties at the churchyard in December 2005. A number of options were discussed; one that was planned to be instigated in early 2006 was the relaxation of grass-cutting on some parts of the site to encourage wildflowers, insects and butterflies.

Objective 8.3 Raise awareness

11 Target 8.3.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Gardens in Urban Areas Objective 8.1 To increase the diversity and abundance of wildlife in gardens in Southend-on- Sea. Target 8.1.2 Consider offering native tree and shrub species as whips to residents as part of an annual 'Encouraging Wildlife into your Garden' activities. 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.

Objective 8.2 Raise Awareness Target 8.2.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

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: Residents in Southend took part in the 'Newts in your Neighbourhood' project in 2005, which is organised by the Essex Biodiversity Project across Essex. Essex Wildlife Trust encouraged members in Southend to undertake a Garden Wildlife Survey in 2004 and the results of the survey were published in 2005 [see 4.2.2, page 59]. In total 110 people took part and provided information about wildlife in their gardens including data about birds and amphibians found there.

Target 8.2.9 Consider a specific annual competition and award for the ‘Best Wildlife Garden’ in the Borough of Southend-on-Sea and seek sponsorship for this award.

Action: Southend residents were encouraged to take part in the ‘Most Bird-friendly Garden’ and ‘Best Improved Garden for Birds’ competition in 2005, organised by the South East Essex Local Group of RSPB and Southend Borough Council. Over 80 residents were sent competition packs and judging took place in summer 2005. Prizes included a pair of binoculars for each of the category winners, gift tokens and coach trips for the runners up. The competition winners were: Winner – Most Bird-friendly Garden: Mrs P. Dalton, Thorpe Bay, Joint 2nd Place – Most Bird- friendly Garden: Mr R. Cotton, Thorpe Bay, Joint 2nd Place – Most Bird-friendly Garden: Philippa & David Coe, Southend-on-Sea. Winner – Best Improved Garden for Birds: Mrs M. Davies, Thorpe Bay, 2nd Place – Best Improved Garden for Birds: Mr & Mrs J. Prentice, Leigh-on-Sea.

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

12 Action: Several residents were put in touch with the local Badger Protection Group after experiencing problems with badgers in 2005.

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: There were little large-scale planting undertaken in 2005. Limited planting of 125 mixed native whips as a hedge line occurred on Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve in 2005.

Objective 8.3 Raise Awareness Target 8.3.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

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: A grant was secured from Cory Environmental Trust during 2005 for a revised and renewed leaflet for Belfairs Wood and Nature Reserve. An agreed design went for printing in early 2006.

Railway Embankments No specific action during 2005 Roadsides and Verges No specific action during 2005

13 2.4 Species Action Plans - Birds Dark-bellied Brent Goose Objective 8.2 Raise Awareness. Target 8.2.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Target 8.2.4 Seek and work with local and regional partners in order to deliver the targets of this Action Plan. Target 8.2.7 Consider setting up a 'brent goose group' in order to focus on monitoring the Brent goose and improve public perception of this species.

Action: South East Essex Local Group of RSPB agreed to 'champion' this species in 2004. A small number of residents have expressed an interest in trying to help the RSPB to meet the Action Plan objectives.

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 South East Essex Local Group of the RSPB had a 'Brent Goose Watch' day on Two Tree Island Nature Reserve on 16th October 2005 [40+ attendees]. The regional RSPB, supported by the South East Essex Local Group of the RSPB, had a 'Brent Goose Watch' on Victoria Wharf, Leigh-on- Sea, between 1st & 16th October 2005 [1,500+ attendees]. Where possible Southend-on-Sea Borough Council publicised the events.

Garden Birds Objective 8.2 Recording of these species Target 8.2.2 Promote existing bird recording schemes to the local community

Action: In January 2005 Southend-on-Sea Borough Council produced a press release encouraging local residents to become involved in the RSPB’s ‘Big Garden Birdwatch 2005’.

Objective 8.3 Raise awareness Target 8.3.3 Seek and work with local and regional partners in order to help deliver the targets of this Action Plan. Target 8.3.5 Investigate the potential for working with partners to provide opportunities for the wider community to be introduced to local bird life.

Action: South East Essex Local Group of RSPB agreed to 'champion' this Action Plan in 2004. Southend residents were encouraged to take part in the ‘Most Bird-friendly Garden’ and ‘Best Improved Garden for Birds’ competition in 2005, organised by the South East Essex Local Group of RSPB and Southend Borough Council. Over 80 residents were sent competition packs and judging took place in summer 2005. Prizes included a pair of binoculars for each of the category winners, gift tokens and coach trips for the runners up. The competition winners were: Winner – Most Bird-friendly Garden: Mrs P. Dalton, Thorpe Bay, Joint 2nd Place – Most Bird- friendly Garden: Mr R. Cotton, Thorpe Bay, Joint 2nd Place – Most Bird-friendly Garden: Philippa & David Coe, Southend-on-Sea. Winner – Best Improved Garden for Birds: Mrs M. Davies, Thorpe Bay, 2nd Place – Best Improved Garden for Birds: Mr & Mrs J. Prentice, Leigh-on-Sea.

Skylark Objective 8.1 Protect and maintain the current population of this species

14 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 on 9th January, 13th February & 19th February, 13th November and 11th December 2005 in order to encourage this species to breed on Two Tree Island. A new area of approximately 300m2 of rough grassland adjacent marker post No2 was cut and cleared on 13th March 2005 to help improve the quality and encourage skylarks.

Objective 8.2 Identification and monitoring of important breeding sites in Southend-on-Sea. Target 8.2.1 Encourage local individuals and groups to monitor populations of this species. Target 8.2.2 Consider setting up a 'Skylark' group in order to monitor the status of this species in Southend-on-Sea and to encourage a greater awareness.

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness. Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised previously in Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Target 8.4.4 Consider working with partners in order to offer guided walks that could raise the profile of bird species generally and skylarks in particular.

Action: South East Essex Local Group of RSPB organised and led a guided walk for Avocets and Skylarks on Two Tree Island in 2004. There were none in 2005.

15 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. Target 8.1.3 Undertake a phased programme of works on the woodland ride system to ensure a network of ‘butterfly corridors’ across the reserve.

Action: Small glades and rides mown by contractor in October 2005 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 15th February, 1st March, 22nd March, 29th May, 7th June, 21st June, 5th July, 11th October, 25th October, 8th November and 22nd November 2005. South East Essex Conservation Volunteers also had a working party on the same area on the 29th May 2005.

Target 8.1.2 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); Compartments 3 and 4 [2.9 acres] was coppiced between 31st October and 18th November 2005. A one-acre compartment was coppiced in Belfairs Park Woods [Section 22/felling coupe13] between 21st November and 25th November 2005. Ride management was undertaken between 12th September and 15th September 2005 when approx. one quarter of an acre of tree stumps were removed from along the western edge of Compartment 8. The works, funding of over £1,000 was provided by the Essex Biodiversity Project, was undertaken in order to improve connectivity between different rides and allow easier passage for the Heath fritillary butterfly within the woodland.

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) a one-acre compartment was coppiced [Section 22/felling coupe13] between 21st November and 25th November 2005.

Objective 8.2 Monitor the population of the heath fritillary butterfly in Belfairs Nature Reserve. 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 2005. The highest daily count was on 21st June 2005 when 949 butterflies were recorded - this is an increase on the highest in 2004 when 227 were recorded. A full breakdown of Heath fritillary data for 2005 can be found in 4.2.4, page 65 and 4.2.5, page 66.

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

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 7th May and 8th May 2005. The presence of the Heath fritillary is always

16 mentioned as one of the nationally rare species that occur in the Reserve. On 18th & 19th June 2005 the Woodland Officer led specific public guided walks related to the heath fritillary.

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 2005 to allow maximum foraging opportunities for the bee. A site visit between South Essex Natural History Society and Environmental Officer on 26th August 2005 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.

Objective 8.3 Raise awareness Target 8.3.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Stag Beetle No specific action during 2005.

17 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: Environmental Officer continued to record sightings of bats and identifying area’s that potentially need future surveying. It is still hoped that a local group can be formed to undertake the future monitoring.

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Cetaceans (whales, porpoises and dolphins) No specific action during 2005. Dormouse Objective 8.1 Identify current distribution of dormouse population Target 8.1.1 Obtain more accurate information of dormouse distribution by undertaking survey work in Belfairs Nature Reserve.

Action: In 2005 volunteers placed up ninety ‘monitoring tubes’ in Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) on the 3rd June & 5th June 2005 and took them down on 18th November & 20th November 2005. A number of dormouse nests – eleven – were found within the monitoring tubes. This was particularly good news as some of the nests were found within the main body of the nature reserve. A report of the results of this project is produced and distributed to members of the Southend Dormouse Group each year [see 4.2.1, page 51 for details].

Target 8.1.5 Consider setting up a 'dormouse group' to oversee future monitoring.

Action: The Southend Dormouse Group [see Section 5, page 75 for details] was established in 2004. In 2005 membership of the group increased to 31 people from the 20 who were members in 2004. The group will continue to be publicised to encourage more members.

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

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Water Vole Objective 8.1 Identify and protect the population of this species

18 Target 8.1.1 Encourage local individuals and groups to record the presence of this species, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and any national database that may be established.

Action: The Southend & Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust surveyed Water Voles on Two Tree Island Nature Reserve in 2005. Unfortunately a lack of rainfall resulted in the lagoon area drying back significantly, which had an effect on the population. During the survey no animals were recorded although there was evidence of their burrows. However animals were observed by visitors in the borrow-dyke on the reserve.

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 on 11th September and 13th November 2005 to create channels through some areas of reedbed to prevent them drying up.

Objective 8.4 Raise awareness Target 8.4.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

19 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: Three new populations of Great Crested Newts were reported during 2005. The largest and most important local site was discovered at the Essex Golf Club based on the Garon Park Golf Course. The population, which is spread over a small number of ponds on the course, was confirmed by Ecological Consultants during detailed herpetofauna surveys related to proposed development land at Fossetts Farm and surrounding locations. The second, smaller, population had also been found by consultants on Thorpe Hall Golf Course in 2003; however, the records were only made public in 2005 when the survey results were included in a planning application for the site. The final population was recorded by the Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group in early 2005. The group discovered great crested newt eggs in a pond in an area of natural habitat (commonly called St. Mary’s Nature Reserve) adjacent St. Mary’s Church, Shoeburyness. Members of the Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust were encouraged to complete a ‘garden survey questionnaire’ in both 2004 and 2005. Other residents were encouraged to complete the ‘Newts in your Neighbourhood’ recording form organised by the Essex Biodiversity Project.

Objective 8.3 Halt further declines in the population of great crested newts Target 8.3.3 Ensure all public sites, both terrestrial and aquatic, that contain populations of this species are protected and managed appropriately by undertaking a management review of the site and formalising site specific management requirements.

Objective 8.4 Encourage the expansion of the great crested newt from its current range Target 8.4.4 Encourage the inclusion of suitable habitat, both terrestrial and aquatic, for great crested newts into any new landscape or development plans or proposals.

Objective 8.5 Raise awareness Target 8.5.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

Reptiles Objective 8.1 Maintain the current extent of these species Target 8.1.4 Ensure all public sites containing populations of reptiles are managed appropriately by undertaking a management review of the site and, if necessary, formalising site specific management requirements.

20 Action: In 2001/2002 96 common lizards were relocated from a development site to a new site of suitable habitat at Belfairs Golf Course. The site was revisited in July 2005 by the Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group as part of English Nature Project, which is assessing the success of reptile translocation exercises as a result of development. Detailed survey work was undertaken by consultants from August to October during which the population was found to be healthy with an estimated 250 to 500 animals found on the site. However, the Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group noted that the site had undergone some changes with the habitat having increased scrub. Both the Group and Southend Council agreed in 2005 to establish a ‘reptile group’ to oversee the management and monitoring of this area, with the first working party to be undertaken during the winter of 2005/06.

Objective 8.2 Identify and monitor the current distribution of reptile species Target 8.2.2 Encourage the recording of these species by local and regional individuals and wildlife groups, passing all data to the Local Biological Records Centre and to any national database that may be established.

Action: As a result of conditions related to planning applications several small populations of common lizards were found in 2005 at Fossetts Farm adjacent to or on areas of proposed development.

Objective 8.3 Encourage the increase of reptile species from the current population level Target 8.3.2 Encourage the inclusion of ‘reptile friendly’ habitat into new landscape or development plans and proposals and any other local nature conservation initiatives.

Action: Southend Borough Council agreed a mitigation strategy and management plan supplied in 2005 by the Ecological Consultants related to the proposed development at Fossetts Farm. The mitigation strategy included the creation of mixed planting schemes and landscape that allows natural corridors for reptiles to be able to move around the edges of the proposed development areas. Discussions with a developer and resultant request for the retention of increased natural habitat within proposed development on a site at Lifstan Way were unfortunately unsuccessful in 2005. This resulted in the developer employing an Ecological Consultant to capture and relocate hundreds of slowworms and common lizards to another site outside the borough boundary.

21 2.8 Species Action Plans - Plants and Trees Black Poplar No specific action during 2005. 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) was not cut and raked in 2005. The plants present in the area continued to struggle to produce flower spikes and seed production. 'Second' Deptford pink patch on Belton Hills LNR was also not cut in 2005.

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: Delays in removing scrub - in line with the management plan for Belton Hills LNR - in both 2004 and 2005 has resulted in declining numbers of plants.

Objective 8.3 Raise awareness Target 8.3.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.

Action: Progress publicised in previous Annual Reports for 2003 & 2004.

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 27th June 2005 when 61 plants were recorded, down from 2004 when 240 flowering heads were recorded. 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. Membership increased from eight members in 2003 to twenty-three at the end of 2004. In 2005 membership stayed fairly static as other work priorities prevented publicising or encouraging new members.

22 Section 3 Other Biodiversity Actions during 2005

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. Whenever possible, details of these actions will be included in the Annual Report.

3.1 Conservation Working Parties in 2005

Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve)/Dodds Grove South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 29th May [6 volunteers] South Essex Natural History Society (SENHS) [all between 2 – 6 volunteers]: 15th February, 1st March, 22nd March, 29th May, 7th June, 21st June, 5th July, 11th October, 25th October, 8th November and 22nd November. Southend Dormouse Group: 3rd June & 5th June - putting up ninety ‘monitoring tubes’ [10 volunteers], 18th November & 20th November - removing ninety ‘monitoring tubes’ [11 volunteers]

Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 15th May - open to general public [7 volunteers] 22nd May – time split between removing Alexanders on Belton Hills and Two Tree Island Open Day [4 volunteers]

St. Mary's Church Nature Reserve, Shoeburyness South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 6th February [6 volunteers], 24th July [5 volunteers] and 30th October [6 volunteers]

Two Tree Island Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust: 2nd January, 9th January, 23rd January, 13th February, 19th February, 13th March, 10th April, 8th May, 12th June, 10th July, 17th July, 14th August, 11th September, 9th October, 23rd October, 13th November, 27th November, 3rd December, 11th December [average 8 volunteers] + ‘Mid-week’ working parties between 27th April & 31st August [average 5 volunteers] South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 23rd January [9 volunteers], 27th November [6 volunteers]

Hadleigh Castle Country Park South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV): 6th March [5 volunteers, 3rd April [8 volunteers], 1st May [8 volunteers], 18th September [4 volunteers], 16th October [8 volunteers]

. Contact details for any of the above groups can found in Section 5, page 75.

23 3.2 Walks and other Events in 2005

9th January – A walk on Southend Pier Joint organised event run by South Essex Natural History Society and the South Essex Local Group of RSPB. 10th April - Walk on Western Half of Two Tree Island Walk organised by South Essex Natural History Society. 7th May - Guided Walk at Belfairs Wood/Nature Reserve Guided walk related to spring birds for members of the 'Friends' groups, led by Woodland Officer [0 attendees - raining]. 8th May - Guided Walk at Belfairs Wood/Nature Reserve Guided general public walk related to spring birds, led by Woodland Officer [0 attendees - raining]. 22nd May - Two Tree Island Nature Reserve Open Day Guided walks through the day for visitors attending the Nature Reserve Open Day, organised and led by Essex Wildlife Trust Reserve Warden and reserve volunteers [200+ attendees] 18th June - Heath fritillary Walk at Belfairs Nature Reserve Guided general public walk related to the Heath fritillary butterfly, led by Woodland Officer [12 attendees]. 19th June - Heath fritillary Walk at Belfairs Nature Reserve Guided general public walk related to the Heath fritillary butterfly, led by Woodland Officer [9 attendees]. 7th July – Walk on Shoebury East Beach Roger Payne from Southend Museum led a walk for South Essex Natural History Society on Shoebury East Beach that looked at marine life. 8th July – Walk at Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve A small group of people attended a walk led by Roger Payne on the Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve looking at the reserve’s rich diversity of invertebrates. 2nd August – 6th August – Natural History Week A week of natural history events at the Priory Museum, including a display of living, flying owls, crafts (such as making your own bugs), regular pond-dipping and mini-beast hunts inside the park. During one of these, Southend’s first Harlequin Ladybird (an invading species, originally from Eastern Asia) was found by one youngster. 7th August – Walk on Shoebury Beach Walk looking at plants and insects found above the strand line at Shoebury Beach, led by Jim Bishop for South Essex Natural History Society. 1st – 11th September - 'Black-tailed Godwits Watch' – Two Tree Island The regional RSPB, supported by the South East Essex Local Group of the RSPB, had a 'Black- tailed Godwits Watch’ on Two Tree Island between 1st & 11th September 2005 [200+ attendees]. 4th September – Leigh Sea Food Festival Southend Museum had a stall at the Leigh Sea Food Festival in Old Leigh. A specially designed display on Leigh’s fisheries was on show as well as several examples of marine specimens. The day was a great success and generated much interest.

24 11th September – Open Day at Manchester Drive Allotments At the ever popular Open Day at Manchester Drive Allotments, Roger Payne led 3 mini-beast hunts which were very popular. The large and impressive ‘wasp spider’ was discovered as well as a beautiful blue-spotted slow-worm. 1st – 16th October - 'Brent Goose Watch' - Victoria Wharf, Leigh-on-Sea The regional RSPB, supported by the South East Essex Local Group of the RSPB, had a 'Brent Goose Watch' on Victoria Wharf, Leigh-on-Sea, between 1st & 16th October 2005 [1,500+ attendees]. 12th October – Moth Evening Don Down led a moth evening at Dodds Grove (Belfairs Nature Reserve) that demonstrated the types of moth found in woodland for South Essex Natural History Society. 16th October - Brent Goose Watch - Two Tree Island Nature Reserve Day event on Two Tree Island organised by the Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust with the support of South East Essex RSPB Local Group [40+ attendees]. Due to smaller attendee numbers than previous years the Local group are replacing this event in 2006 with a Little Egret Watch. South East Essex RSPB Local Group - ran a number of events from January to May and September to December 2005. These include an indoor lecture on the first Monday of every month (75 - 85 attendees usually) and free field trips in the local area to study local wildlife. Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust - ran a series of indoor meetings, usually at Westcliff United Reformed Church Hall, Kings Road, during 2005 in addition to outdoor meetings at various locations. South Essex Natural History Society (SENHS) - ran a series of indoor and outdoor meetings (usually in partnership with the Southend and Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust) during 2005, including: 16th March – SENHS (Pat Wortley) provided a talk to Association of Women Graduates about Southend’s wildlife. 19th May – John Rostron provided a talk on the marine environment, saltmarsh and estuaries. 17th November - SENHS (B. Matson) provided a talk to Belfairs Methodist Ladies Club about Belfairs Nature Reserve. 21st November - SENHS (B. Matson) provided a talk to Trinity Methodist Church about Belfairs Nature Reserve.

25 3.3 Educational Activities Web site information - The Local Biodiversity Action Plan, previous Annual Reports and the 'Wildlife in Southend' newsletter may be found on the Southend Borough Council web site. During 2005 no new information - other than the Annual Report for 2004 - was placed on the website. Portable Display - In 2003 a large portable display featuring biodiversity was designed and manufactured by a local designer. Additionally a smaller display board with a changeable display is also available. In 2005 either or both displays went to the following events: 23rd & 24th April - Nursery Open Weekend (both displays) Leaflets - No new leaflets were produced during 2005. Schools and Groups - The Woodland Officer had the following schools and groups visiting Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) and Belfairs Wood in 2005: 3rd May – 1 class from Leigh Junior School 10th May – 1 class from Darlinghurst Primary School 11th May – 1 class from Darlinghurst Primary School 15th June - 1 class from North Street Junior School 4th July - 1 class from West Leigh School 5th July – 1 class from Sacred Heart School 6th July - 1 class from West Leigh School 7th July - 1 class from Our Lady of Lourdes School 11th July – Brownies Evening 5th August – Southend Health Centre Group 11th October – Brownies Evening 17th October - Brownies Evening

26 3.4 Other items of note in 2005 The following do not fit within any of the previous categories.

. Sea wall repairs on Two Tree Island caused disruption to the nature reserve from the end of May to the end of September 2005. Approximately 100m of the north-east sea wall was dismantled and rebuilt, which resulted in a significant area of the reserve being closed off to the visitors during this time. As a result of the disturbance to the reserve and its restoration a new meadow and scrub area were created in the north-eastern corner and some of the disused sewage pool walls were covered in soil. Seeding with a wildflower & grass mix occurred on disturbed areas but germination has been poor and there may be a requirement for re-seeding some areas. . Local Volunteers and members of the South Essex Natural History Society helped undertake a visitor survey at Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve. Over a hundred a twenty hours of recording of visitors took place at several entrances to the park and reserve. Over 900 Questionnaires were distributed and completed by visitors on the day of their visit or returned in the post later. The data gathered will be used to inform a planned Audience Development Plan, to be provided as part of any future Lottery Fund bid, related to the proposed Woodland Resource Centre. . Sadly, John Keeliher passed away after a short illness. John was the Essex Wildlife Trust Voluntary Warden responsible for Shoebury Old Ranges SSSI in Gunners Park, Shoeburyness. John supported efforts to protect wildlife locally and one part of his Trust duties was to keep a weather-eye on local planning applications, which he pursued with vigour. Many people will miss his enthusiasm for environmental issues – his views were often well documented in the letters page of local papers – and his very dry sense of humour.

27 Section 4 Biodiversity data recorded during 2005 4.1 Biodiversity data recorded on specific sites 4.1.1 Bird Report 2005 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Belfairs Nature Reserve and Belfairs Park

During the year 72 species were reported. With a very mild January and little “winter” weather until the end of February/early March, numbers of redwings, fieldfare and winter finches were low. 6 stock doves were present, a chiffchaff sang on 24th January and sparrowhawks were displaying over Dodds Grove by early February. Return migration was noted from 3rd March, with flocks of redwings and lapwings moving north. An impressive gathering of 100+ redwings, in communal song, was noted on 15th March. Mute swan and Canada geese were reported overflying in January, and single golden plover, brambling and woodcock in March. At least one little egret frequented the area from early January, and could be seen feeding along the Golf Course fairways. Records of note included a pair of teal on 1st January and a moorhen on 10th January. Spring migrants arrived from 26th March (chiffchaff), 31st March (blackcap), 4th April (willow warbler) and 5th April (swallow). Nine pairs of blackcap subsequently held territories in the Nature Reserve with six pairs on the Golf Course. Chiffchaffs were down this year (five and one pair respectively), but willow warbler increased to two pairs and were joined by two pairs of garden warbler. Eight nests of great spotted woodpecker were found in the two woods, with four nests of nuthatch and ten nests of stock doves. Two pairs of sparrowhawks raised four young between them and hobbies nested successfully again, with three young. Unusual records included brambling on 29th April, grey wagtails on 3rd May and 29th June (perhaps a local nester), single kestrel on 25th May and 19th June, a honey buzzard on 29th May and four records of crossbill between 1st June and 12th July. A jackdaw on 7th June was unusual, but less so than the barn owl, reported hunting over the “meadow” area in the Nature Reserve on 16th June. The first autumn arrivals were siskins from 7th September, and goldcrests from 14th October. Few redwings were reported (arrival from 24th October) and only two fieldfares were seen. There were four records of brambling between 26th October and 16th November. Of note were honey buzzard on 13th September and a flock of 22 jackdaw’s north-west on 5th October.

Records of the six species being monitored at Belfairs are detailed below:- Turtle dove Not recorded in 2005. Lesser spotted woodpecker Singles on 1st February and 21st November Song thrush There were four territories in the Nature Reserve and five in Belfairs Park, about average for recent years. Spotted flycatcher Not recorded in 2005 Coal tit Not recorded in 2005 Bullfinch The species was recorded on 71 occasions. The majority of records came from the old Hardwood Nursery site (17) and Dodds Grove (13). It is thought that two pairs held territory but the only juvenile seen was at the Hardwood Nursery on 7th August. There were a number of records this year away

28 from the Nature Reserve, including a long-staying individual on the Golf Course between 16th July and 6th September, in a recently coppiced compartment.

Distribution of records in 2005 was as follows (previous years included for information):

2005 2004 2003 January 13 13 9 February 4 6 5 March 2 4 8 April 4 4 7 May 2 9 6 June 16 22 20 July 6 14 14 August 9 15 15 September 5 5 20 October 5 2 10 November 4 11 14 December 1 6 11

Edwards Hall Park

There were single pairs of blackcap, common whitethroat and lesser whitethroat. A stock dove was calling on 27th May, when a skylark was singing in fields to the north of the site. The only autumn record of note was a juvenile spotted flycatcher on 30th August.

Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve

Four pairs of common whitethroat and single pairs of blackcap and chiffchaff held territory. A pair of sparrowhawks were seen in April, but did not nest successfully. Of interest were records of whimbrel on 5th April and jackdaw on 29th April. A nightingale sang on land to the south of the Local Nature Reserve from 29th April.

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

29 4.1.2 Breeding Bird Survey at Priory Park 2005 (Provided by Woodland Officer)

Introduction Priory Park is a heavily used urban park, in the centre of Southend-on-Sea. Approximately 50% of the Park’s 45 acres are maintained as short-grass playing fields. There are large areas of well established shrubbery, an old watercourse (the Prittle Brook), which meanders through the Park, a large pond (a modification of the fish ponds maintained by a Cluniac Monastery, the remains of which exist in the centre of the Park), a secluded walled garden and over 750 mature and semi-mature trees of a wide variety of species. A number of buildings in the Park also provide nesting habitat.

Methods Between 26th March and 9th May, I visited the Park on eight occasions, when singing birds were plotted on individual species maps. A cluster of sightings develops and can be confidently identified as an individual territory. Two follow-up visits were made in June, to confirm occupancy and record late arriving species. The results are presented in Table 1.

Results At least 163 pairs of 21 species of bird nested in the Park in 2005. Areas most favoured were the shrubbery (10 species), established trees (9 species) and buildings and walls (7 species). Of note was the finding that few pairs of birds nested around the perimeter of the site. Main roads surround the Park, and it is thought that heavy traffic noise disrupts song and territorial activity. In addition, few natural holes are available in the Park’s tree population, due to the necessary constraints of dead and decaying wood removal under Health and Safety regulations.

Discussion Priory Park supports a good and varied population of breeding birds and provides superb feeding opportunities in the form of short-grass areas, watercourses and well established shrubberies, whilst the ivy-clad walls of the old museum and walled garden provide nesting sites. Four red-listed species of high conservation concern are known to breed in the Park – song thrush, spotted flycatcher, starling and house sparrow. The site is deficient in tree hole nesting sites and this could be remedied by providing artificial nest sites (bird boxes) on selected mature trees. A number of species are recorded in the Park during migration periods, and in winter, though these species rarely remain to breed. Species recorded during the survey are presented in Table 2, with some additional information. There is a well-used restaurant concession in the Park. Bird feeders strategically placed outside the restaurant, could add to the public’s enjoyment of the area, and could perhaps be sponsored by a national organisation such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

30 Table 1 Priory Park Bird Breeding Records (pairs)

Moorhen 1+ 2 chicks seen 15/5

Wood pigeon 18

Collared dove 19

Wren 16

Dunnock 11

Robin 29

Blackbird 19

Song thrush 4

Mistle thrush 2

Blackcap 2

Spotted flycatcher 1 2 juveniles seen

Long-tailed tit 2 2 broods seen

Blue tit 10 6 broods seen

Great tit 4

Magpie 1

Carrion crow 2

Starling 6+

House sparrow 2 colonies

Chaffinch 6

Greenfinch 6

Goldfinch 2

21 species 163+ pairs

31 Table 2 Other Bird Recording at Priory Park 2005

Cormorant 1 record from the pond

Grey heron 2 records

Little egret 1 record

Moorhen 4 adults present

Great spotted woodpecker Nest excavated but lost to starlings. 3 birds seen.

Green woodpecker Present throughout but not confirmed breeding, though a juvenile was seen with an adult on 4th July.

Sparrowhawk Occasional records

Stock dove One calling 19th April

Pied wagtail Regular around the bowling greens

Grey wagtail One on 11th July. Has nested in the past

Blackcap A common passage migrant

Chiffchaff At least five passage birds noted

Goldcrest Regular records, with three birds together on 14th June. Has nested in the past.

Spotted flycatcher A second pair was present briefly

Jay Two on 19th April

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

32 4.1.3 Bund (Maplin Trial Bank) Bird Report 2005 (Provided by the Foulness Wildfowl & Wader Counting Group)

Visiting Team on 14th June 2005: Dr Chris Lewis (Secretary of FWWCG) and Ben Lewis (Member of FWWCG).

The area available for breeding (i.e. above the high tide line) had diminished to a narrow strip 1 to 2m wide and 30-40m long. The area that had previously been used by Common Tern now appears to be below the high tide line. Although 4 adult birds were present in this area as we approached, and one of them may have been sitting as if on a nest scrape, we could not identify any Common Tern nests.

Nests of 2 species were identified: Herring Gull 7 Herring Gull nests were identified. 1 was empty and had probably produced the 3 chicks we saw advanced enough to have wandered from the nest. 2 nests contained 3 chicks each. 2 nests contained 3 eggs each, and 2 nests contained 2 eggs each. One nest contained green eggs, the others were brown. 7 pairs. Only 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls was seen. There was no evidence of breeding.

Oystercatcher 2 nests containing oystercatcher eggs were identified; 1 contained 3 eggs, the other 2 eggs. 2 pairs.

Other Birds There was no Common Eider associating with the bund this year. As last year we did not see any Sandwich Terns on our journey to and from the pier this year. There were at least 5 Mediterranean Gulls at the pier head.

Breeding Records for past five years (number of pairs):

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Common Tern 4 34 8 30 0 Herring Gull 24 11 12 10 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull 4 5 1 0 0 Oystercatcher 5 6 5 7 2

Chris Lewis Foulness Wildfowl & Wader Counting Group

33 4.1.4 Butterfly Census 2005 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve), Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve and Edwards Hall

In total, excluding the introduced heath fritillary, 26 species of butterfly were recorded for the three sites. At Belfairs Nature Reserve, the year total rose considerably, with 1,919 records of 21 species. At Belton Hills the year total was down slightly, with 2,208 records of 24 species. At Edwards Hall Park the year total declined considerably, with 2,778 records of 18 species. 22 counts were completed at Belfairs Nature Reserve, 19 at Belton Hills and 15 at Edwards Hall Park, where grass cutting on the four fields was carried out between 22nd July and 5th August. Subsequently the field edges were cut with a side-arm flail, and several well established bramble bushes were destroyed. No butterflies were seen at Edwards Hall Park after 26th August. It is clear that the current mowing regime is having a negative impact on butterfly populations. The following weather detail was noted (previous years are included for comparison):-

2005 2004 2003 Dry Rain Dry Rain Dry Rain April 14 16 14 16 24 6 May 19 12 20 11 17 14 June 24 6 20 10 19 11 July 21 10 15 16 20 11 August 20 11 15 16 27 4 September 20 10 17 13 25 5

Totals: 118 65 101 82 132 51

SPECIES DETAIL:

Brimstone At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 25 records between 1st April and 24th June, and 1 further record on 9th September. The latest individuals were seen on 11th October. At Belton Hills there were singles on 15th and 29th April. The species was not recorded at Edwards Hall Park.

Brown argus The only records this year came from Belton Hills, where there were 7 individuals between 29th July and 2nd September.

Clouded yellow The species was not recorded this year.

Comma At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 19 records between 29th April and 5th August. At Belton Hills there were 2 records on 1st April and a single on 2nd September. At Edwards Hall Park there were singles on 1st April, 24th June and 29th July.

Common blue At Belfairs Nature Reserve there was a single record, on 10th June. At Belton Hills there were 22 records between 20th May and 24th June, and 90 records between 29th July and 9th September. At Edwards Hall Park there were singles on 3rd and 17th June. The second brood was completely destroyed by grass cutting.

Gatekeeper At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 416 records between 15th July and 19th August. At Belton Hills there were 837 records between 8th July and 2nd September. At Edwards Hall Park there were 273 records between 8th July and 26th August.

Holly blue At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 17 records between 29th April and 12th August. At Belton Hills there were 9 records between 29th April and 26th August. At Edwards Hall Park there were 8 records between 20th May and 5th August.

Large skipper At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 19 records between 17th June and 15th July. At Belton Hills there was just a single record, on 8th July. At Edwards Hall Park there were 17 records between 17th June and 15th July.

Large white The species increased at all sites. At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 69 records between 20th May and 2nd September. At Belton Hills there were 235 records between 20th May and 9th September. At Edwards Hall Park there were 84 records between 20th May and 26th August.

Marbled white At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 3 records on 8th July, and a single on 15th July. At Belton Hills there were 86 records between 17th June and 22nd July. At Edwards Hall Park there was a single record, on 8th July.

Meadow brown There were increases at Belfairs Nature Reserve and Belton Hills. The grass cut at Edwards Hall Park on 22nd July caused the day total to fall from 523 on 15th July to 68 on 29th July, with a consequent reduction in the year index. At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 790 records between 10th June and 12th August. At Belton Hills there were 116 records between 17th June and 12th August.

35 At Edwards Hall Park there were 2,151 records between 17th June and 12th August.

Orange-tip The species declined at all sites. At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 2 records, 29th April and 27th May.

At Belton Hills there were 3 on 29th April and 1 on 20th May. The species was not recorded at Edwards Hall Park.

Painted lady The only record this year came from Belton Hills, where there was a single on 12th August.

Peacock At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 9 records between 1st April and 15th April. There were no further records until late individuals on 22nd October and 7th November. At Belton Hills there were 9 records between 1st April and 20th May, and a single autumn record on 12th August. At Edwards Hall Park there were 5 on 15th April, then 3 singles between 3rd June and 29th July.

Purple hairstreak At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 10 records between 1st July and 12th August. At Edwards Hall Park there were 3 records between 15th July and 5th August.

Red admiral At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 6 records between 27th May and 8th July. A late individual was seen on 7th November. At Belton Hills there were 6 records between 15th July and 9th September. There was a late record on 4th November. At Edwards Hall Park there were 3 records on 24th June.

Ringlet At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 7 records between 1st and 22nd July. At Belton Hills there was a single record, on 15th July. The species was not recorded at Edwards Hall Park.

Small copper At Belton Hills there was a single on 15th April, and 6 further records between 29th July and 2nd September. At Edwards Hall Park there were 3 records between 20th May and 3rd June, and 6 further records between 15th July and 5th August. The species was not recorded at Belfairs Nature Reserve.

36 Small heath At Belton Hills there were 8 records between 10th June and 9th September. There were no records from Belfairs Nature Reserve or Edwards Hall Park.

Small/Essex skipper At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 208 records between 17th June and 12th August. At Belton Hills there were 254 records between 24th June and 22nd July. At Edwards Hall Park there were 113 records between 1st and 15th July, and a single on 29th July.

Small/green-veined white Totals were down at all sites. At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 104 records between 15th April and 9th September. There were 66 records of green-veined white and 38 records of small white. There was a late record of a green-veined white on 23rd October. At Belton Hills there were 469 records between 15th April and 9th September. There were 287 records of green-veined white and 182 records of small white. At Edwards Hall Park there were 82 records between 15th April and 26th August.

Small tortoiseshell The species declined at all sites. At Belfairs Nature Reserve the only record was of 2 on 15th April. A very late individual was seen on the wing on 8th December. At Belton Hills there were 6 records between 1st April and 29th April, and 4 records between 15th July and 5th August. At Edwards Hall Park there were 2 records on 15th April, and a further 5 records between 17th June and 8th July.

Speckled wood At Belfairs Nature Reserve there were 209 records between 15th April and 9th September. At Belton Hills there were 5 records between 29th April and 2nd September. At Edwards Hall Park there were 13 records between 15th April and 26th August.

Wall brown The species was not recorded this year.

White Admiral At Belfairs Nature Reserve there was a single on 15th July.

White-letter hairstreak At Belton Hills there were 25 records between 17th June and 1st July.

37 Heath fritillary At Belfairs Nature Reserve the species was recorded between 26th May and 13th July, with a day maximum of 949 on 21st June. There were 2 records of second brood individuals in September.

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

38 4.1.5 Butterfly Records 2001 - 2005 (Provided by Woodland Officer)

Belfairs Nature Reserve 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Brimstone 37 31 48 28 26 Brown argus - - 1 1 - Clouded yellow - - - - - Comma 32 22 38 15 19 Common blue 3 1 16 17 1 Gatekeeper 173 123 300 373 416 Holly blue 17 15 16 9 17 Large skipper 11 12 42 14 19 Large white 21 31 27 20 69 Marbled white - - - - 4 Meadow brown 499 257 409 339 790 Orange tip 16 7 10 5 2 Painted lady 2 2 9 2 - Peacock 36 19 15 20 9 Purple hairstreak 7 6 12 5 10 Red admiral 11 4 28 3 6 Ringlet - - 1 2 7 Small copper 1 - 10 3 - Small heath - - - 3 - Small/Essex skipper 120 117 181 218 208 Small tortoiseshell 1 1 4 6 2 Small/green-veined white 101 148 179 152 104 Speckled wood 205 290 303 215 209 Wall - - - - - White admiral - - - - 1 White-letter hairstreak - - - - - Totals 1293 1086 1649 1450 1919

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Brimstone 2 1 1 1 2 Brown argus 4 1 13 1 7 Clouded yellow - 1 1 1 - Comma 29 2 16 10 3 Common blue 31 36 161 73 112 Gatekeeper 432 396 506 709 837 Holly blue 6 5 11 9 9 Large skipper 2 4 6 4 1 Large white 89 77 59 42 235 Marbled white 32 51 69 90 86 Meadow brown 207 133 84 75 116 Orange tip 28 3 9 14 4 Painted lady - 25 56 15 1 Peacock 22 22 12 6 10 Purple hairstreak - - - - - Red admiral 10 1 12 7 6 Ringlet - - 1 1 1 Small copper 2 - 14 3 7 Small heath 1 1 3 4 8 Small/Essex skipper 389 235 218 204 254 Small tortoiseshell 7 9 35 33 10 Small/green-veined white 828 716 789 1002 469 Speckled wood 42 82 115 69 5 Wall - - - - - White Admiral - - - - - White-letter hairstreak - - 25 20 25 Totals 2163 1801 2216 2393 2208

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

40 Edwards Hall Park

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Brimstone - - 1 - - Brown argus - - 6 1 - Clouded yellow - - - - - Comma 11 10 15 14 3 Common blue 8 13 129 79 2 Gatekeeper 81 76 198 323 273 Holly blue 7 9 10 2 8 Large skipper 7 14 22 15 17 Large white 20 17 25 26 84 Marbled white - - 1 - 1 Meadow brown 643 1057 2181 2457 2151 Orange tip 7 2 - 1 - Painted lady - 3 58 1 - Peacock 14 20 11 6 8 Purple hairstreak - 1 - - 3 Red admiral 2 3 7 1 3 Ringlet - - - 3 - Small copper 10 3 26 78 9 Small heath - - - 1 - Small/Essex skipper 35 4 86 107 114 Small tortoiseshell 5 6 17 16 7 Small/green-veined white 110 135 149 165 82 Speckled wood 30 28 65 26 13 Wall - - - - - White admiral - - - - - White-letter hairstreak - - - - - Totals 990 1401 3007 3322 2778

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

41 4.1.6 Butterfly recording at Belfairs Nature Reserve 2005 (Provided by South Essex Natural History Society)

A Short Stroll through Dodds Grove and Belfairs Nature Reserve on 2nd September 2005.

A lovely sunny day produced very little in the way of Lepidoptera although I did record one fresh male Heath fritillary*

Four or five Speckled Wood were seen and three Gatekeeper now coming towards the end of their flight period.

A couple of Holly Blues and three Small Whites were the only other butterflies recorded.

I was delighted to observe my second record for 2005 of a Humming-bird Hawk moth that hovered for a few seconds to sip nectar from a flowering spike of Rosebay Willow Herb.

Several Agriphila tristella and a number of Agriphila geniculea, two species of grass moths, were disturbed from undergrowth whilst walking through Dodds Grove. Two young Kestrels were heard and seen.

I also recorded a few larva of the Small Ranunculus moth, Hecatera dysodea. This species has been spreading over recent years and although it reached Hadleigh, Thundersley and Westcliff in 2003 & 2004, these were my first records for Belfairs Nature Reserve.

Don Down South Essex Natural History Society

*A ‘second brood’ sighting, where another generation of adult Heath fritillary butterfly may hatch out in the autumn, usually occurring during a long hot summer. There have been records of second broods, sometimes in large numbers, at Hockley Woods. However, there have been very few second broods in Belfairs Nature Reserve and when it does occur it is usually only as individual butterflies. Paul Terry, Environmental Officer

42 4.1.7 Other biodiversity notes for 2005 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Belfairs Nature Reserve Bumblebee 1st record 11th January Wood ant Active from 12th March Harvest mouse Nest found, Dodds Grove, 31st March

Edwards Hall Park Banded demoiselle damselfly 28th June

Tony Mead Woodland Officer

43 4.1.8 Plant Records 2005 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Belfairs Nature Reserve and Belfairs Park

The following first-flowering dates were noted in 2005 (dates for previous years are included for comparison): 2005 2004 2003 Blackthorn no date 9th February no date Primrose 1st February 25th February 2nd January Celandine 17th March 15th March 2nd January Coltsfoot 8th March 15th March 25th February Wood anemone 18th March 18th March 14th March Barren strawberry 18th March 30th March 15th March Bluebell 6th April 6th April 11th April Dog violet 5th April 11th April 30th March Wood sorrel 31st March no date no date

Noteworthy records: Primrose 100 clumps in flower, Waterworks Road, 5th April. Goldilocks 4 stems in flower, compartment 12, Nature Reserve, 28th April. Lily of the Valley 4 plants in flower, compartment 8, Nature Reserve, 12th May. Ragged robin 20 plants, Waterworks Road, 18th May. Grass vetchling Single plant, old Hardwood Nursery site, 13th June. Birdsfoot trefoil Waterworks Road, 24th June. Meadowsweet Waterworks Road, 2 plants, 29th June. Broad-leaved helleborine 146 spikes as follows:- 68 Golf Course 60 Poors Lane 18 Dodds Grove Betony 2 plants, Waterworks Road, 13th July. Hardheads “Meadow” area and compartment 19, Nature Reserve, 20th July. Red bartsia Abundant, Waterworks Road, 30th August, Dodds Grove, 10th September. Common restharrow Single plant, old Hardwood Nursery, 30th August.

Belton Hills Local Nature Reserve Honesty 5th April. Mistletoe Compartment 4, 5th April. Hairy violet Several plants, compartment 1, 5th April. Bithynian vetch All compartments, patchy, from 12th May. Grass vetchling All compartments, patchy, from 23rd May.

44 Field scabious More widespread, compartments 8-10, from 23rd May. Pale flax Several plants, compartment 2, May. ID by T. Pyner. Deptford pink 61 plants, usual station, 27th June. Red bartsia Common, compartment 10, 11th July, compartment 4, 23rd August.

Edwards Hall Park No new records this year.

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

45 4.1.9 Shoeburyness Old Ranges SSSI Nature Reserve [Gunners Park] – Plant Survey 2005 (Provided by Southend & Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust)

Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals Status Ammophila arenaria 1 1 Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 2 2 Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders 1 1 Malus domestica Apple / Cultivated Apple 1 1 Leontodon autumnalis Autumn Hawkbit 1 1 subsp. autumnalis Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk's-beard 1 1 Iris germanica Bearded Iris 1 1 Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet / Woody Nightshade 1 1 Medicago lupulina Black Medick 1 1 Brassica nigra Black Mustard 2 2 Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble / Blackberry 2 2 Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue 2 2 Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain 3 3 Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup 1 1 Medicago minima Bur Medick 2 2 Scarce Anthriscus caucalis Bur Parsley / Bur Chervil 1 1 Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-me-not 1 1 Galium aparine Cleavers / Goosegrass 1 1 Lotus corniculatus Common Bird's-foot-trefoil 2 2 Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury 2 2 Malva sylvestris Common Mallow 1 1 Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear 2 2 Urtica dioica Common Nettle / Stinging Nettle 2 2 Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort 2 2 Phragmites australis Common Reed 1 1 Ononis repens Common Restharrow / Rest-harrow 1 1 Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel 1 1 Erodium cicutarium Common Stork's-bill 3 3 Vicia sativa Common Vetch 2 2 Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley / Keck 1 1 Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 1 1 Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil 2 2 Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle 1 1 Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail 1 1 Rumex crispus Curled Dock 3 3 Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane's-bill 1 1 Bellis perennis Daisy 2 2 Taraxacum aggregate Dandelion 1 1 Carex divisa Divided Sedge 1 1 Scarce Rosa canina agg. Dog Rose 1 1 Geranium molle Dove's-foot Crane's-bill 1 1 Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow 1 1 Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not 1 1 Aira praecox Early Hair-grass / Small Hair-grass 3 3 Sambucus nigra Elder 1 1 Linum catharticum Fairy Flax / Purging Flax 1 1 Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-Grass 1 1 Foeniculum vulgare Fennel 1 1 Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed 2 2

46 Sherardia arvensis Field Madder 1 1 Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard 1 1 Ulex europaeus Gorse / Furze 1 1 Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein / Common Mullein 2 2 Lactuca virosa Greater Prickly Lettuce 1 1 Carex divulsa Grey Sedge 1 1 Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy 1 1 Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup 1 1 Juncus inflexus Hard Rush 1 1 Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 1 1 Senecio sylvaticus Heath Groundsel 1 1 Lepidium draba Hoary Cress / Thanet Cress 1 1 Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle 1 1 Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw 2 2 Calystegia silvatica Large Bindweed / American Bellbine 1 1 Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort 2 2 Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil / Lesser Yellow Trefoil 1 1 Hordeum secalinum Meadow Barley 1 1 Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup 1 1 Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail 1 1 Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage 1 1 Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling 1 1 Silybum marianum Milk Thistle 2 2 Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed 3 3 Carduus nutans Musk Thistle 2 2 Lepidium ruderale Narrow-leaved Pepperwort 1 1 Oenanthe lachenalii Parsley Water-dropwort 1 1 Lolium perenne Perennial/Common Rye-grass 1 1 Hypericum perforatum Perforate/Common St. John's Wort 1 1 Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort 1 1 Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle 1 1 Kniphofia uvaria Red-hot-poker 1 1 Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 2 2 Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit / Greater Hawkbit 1 1 Carex arenaria Sand Sedge 2 2 Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel 3 3 Beta vulgaris subsp. Sea Beet 2 2 maritima Bolboschoenus maritimus Sea Club-rush 1 1 Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch 1 1 Sagina maritima Sea Pearlwort 1 1 Glaux maritima Sea-milkwort 3 3 Erigeron glaucus Seaside Daisy 1 1 Prunella vulgaris Selfheal 2 2 Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel 1 1 Rumex acetosella subsp. Sheep's Sorrel 1 1 acetosella Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse 1 1 Potentilla anserina Silverweed 2 2 Carduus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle / Seaside Thistle 2 2 Ranunculus parviflorus Small-flowered Buttercup 1 1 Phleum bertolonii Smaller Cat's-tail 1 1 Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk's-beard 1 1 Sonchus oleraceus Smooth/Common Sow-thistle 1 1 Hyacinthoides hispanica Spanish Bluebell 1 1 Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle 2 2

47 Ononis spinosa Spiny Restharrow 1 1 Medicago arabica Spotted Medick 1 1 Claytonia perfoliata Spring Beauty 1 1 Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel 1 1 Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear 2 2 Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort 2 2 Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell 1 1 Reseda luteola Weld 2 2 Bryonia dioica White Bryony 2 2 Silene latifolia White Campion 2 2 Trifolium repens White Clover 2 2 Lamium album White Dead-nettle 1 1 Daucus carota Wild Carrot 1 1 Apium graveolens Wild Celery 2 2 Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary / Clary / Wild Sage 2 2 Achillea millefolium Yarrow 1 1 Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned Poppy 2 2 Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort 2 299 Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog 1 1

Recorder: Barbara Williams

Neil Williams Chairman Southend & Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust

48 4.1.10 Shoeburyness Old Ranges SSSI Nature Reserve [Gunners Park] – Invertebrate Survey 2005 (Provided by )

On 14th June 2005 an invertebrate survey was undertaken by Roger Payne on a small part of Shoebury Old Ranges Nature Reserve that will be affected by a proposed flood bund.

Grasshoppers & Bush-crickets Acrididae (Grasshoppers) Chorthippus albomarginatus (Lesser Marsh Grasshopper) nymphs Myrmeleotettix maculatus (Mottled Grasshopper) small nymphs

Tettigoniidae (Bush-crickets) Metrioptera roeselii (Roesel’s Bush-cricket) small nymphs

Earwigs Forficula auricularia (Common Earwig) abundant nymphs

True Bugs Tingidae (Lace Bugs) Tingis cardui (Thistle Lace Bug) 1 swept from thistles Agramma laeta abundant, feeds on sedges

Delphacidae Kelisia ribauti form sabulicola feeds on Sand Sedge

Cicadellidae (Leaf-hoppers) Megaphthalmus scabripennis Arthaldeus pascuellus

Miridae (Capsids) Orthops campestris mainly on umbellifers

Beetles Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles) Crypticus quisquilius a nationally scarce beetle of sand dunes

Apionidae (Weevils) Apion haematoides a small weevil that feeds on the root galls of Sheep’s Sorrel

Bees, Wasps and Ants Formicidae (Ants) Lasius psammophilus Temnothorax nylanderi Myrmica specioides a nationally scarce species

Roger Payne Southend Central Museum Local Biological Records Centre

49 4.1.11 Southend-on-Sea Foreshore Local Nature Reserve - Bird Count 2005 (Provided by RSPB)

Unfortunately the RSPB were unable to undertake the Annual Bird Count on the Southend Foreshore Local Nature Reserve in January 2005. The last count for 2004 is reproduced in its place.

Low-tide bird count (09.35-12.50) 30th January 2004

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Mean

Brent goose 13 2 71 397 483 599 Shelduck 9 9 17 35 88 Teal 86 86 55 Mallard 1 71 72 21 Oystercatcher 519 139 547 405 121 8 96 221 2056 3601 Ringed plover 71 11 2 84 16 Golden plover 234 234 620 Grey plover 12 265 75 15 8 10 13 398 1232 Lapwing 4 64 68 33 Knot 1330 3170 25 31 239 56 4851 6540 Sanderling 15 7 4 26 94 Dunlin 6 1100 770 165 36 301 75 127 2580 6362 Bar-tailed 35 470 315 408 5 6 1239 1171 godwit Black-tailed 4 30 34 67 godwit Snipe 1 1 1 Curlew 10 36 52 8 23 10 52 20 211 380 Redshank 33 45 50 31 11 9 54 222 455 937 Turnstone 45 12 15 40 2 17 131 118 Rock pipit 1 1 1

Total 760 3397 5001 1101 230 368 620 1568 13045 21936

NB Bold = Nationally Important Count Bold = Internationally Important Count

Mean = average of six counts 1999-2004

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

50 4.2 Biodiversity data recorded about specific species

4.2.1 Dormouse Project - Monitoring Results 2005 (Provided by Environmental Officer)

1. Background In 2003 Southend Borough Council produced its own Local Biodiversity Action Plan and one of the target species included within it was the dormouse. One of the key objectives within the plan was the identification of the current distribution of dormice by surveying, however the use of ‘monitoring tubes’ is now recognised as the easiest method of undertaking simple surveys so this method of surveying was begun in 2004. Other objectives in the longer-term included the establishment of a rolling programme of nest box installation to help boost the number of potential nesting opportunities for this species. It is believed that the lack of natural nesting opportunities can reduce population numbers and that the installation of permanent nest boxes can help to increase population density. The establishment of a 'Dormouse Group' who would be trained to use monitoring tubes to gather data about the population is also an objective within the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. In 2004 the Southend Dormouse Group was established and this group continues to work to learn more about the distribution of the animal and to encourage an increase in the number of dormice within Hadleigh Great Wood and Dodds Grove (Belfairs Nature Reserve).

1.1 The Monitoring Tubes Monitoring tubes are square plastic corrugated tubes, which are hung with wire from below a shrub or tree branch. A wooden insert consisting of a square end attached at ninety degrees to a long rectangular wooden base is put in the tube, the square end flush with the end of the tube. The idea is that the insert may be pushed out of the tube gently and any nests inside noted and recorded. Dormice have been shown to nest in the tubes in various parts of the United Kingdom, as do other small mammals. The tubes may also be set up and checked without the need for a specific licence for handling or disturbing dormice, whereas checking wooden nest boxes requires the presence of a licence holder. In 2004 sixty monitoring tubes were erected on 18th April and then checked and removed on 14th November 2004. During the 2004 check, prior to removal and storage, a torpid female dormouse was found in a nest within a monitoring tube. The tube was on the south-east corner of the main north-south ride in Dodds Grove. Two nests were also identified as dormouse nests. One was on the north- east corner of the main north-south ride, the second dormouse nest was found on the south- eastern side of the second Butterfly Glade.

In 2004 the tubes were set out in four groups of fifteen: . 1 - 15 West side of main ride through Dodds Grove (Hadleigh Great Wood). . 16 - 30 East side of main ride through Dodds Grove (Hadleigh Great Wood) . 31 - 45 Around the edge of Butterfly Glade 1 (West) in Dodds Grove (Hadleigh Great Wood) . 46 - 60 Around the edge of Butterfly Glade 2 (East) in Dodds Grove (Hadleigh Great Wood)

51 In 2005 forty-five tubes were erected on 3rd June and forty-five on 5th June, making a total of ninety monitoring tubes. Forty-five of the tubes were checked and removed on 18th November and the other forty-five on 20th November.

In 2005 the tubes were set out in six groups of fifteen:  1 – 15 South and north-west side of Compartment 1, along Ride1/6 and Ride 1/Poors Lane (Hadleigh Great Wood)  16 – 30 Northern side of Compartment 6, along Ride1/6 (Hadleigh Great Wood)  31 – 45 East side of Compartment 6, along Ride 6/7 (Hadleigh Great Wood)  46 – 60 Southern side of Compartment 6, along Ride 6/12 (Hadleigh Great Wood)  61 – 75 Northern side of Compartment 2, along Ride 2/Poors Lane (Hadleigh Great Wood)  76 – 90 Northern side of Dodds Grove, along ride between Prittle Brook and Dodds Grove (Hadleigh Great Wood)

2. Status of the Dormouse The dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a shy secretive nocturnal mammal usually associated with broadleaved woodland, species-rich hedgerows and old orchards. The dormouse requires a very species rich habitat and they will have a varied diet that includes the nectar and pollen of flowers, fruit, berries and nuts. Food sources must be present within a comparatively small area, as they will not normally travel much more than seventy metres away from their chosen nest site. The species occurs in a population density of no more than ten adults per hectare, much lower than other mammals, although they may live for up to five years, which is much longer than normal for other small mammals. The dormouse is listed on Appendix 3 of the Bonn Convention and Annex IVa of the EC Habitats Directive. It is protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations, 1994 and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Nationally the dormouse has declined, disappearing from around half of its former range in the last hundred years. However there has been much effort to manage those woodlands where it still occurs in ways that encourage a rich habitat and a successful captive breeding programme has led to re-introductions into sites that historically held populations. In Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve) there are records for nests from 1958, 1977, 1983 and 1984. There was also an alleged sighting of a dormouse in 1974. However, after a gap of almost twenty years a hibernating dormouse was discovered in 2002 in Dodds Grove during a joint management working party by the South East Essex Conservation Volunteers and South Essex Natural History Society.

3. Survey area 2005 In 2005 ninety monitoring tubes were placed up in Hadleigh Great Wood & Dodds Grove (Belfairs Nature Reserve). Of these fifteen were placed in Dodds Grove, fifteen in Compartments 1, fifteen in Compartment 2, and forty-five in Compartment 6, of Hadleigh Great Wood (Belfairs Nature Reserve).

3.1 Compartment 1 Compartment 1 is 1.3 acres (0.5 hectares) large with the coppice consists of hornbeam and sweet chestnut. There are frequent seedlings of silver birch and some oak regeneration. A single ash tree is at the east end of the compartment. There are thirty-two oak standards of varying ages, ten of which are between the ride and the Poors Lane boundary fence. Glades are maintained in this compartment for the heath fritillary butterfly.

52 The compartment is twelve year old coppice and was cut in 1993/94 and is due to be cut again in 2016/17, at which time the oak standards should be reduced to twenty.

3.2 Compartment 2 Compartment 2 is 2.7 acres (1.1 hectares) large with the coppice consists of sweet chestnut, with hornbeam, silver birch and hazel towards the wetter east end. The coppice is growing strongly. Silver birch seedlings are abundant. Alder buckthorn occurs. There are twenty-two oak standards plus specimen cherry, crab apple, hornbeam, Norway maple and silver birch. A large sweet chestnut standard is at the west end of the compartment. There is a large, over- mature standard oak which has been left to develop. The ride edge between this compartment and Poors Lane is currently maintained as heath fritillary butterfly habitat. Common cow-wheat is abundant. The compartment is nine year old coppice and was cut in 1996/97 and is due to be cut again in 2019/20.

3.3 Compartment 6 Compartment 6 is 5.5 acres (2.2 hectares) large with the coppice consists of sweet chestnut and hornbeam, growing strongly. There are approximately sixty oak standards plus specimen sweet chestnut, hornbeam and silver birch. Ground cover is presently dense and varied. There are areas of seedling silver birch and aspen suckers. Oak regeneration is limited. Alder buckthorn is present. The shadow of a former ride exists in the compartment running north-south parallel to the existing ride. To the east of this “ride” coppice is predominantly sweet chestnut, whereas to the west hornbeam becomes more numerous. It is likely that at one time this part of the compartment was contiguous with the compartment to the east. The compartment is eight year old coppice and was cut in 1997/98 and is due to be cut again in 2020/21.

3.4 Dodds Grove Dodds Grove is a 9.8 acre (approximately 4 ha) area of woodland separated from the main part of the nature reserve by Poors Lane. Dodds Grove is divided into two coppice compartments, the division being a wood bank running north-south that bisects Dodds Grove. The western half of Dodds Grove consists of sweet chestnut on the higher slope and hornbeam towards the Prittle brook. There is approximately twenty standard oak to the acre in the compartment, which are either young or middle aged. Silver birch seedlings are abundant and there is good oak regeneration. Alder buckthorn and wild service are present. There is a strip of mature hornbeam and ash stools on the bank of Prittle brook. This compartment is ten year old coppice that was last coppiced in the winter of 1995/96 and is due to be cut again in the winter of 2017/18. The eastern half of Dodds Grove consists of hornbeam, oak and silver birch. There is approximately twenty standard oak to the acre in the compartment, which are either young or middle aged. Wild service, alder buckthorn and cherry are also present. A strip of mature hornbeam and ash stools grows along the bank of Prittle brook, which makes up the northern boundary of this compartment. This compartment is nine year old coppice that was last coppiced in the winter of 1996/97 and is due to be coppiced again in 2018/19.

53 4. Monitoring Results 2005:

4.1 Usage

Tubes 1 - 15, three of fifteen (20%) had been used by small mammals*. Tubes 16 - 30, three of fifteen (20%) had been used by small mammals*. Tubes 31 - 45, two of fifteen (13.3%) had been used by small mammals*. Tubes 46 - 60, one of fifteen (6.7%) had been used by small mammals*. Tubes 61 – 75 four of fifteen (26.6%) had been used by small mammals* Tubes 76 – 90 four of fifteen (26.6%) had been used by small mammals* Of all tubes in 2005, seventeen of ninety (18.7%) had been used by small mammals* and of these eleven of the ninety (12.1%) were dormouse nests. Of all tubes in 2004, twenty-two of fifty-nine (37.1%) had been used by small mammals and of these three of fifty-nine (5%) were dormouse nests. * usage is defined as the tube having either built nests, collected material for use as a nest, deposited food or having obvious signs as a place were food had been consumed by a small mammal.

In 2005 there appeared to be less usage of the tubes with only seventeen (18.7%) showing signs of usage. This was down from the twenty-two tubes (37.1%) that were used in 2004. However, the number having dormouse nests increased from three (5%) in 2004 to eleven (12.1%) in 2005. The results from 2005 indicated the monitoring tubes in Compartment 1 (tubes 1 – 15) were not used by dormice although there were three records for wood mice. This compartment is comparatively small and at 0.5 hectare was the smallest compartment monitored this year. It also has the added disadvantage of having busy paths around much of its boundaries. Compartment 2 had four records for dormice and none for wood mouse. The path where monitoring tubes (tubes 61 – 75) were placed along is quite overgrown and in places very narrow. This probably deters some visitors thus reducing potential disturbance to dormice. The overgrown nature of the path may also aid the movement of dormice between Dodds Grove, Poors Lane and compartments within the main body of the nature reserve.

Compartment 6 had mixed results with three records for wood mice nests in monitoring tubes (tubes 16 – 30) along the northern boundary of the compartment. Along the eastern boundary of the compartment there were two dormouse nests and no records for wood mice in the monitoring tubes (tubes 31 – 45) and along the southern boundary of the compartment there was one dormouse nest and no records for wood mice in the monitoring tubes (tubes 46 – 60). Both paths are fairly well used so the size of available habitat may have more bearing than disturbance here. The Dodds Grove monitoring tubes (tubes 76 – 90) also had good results with four dormouse nests and no wood mouse nests. These results underline the positive results of three dormouse nests in 2004. Dodds Grove appears to have a good population scattered over this area of woodland. Dodds Grove is less used by visitors than the bulk of the reserve. It is interesting to note that there is a relatively small amount of wood mouse nests recorded this year. In 2004 monitoring tubes were placed up in late April however in 2005 they were placed up in early June. Does placing them up earlier in the year allow them to be colonised more readily by wood mice? The number of dormouse nests recorded in 2005 is good news because it clearly demonstrates that they are found in the main part of the nature reserve as well as Dodds Grove. Monitoring

54 tubes should continue to be placed up in other compartments within the main body of the woodland in order to see how far they are distributed within the nature reserve. Less good news was the number of tubes that were apparently disturbed in 2005. In all five tubes exhibited signs of disturbance with one discarded on the floor. Interestingly, Dodds Grove held two of fifteen tubes that were disturbed, which is surprising as this area is often thought of as having fewer visitors. In 2004 two monitoring tubes were disturbed, one tube disappearing completely. There is little that can be done to deter inquisitive or mischievous disturbance and it is inevitable that this will occur occasionally.

4.2 Position of the tubes in different tree species Please see Table 1 and 2 below In 2004 Holly was an unusual species for holding the tubes. In 2005 a total of eight Holly trees were used to hold monitoring tubes as more opportunities arose within the respective compartments targeted. There was no usage in either 2004 & 2005 by dormice although there was a single record for wood mice in both of the years.

Table 1: Tree species holding the tubes 2004 2005 Tree species No. % No. %

Hornbeam 27 46.5 56 62.7 Sweet chestnut 2 3.5 7 7.8 Oak 14 24.1 5 5.6 Birch 14 24.1 4 4.5 Hawthorn 5 5.6 Holly 1 1.7 8 9 Field Maple 1 1.1 Bramble 1 1.1 Spindle 1 1.1 Cotoneaster 1 1.1 All 59 89

Table 2: Mammal usage - tree species holding the tubes Dormouse nests in brackets 2004 2005 Tree species No. % No. %

Hornbeam 9(1) 40.9 12(7) 70.4 Sweet chestnut 1(1) 5.9 Oak 3 13.6 1(1) 5.9 Birch 9(2) 40.9 1(1) 5.9 Hawthorn 1(1) 5.9 Holly 1 4.5 1 5.9 Field Maple Bramble Spindle Cotoneaster All 22 17

55 Hornbeam was commonly used for holding the tubes (62.7%) so it is not surprising that the majority of the mammal usage (70.4%) was in this species and the largest number of dormice nests (seven) was in this species. Other species such as oak and birch were not as commonly used in 2005 as in 2004 although there were four new species used to hold the tubes, albeit in low numbers. The lower usage of oak and birch reflected a lower number of opportunities to use these species. Sweet chestnut increased slightly and had a dormouse nest recorded in the tubes using this species. Other species only used in small numbers also recorded dormouse nests such as oak, birch and hawthorn. It would be worth trying to use more sweet chestnut and to continue to increase the range of non-hornbeam species to try to determine if the usage is just chance or they are preferred to hornbeam.

4.3 Height of the tubes above the ground Please see Table 3 and 4 below: In 2004 the tubes height was estimated and the bulk of the tubes (76%) were between 1m to 1.5m high. In 2005 a measuring stick was used to give a more accurate measurement and just over half (57.1%) of the tubes were between 1m and 1.5m.

Table 3: Height above ground 2004 2005 Meters No. % No. % 0.25 3 3.4 0.3 2 2.2 0.5 3 5.1 8 9 0.6 1 1.7 3 3.4 0.65 1 1.1 0.75 1 1.7 15 17 0.8 2 3.4 1 1.1 0.85 2 2.2 0.9 2 3.4 2 2.2 1 11 18.7 22 25 1.1 3 5.1 1.15 2 2.2 1.2 19 32.3 5 5.6 1.25 12 13.4 1.3 4 6.8 2 2.2 1.4 2 2.2 1.5 8 13.6 6 6.7 1.6 3 5.1 1.7 1.75 1 1.1 1.8 1 1.7 2 1 1.7 All 59 89

56 Table 4: Mammal usage - height above ground Dormouse nests in brackets 2004 2005 Meters No. % No. % 0.25 0.3 0.5 1 4.5 2(2) 11.8 0.6 0.65 0.75 2(2) 11.8 0.8 1(1) 5.9 0.85 0.9 1 4.5 1 2 9.1 2(1) 11.8 1.1 3 13.6 1.15 1.2 9(3) 40.9 1 5.9 1.25 6(4) 35.4 1.3 1 4.5 1 5.9 1.4 1.5 3 13.6 1 5.9 1.6 1 4.5 1.7 1.75 1(1) 5.9 1.8 1 4.5 2 All 22 17

In 2004 the three dormouse nests were all estimated at being 1.2 m high. In 2005 the eleven dormouse nests were spread widely with two being at .5m high, two at 0.75m, one at 0.8m, one at 1m, four at 1.25m and one at 1.75m. It is possible that cover and surrounding habitat are more important to dormice than the height of the monitoring tube. However it is worth noting that the highest numbers in 2004 and 2005 were 1.2m and 1.25m respectively which is very similar. It is proposed to continue varying the height of the tubes to gather more information.

4.4 Distance of the tubes from edge of the coppice compartment Please see Table 5 and 6 below: In 2004 the distance into the compartment was estimated and as a result in 2005 a tape measure was used to get a more accurate measurement. In 2005 the monitoring tubes were installed within a range of distances from under 1m to over 20m, the majority being between 4m to 4.9m. In 2004 there was a range of usage from a tree in a ride to over 16m in side the compartment. Dormouse nests were recorded at between 1m – 1.9m, 7m – 7.9m and 8m – 8.9m. In 2005 the bulk of tube usage was between 4m and 9.9m into the compartment with ten of the eleven nests in these areas. However one nest was over 20m into the compartment. In 2004 the highest proportion of mammal usage was between 2m to 2.9m, however in 2005 there was no recorded mammal usage at this distance into the compartment so it seems difficult to assess if there is any optimum distance at the moment.

57 Table 5: Distance into the compartment 2004 2005 Meters (m's) No. % No. % In ride trees 2 3.4 Under 1.0 2 3.4 3 3.4 1.0 - 1.9 6 10.2 6 6.7 2.0 - 2.9 13 22.1 7 8 3.0 - 3.9 6 10.2 8 9 4.0 - 4.9 4 6.8 14 16 5.0 - 5.9 6 10.2 8 9 6.0 - 6.9 2 3.4 12 13.4 7.0 - 7.9 5 8.5 10 11 8.0 - 8.9 4 6.8 3 3.4 9.0 - 9.9 4 6.8 4 4.5 10.0 - 10.9 2 3.4 5 5.6 11.0 - 11.9 4 4.5 12.0 - 12.9 1 1.7 1 1.1 13.0 - 13.9 2 2.2 15.0 - 15.9 1 1.7 16.0 - 16.9 1 1.7 18.0 - 18.9 1 1.1 20.0 - 20.9 1 1.1 All 59 89

Table 6: Mammal usage - distance into the compartment Dormouse nests in brackets 2004 2005 Meters No. % No. % In ride trees 1 4.5 1.0 - 1.9 2(1) 9.1 1 5.9 2.0 - 2.9 7 31.8 3.0 - 3.9 2 9.1 1 5.9 4.0 - 4.9 1 4.5 4(3) 23.6 5.0 - 5.9 3 13.6 1(1) 5.9 6.0 - 6.9 4(3) 23.6 7.0 - 7.9 3(1) 13.6 2(1) 11.8 8.0 - 8.9 2(1) 9.1 2(1) 11.8 9.0 - 9.9 1(1) 5.9 16.0 - 16.9 1 4.5 20.0 - 20.9 1(1) 5.9 All 22 17

Paul Terry, Environmental Officer.

58 4.2.2 Essex Wildlife Trust Garden Survey Results for 2004 (Provided by Southend & Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust)

Essex Wildlife Trust asked its members to complete a survey form in 2004. In total, 110 forms were returned for the Southend-on-Sea area and the results analysis and published in 2005. The following information relates to biodiversity and gardens in Southend-on-Sea. Encouraging birds in the garden Do the gardens have nest boxes and what types of boxes? Number Percentage Hole-fronted boxes 70 64% Open-fronted boxes 30 27% Other 2 2% Sparrow box 3 3%

What type of food is provided? Bread 72 65% Kitchen scraps 46 42% Live food 1 1% Mixed seed 87 79% Nyger seed 16 15% Peanuts 89 81% Sunflower hearts 28 25% Sunflower seed 42 38% Fruit/berries 35 32% Other 8 7% Fat balls 27 25% None 3 3%

When is food provided? Winter 105 95% Spring 100 91% Summer 86 78% Autumn 99 90%

How much food was bought per year? Up to 3kg 15 14% 10kg 15 14% 15kg 25 22% 50kg 24 22% 100kg 13 12% Over 100kg 10 9%

Other wildlife Were there specific attempts to attract other wildlife? Bat Box/brick 6 5% Compost Heap 48 44% Insect Box 6 5% Pond 44 40% Bumble Bee Pots 4 4% Hedgehog Box 5 5% Log Pile 42 38% Wild Area 40 36%

59 Essex Wildlife Trust Garden Survey 2004 - What birds were seen in the garden and how frequently? Total respondents How often were they seen? Total respondents Number Percentage Daily Weekly Regularly Yearly Nested Percentage Blackbird 107 97% 74 12 17 4 24 22% Blue Tit 108 98% 74 19 12 3 32 29% Bullfinch 9 8% - 2 - 7 - - Carrion Crow 54 49% 12 16 15 11 1 1% Chaffinch 48 83% 2 5 20 21 - - Coal Tit 8 7% 2 3 2 1 - - Collared Dove 107 97% 89 10 6 2 6 5% Dunnock 68 62% 35 16 11 6 4 4% Feral Pigeon 55 50% 30 10 10 5 1 1% Goldcrest 16 15% - - 3 13 - - Goldfinch 48 44% 4 2 21 21 - - Great Spotted 35 32% 5 - 5 25 - - Woodpecker Great Tit 83 75% 37 23 19 4 6 5% Greenfinch 75 68% 16 14 28 17 3 3% Green W/pecker 41 37% - 3 15 23 - - Heron 33 30% - - 4 29 - - House Sparrow 109 99% 89 9 5 6 15 14% Jackdaw 5 5% - 1 2 2 - - Jay 81 74% 5 12 33 31 - -

60 Essex Wildlife Trust Garden Survey 2004 - What birds were seen in the garden and how frequently? Total respondents How often were they seen? Total respondents Number Percentage Daily Weekly Regularly Yearly Nested Percentage Long-tailed Tit 46 42% - 2 16 28 2 2% Magpie 109 99% 56 31 14 8 3 3% Mallard 3 3% - - - 3 - - Mistle Thrush 28 25% - 2 6 20 - - Moorhen 1 1% - - - 1 - - Nuthatch 2 2% - - - 2 - - Pied Wagtail 22 20% - - 3 19 - - Robin 106 96% 59 28 12 7 15 14% Rook 14 13% 1 3 6 2 - - Siskin 8 7% - - - 8 - - Song Thrush 60 55% - 5 18 37 1 1% Sparrowhawk 47 43% - 4 31 31 - - Starling 107 97% 83 14 9 1 8 7% Tawny Owl 1 1% 1 - - - - - Treecreeper 3 3% - - 2 1 - - Tree Sparrow 13 12 11 1 - 1 2 2% Woodpigeon 92 84% 60 21 10 1 8 7% Wren 88 80% 11 25 32 20 8 7%

61 Essex Wildlife Trust Garden Survey 2004 - What mammals were seen in the garden and how frequently? Total respondents How often were they seen? Number Percentage Daily Weekly Regularly Yearly Badger 13 12% 2 2 5 4 Fox 95 86% 16 21 40 18 Hedgehog 26 24% 2 3 11 10 Rabbit 1 1% - - - 1 Shrew 1 1% - - - 1 Vole 2 2% - - - 2 Bat 31 28% - 4 15 12 Hare 1 1% - - - 1 Mice 58 53% 3 15 21 19 Rat 16 15% - - 6 10 Squirrel 72 65 20 13 24 15 Water Vole 1 1% - - - 1

62 Essex Wildlife Trust Garden Survey 2004 - What reptiles were seen in the garden and how frequently? Total respondents How often were they seen? Number Percentage Daily Weekly Regularly Yearly Grass Snake 4 4% - - - 4 Common Lizard 5 5% - - 3 2 Slow worm 7 6% 1 1 2 3

Essex Wildlife Trust Garden Survey 2004 - What amphibians were seen in the garden and how frequently? Total respondents How often were they seen? Number Percentage Daily Weekly Regularly Yearly Frog 78 71% 21 15 26 16 Smooth Newt 20 18% 4 5 8 3 Newt (unknown) 12 11% 1 1 8 2 Toad 51 46% 7 7 20 17

Neil Williams, Chairman, Southend & Rochford Local Group of Essex Wildlife Trust

63 4.2.3 First Summer Migrants Report - Southend Area 2005 (Provided by the South East Essex RSPB Local Group)

The RSPB Local Group record the dates of the first summer visitors (below) as part of the data gathered to monitor climate change. Further information at: www.southendrspb.co.uk

First Summer Migration Reports in the south-east Essex & Southend Area for 2005 Species Location Date Observer(s) Hobby Chalkwell Sation 09/04/05 Simon Buckell Little Ringed Plover Vange Marsh 01/05/05 Steve Arlow Whimbrel Belton Hills 05/04/05 Tony Mead Sandwich Tern Southend Pier 17/03/05 R.Cannon Common Tern Off Gunners Park 16/04/05 Steve Arlow Turtle Dove Barling Lakes 16/04/05 Barry Chambers Cuckoo Pitsea, Sandon Road 15/04/05 Gary Clinton Swift Paglesham, East End 06/04/05 George Potter Sand Martin Pitsea Cemetery 06/04/05 Gary Clinton Boyce Hill Golf Club, Swallow 27/03/05 Tim Murphy Benfleet House Martin The Fleet, Wakering 23/04/05 Barry Chambers Yellow Wagtail Upper Raypits Farm 25/03/05 Jeff Delve Nightingale Gunners Park 10/04/05 Brian Baldock Shoebury, Waterford Black Redstart 22/03/05 Sheila Hodgson Road Whinchat Gunners Park 27/04/05 Robin Peppiatt Wheatear Gunners Park 16/03/05 Steve Arlow Ring Ouzel Gunners Park 20/04/05 Tony Mead Garden Warbler Belfairs Woods 25/04/05 R. Cannon Grasshopper Warbler Two Tree Island 12/04/05 David Lee Sedge Warbler Two Tree Island 12/04/05 David Lee Reed Warbler Wat Tyler Country Pk 28/03/05 Martin Itter Lesser Whitethroat Gunners Park 20/04/05 Tony Mead Andrew Common Whitethroat Hadleigh Downs 10/04/05 Woodhouse Willow Warbler Belfairs N.R. 05/04/05 Tony Mead Firecrest Westcliff, Opp. Casino 04/05/05 Marc Outten Spotted Flycatcher Gunners Park 11/04/05 Jenifer Akib

Graham Mee, Group Leader, South East Essex RSPB Local Group

64 4.2.4 The Heath fritillary Butterfly in Hadleigh Great Wood 2005 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

1. The butterfly was recorded between 26th May and 13th July. Numbers peaked on 21st June with a day total of 949 (in 2004, 227 on the 19th June). The species occurred widely at the west end of the SSSI (see map on page 69). There were no records away from the SSSI. 2. Reports were received from the South Essex Natural History Society (SENHS) of 2 individuals on the wing during September. 3 a) Release area 3 and ride 2/7 The butterfly was recorded between 27th May and 13th July, with a peak day count of 236 on 21st June. Areas B and D were cut with the Rytec harvester in early October, and the arisings removed. Ride edge 2/7 was cut as normal. b) Release area 4 and ride 1/6 The butterfly was recorded between 7th and 27th June, with a peak day count of 70 on 21st June. The area was partially cut with the Rytec in early October and the arisings removed. Thinning of scrub regeneration will be undertaken this winter to maintain the area for the butterfly. c) Dodds Grove Glade The butterfly was recorded between 27th May and 29th June [SENHS], with a peak day count of 267 on 21st June. Much of the area was cut with the Rytec harvester in early October, and the arisings removed. Further work will be carried out by the SENHS and conservation volunteers to control regenerating scrub over the forthcoming winter period. d) Dodds Grove Ride The butterfly was recorded between 8th June & 7th July, with a peak day count of 147 on 21st June. Areas A, B, & C were cut with the Rytec harvester in early October and arisings removed. e) Compartment 8 and its associated rides 8/13, 8/15 & 8/9 The butterfly was recorded between 4th June and 5th July, with a peak day count of 19, 15 and 37 on 21st June. Areas on these rides were cut with the Rytec harvester in early October and the arisings removed. With English Nature consent and funded by the Essex Biodiversity Project, an area on the west side of ride 8/9 was cleared of tree stumps to enable future maintenance to be carried out with the Rytec. This work was completed by Friday, 16th September. f) Compartment 14 and its associated rides 13/14, 14/15 and 14/19 Good numbers of the butterfly were recorded in the area following the coppicing of compartment 14 in 2003. Peak day counts were 58, 8 and 14. In addition, a transect across compartment 14 produced 41 sightings on 21st June. The coppice in compartment 14 is growing rapidly and ride 13/14 has been widened. It is unlikely the area will retain a large population of the butterfly. 4. Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense) was widespread this year and was noted in abundance in recently coppiced compartments 14 and 15. 5. Compartments 3 and 4 (total 2.9 acres are scheduled to be coppiced this winter.

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer

65 4.2.5 The Heath fritillary Daily Count for 2005 (Provided by the Woodland Officer)

Daily count totals for 2005 (see map on page 69):

26th May (1) 1 Ride 14/15 27th May (3) 1 Release area 3 2 Dodds Grove glade 1st June (2) 2 Ride 14/15 4th June (2) 1 Ride 13/14 1 Ride 8/15 7th June (16) 6 Release area 3 7 Release area 4 2 Ride 13/14 1 Ride 8/13 8th June (53) 3 Ride 8/15 9 Release area 3 2 Release area 4 25 Dodds Grove glade 4 Dodds Grove ride 2 Ride 7/6 4 Ride 8/13 1 Ride 13/14 2 Ride 14/15 1 Ride 14/19 9th June (114) 28 Release area 3 2 Release area 4 1 Ride 2/Poors Lane 66 Dodds Grove glade 7 Dodds Grove ride 4 Ride 8/13 3 Ride 13/14 3 Ride 14/15 13th June (186) 3 Ride 8/15 35 Release area 3 12 Release area 4 3 Ride 2/Poors Lane 105 Dodds Grove glade 18 Dodds Grove ride 5 Ride 8/13 2 Ride 13/14 3 Ride 14/15 14th June (291) 1 Ride 8/15 1 Ride 9/16 3 Ride 8/9 54 Release area 3 10 Release area 4 8 Ride 2/Poors Lane

66 168 Dodds Grove glade 22 Dodds Grove ride 5 Ride 8/13 17 Ride 13/14 2 Ride 14/15 17th June (434) 14 Ride 13/14 5 Ride 8/15 1 Ride 9/16 16 Ride 8/9 101 Release area 3 14 Release area 4 1 Ride 1/ 2 6 Ride 2/Poors Lane 186 Dodds Grove glade 74 Dodds Grove ride 1 Ride 6/12 11 Ride 8/13 3 Ride 14/15 1 Ride 14/19 19th June (227) 6 Ride 14/15 12 Ride 13/14 14 Ride 14/19 5 Ride 9/16 1 Release area 1 1 Warren Road entrance 1 Ride 15/16 21st June (949) 1 Release area 1 1 Warren Road entrance 1 Ride 15/16 15 Ride 8/15 5 Ride 9/16 37 Ride 8/9 236 Release area 3 70 Release area 4 1 Ride 1/Poors Lane 14 Ride 2/Poorts Lane 147 Dodds Grove ride 267 Dodds Grove glade 9 Ride 6/7 4 Ride 6/12 19 Ride 8/13 1 Ride 11/12 58 Ride 13/14 8 Ride 14/15 12 Ride 14/19 41 Compartment 14 1 Ride 18/19 1 Ride 19/Hardwood Nursery 27th June (318) 26 Ride 8/9 103 Release area 3

67 21 Release area 4 50 Dodds Grove ride 69 Dodds Grove glade 2 Ride 6/7 33 Ride 13/14 8 Ride 8/13 4 Ride 8/15 2 Ride 14/15 5th July (8) 3 Release area 3 1 Ride 13/14 3 Ride 14/15 1 Ride 8/15 10th July (7) 5 Release area 3 2 Ride 14/15 13th July (1) 1 Release area 3

Tony Mead, Woodland Officer All count data has been provided by Woodland Officer unless otherwise indicated

68 Numbering of Rides

ENTRANCE FROM POORS LANE and Compartments

ENTRANCE FROM POORS LANE 2 3

4 1 7 PRITTLE BROOK 5 ENTRANCE FROM 6 ENTRANCE FROM POORS LANE HADLEIGH GREAT WOOD BELFAIRS PARK 8 9 10 12 13 21C 11 15 17 21B 14 16

21A 18 19 20

ENTRANCE FROM WARREN ROAD

ENTRANCE FROM POORS LANE Heath Fritillary Release Areas

ENTRANCE FROM POORS LANE III

ENTRANCE FROM PRITTLE BROOK ENTRANCE FROM POORS LANE IV I BELFAIRS PARK HADLEIGH GREAT WOOD

ENTRANCE FROM WARREN ROAD

69 4.2.6 The Heath fritillary in Dodds Grove Glade 2005 (Provided by South Essex Natural History Society)

The South Essex Natural History Society has supported the re-introduction of the Heath fritillary butterfly and is working in partnership with Southend Borough Council at Belfairs Nature Reserve. The Society has taken over responsibility for a small area of Dodds Grove and it manages this area in ways which maximise the areas value for the Heath fritillary butterfly. In addition to organising working parties it also monitors the butterfly in this area. The results for 2005 are shown below.

Site Date No. Count Time Recorder Weather/Remarks Seen

Dodds Grove 29/5/05 3 - D. Down Some glimpses of sun (DG) DG 3/6/05 14 1.30-1.45pm D. Down Overcast/Glimpses of sun

Meadow ride 3/6/05 2 10 mins. D. Down “ “

DG 7/6/05 35 11.15-11.35am B. Matson Intermittent cloud DG 17/6/05 200+ 11.30-12 noon D. Down Warm/Sunny DG 19/6/05 69 3.20-3.45pm B. Matson Sunny/Hot Meadow ride 19/6/05 45 “ B. Matson “ DG 21/6/05 89 10.30am B. Matson Sunny/Very warm Path to Poors 21/6/05 40 “ D. Down “ Lane DG 24/6/05 30 9.30-10.00am D. Down Sunny intervals DG 29/6/05 15 11.30-12 noon D. Down Bright at first Meadow ride 7/7/05 2 2.00-2.30pm D. Down Sunny during count time DG 11/7/05 0 10.30-12 noon B. Matson/ Sunny & warm D. Down Meadow ride 11/7/06 0 “ “ “

Note: If the warm weather holds, there could be a partial second brood in late summer.

Don Down South Essex Natural History Society

70 4.2.7 Little Egret Count 2005 (Provided by the South East Essex RSPB Local Group) In 2005 the South East Essex RSPB Local Group ran a 'Big Little Egret Watch'. Records were gathered from Essex and Kent and the results are shown below. The results for 2004 are also included for comparison.

Big Little Egret Watch, 10th – 11th September 2005 Location 2005 2004 Notes for 2005 Foulness Island, 140 206 Chris Lewis, Henry Hume. Essex Two Tree Island, At high tide roost between 17:05 & 17:40, Graham 94 0 Essex Mee. Benfleet Creek 4 - Near Benfleet Station, John Wright Abberton Reservoir, Good count at Abberton at dusk on Saturday, Mark 101 120 Essex Nowers. St Osyth, Essex 165 20 Simon Cox. Lofts Farm, 134 141 Russell Neave Heybridge, Essex Deep Fleet – 30, Erwarton Bay (Suffolk side) – 21, Stour Estuary, Essex 55 - Cattawade – 4. Mark Nowers. Abbots Hall, Essex 42 - On the 12/9/05. Nick Ransdale Dagnam Saltings, 100 73 Trevor Bowley Kent North Quarry, Cliffe 94 61 On the 11/9/05. Trevor Bowley. Pools, Kent Stoke Fleet, North 248 - On the 7/9/05. Trevor Bowley. Medway Kingsnorth, North Kingsnorth replaced by Stoke Fleet. Janet & Trevor - 444 Medway, Kent Bowley. Total: 1,177 1,065 Additional Notes: The Group have decided to include the new location of Stoke Fleet, North Medway even though this was counted on the 07th September as a large number of these birds are probably Kent birds. Unfortunately Northward Hill was not counted on this occasion. Kent News: Stoke Fleet - a new roost from July this year, replacing Kingsnorth. Dagnam Copse - thick mist over the Thames on Saturday evening meant that we could not see where the Little Egret were coming from but we suspect most arrived from Essex. North Quarry, Thames - many of these must arrive from Essex, presumably west of Cliffe. Kingsnorth - This former large roost on the North Medway was abandoned this year in favour of Stoke Fleet, but half the population are missing, so we are about 200 Little Egret down this season. Northward Hill - 57 pairs bred in the Heronry in 2005, but the Little Egret soon dispersed from here & the roost was no longer in use by September. Trevor Bowley. Other Little Egret sightings: Canvey Point 11th September 2005: 61 Little Egret (flying to Canvey Point at dawn from Allhallows roost). Jeff Saward (Southend Ornithological Group). Two Tree Island 8th September 2005: 40 Little Egret on high tide roost. Two Tree Island 4th September 2005: 48 Little Egret on high tide roost.

Graham Mee, Group Leader, South East Essex RSPB Group

71 4.2.8 Selected Winter Migration Reports – South-East Essex & Southend Area 2005 (Provided by the South East Essex RSPB Local Group)

The RSPB Local Group also records the dates of the winter visitors (below) as part of the data gathered to monitor climate change. Further information at: wwwsouthendrspb.co.uk

Selected Winter Migration Reports in the South-east Essex & Southend Area for 2005 Species Location Date Observer(s)

Last Recorded Sightings

Hobby Wat Tyler Country Park 25/09/05 Web Author Sandwich Tern Two Tree Island 15/10/05 Web Author Common Tern Leigh on Sea 02/10/05 Alan Shearman Cuckoo Paglesham 28/08/05 Ray Fuller Sand Martin Two Tree Island 18/09/05 Graham Ryland House Martin Gunners Park 09/10/05 Dave Knight Swallow Hullbridge 21/10/05 David Chivers Steve Bunn (a very Swift Hadleigh CP 25/10/05 late sighting!) Wheatear South Fambridge 16/10/05 Ray Fuller

First Recorded Winter Arrivals

Jeff Delve and Glyn Red-throated Diver River Roach 20/11/05 Evans Neil Chambers, Black-throated Diver River Crouch 04/12/05 Paul Baker Great Northern Diver Canvey Seafront 17/09/05 Harry Carmichael Brent Goose Two Tree Island 24/09/05 John Wright Hen Harrier Wat Tyler Country Park 16/10/05 Steve Hiscock Great Skua Canvey Point 05/09/05 Jeff Saward Arctic Skua Canvey Point 19/08/05 Jeff Saward Guillemot Canvey Point 23/09/05 David Morrison Short-eared Owl Vange Marsh 25/08/05 Steve Arlow Waxwing Benfleet, Stadium Way 07/12/05 N R Latham Paul Baker, Steve Redwing Southend/Fambridge 15/10/05 Arlow Fieldfare Rochford Golf Course 23/10/05 Neil Chambers Snow Bunting South Fambridge 27/11/05 Ray Fuller

Graham Mee, Group Leader, South East Essex RSPB Local Group

72 4.3 Other unusual data recorded during 2005 (Provided by Local Biological Records Centre and other organisations) Contributors: EARG = Essex Amphibian & Reptile Group EWT = Essex Wildlife Trust (Southend & Rochford Group) DD = Don Down (South Essex Natural History Society) JW = John Wright RP = Roger Payne, Southend Museums Service SENHS = South Essex Natural History Society

Plants 1st March 2005 – First Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) in flower in Dodds Grove (Belfairs Nature Reserve). SENHS 28th April 2005 – Corn Salad (Valerianella locusta) found by Evelyn Johnston in Woodfield Road, Hadleigh, a very short specimen at the base of a wall. This species is not recorded in Jermyns “Flora of Essex” but Ken Adams – County Botanical Recorder – has seen it in Essex some years ago. SENHS 29th April 2005 – Grey Speedwell (Veronica polita) found in Woodfield Road, Hadleigh. This is also not recorded in the “Flora of Essex”. SENHS 4th May 2005 – Valerianella locusta found in a garden in Rochford, possibly from bird seed. SENHS 9th May 2005 – A single plant of Valerianella locusta found on a vegetable patch in Benfleet. SENHS Reptiles Adders and viviparous lizards confirmed on Two Tree Island in 2005. JW/EARG Amphibians Wildlife pond in Chalkwell Park had large numbers of frogs, toads and smooth newts breeding in it in 2005. JW/EARG Churchill Gardens was confirmed as a breeding site for frogs. EARG Gunners Park was confirmed to be a breeding site for both frogs and smooth newts. EARG Beetles 14th June 2005 - The nationally scarce darkling beetle, Crypticus quisquilius is a beetle of coastal sand dunes where it feeds on plant roots. It was discovered near Shoebury Coastguard Station in the Old Ranges Nature Reserve. RP 16th June 2005 - The localised leaf beetle, Clytra quadripunctata was captured in Belfairs Nature Reserve. The larvae, which live inside hard cases, feed on debris inside the large nests of the Wood Ant. RP The largish brown scarab beetle known as the Summer Chafer, Amphimallon solstitialis is frequently brought into the museum as an enquiry and often mistaken for a cockroach. It is quite harmless but is attracted by light and frequently flies through open windows into people’s houses. One person from Weybridge Walk in Shoebury brought in 13 found alive on her living room carpet! RP Butterflies/moths June 2005 - A nationally scarce little moth, Nemophora fasciella was photographed by Roger Payne on the Belton Hills in 1985, but remained unidentified until 2005 when it was identified by Brian Goodey of the Essex Moth Group. The larvae feed on Black Horehound, of which there is plenty on Belton Hills. RP

73 29th June 2005 - The scarce day-flying pyralid moth, Pyrausta despicata was found in numbers on Shoebury Ranges. It is usually a moth of dry, sandy heaths, sand hills or chalk down-land where its larvae feed on plantains. RP Millipedes The extraordinary, bristly little millipede, polyxenus lagurus was discovered crawling on a tree stump devoid of bark on Two Tree Island. It feeds on lichens but is rarely seen, though this is not surprising as it is only about 2mm long. It has also been found on lichens encrusting the wall along Belton Way. RP Spiders August 2005 - A relative of the Black Widow spider, Steatoda nobilis which originally comes from the Canary Islands continues to spread in Southend. A record was received from Shoebury in Maplin Way North during May and another from Fowler Close, Southchurch. RP

Essex Amphibian & Reptile Group Essex Wildlife Trust, Southend & Rochford Group South Essex Natural History Society John Wright, Roger Payne, Southend Central Museum

74 Section 5 Contact details For information about the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and current initiatives, please 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 group contacts: . The Essex Biodiversity Project Biodiversity Co-ordinator: Gen Broad, 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] . South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV) Conservation Working Parties: Tel: (01702) 258492 or 01268 780585 – varied activities on several sites in this locality . 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 – General management in Belfairs Nature Reserve and specific work for Heath fritillary butterfly. . Southend Dormouse Group Contact Paul Terry – details shown in box above. Works to record and improve the status of the local dormouse population. . Southend Museum Service/Local Biological Records Centre Roger Payne, Tel: (01702) 434449 – can help with species identification and recording local wildlife. . 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) – work parties are held on the second Sunday of every month, 10.00am – 1.00pm, with tea break at half time (bring refreshments!) . South East Essex RSPB Local Group Chairman: Graham Mee, Tel: (01702) 297554, E-mail: [email protected] . Trust Links Tim Leech, Tel: (01702) 354227 or John Williams, Tel: (01702) 213134, E-mail: [email protected] Trust Links is a local charity in Southend whose aim is to help disadvantaged people through a number of services. Some of these are environmental or horticultural in nature, for example ‘Growing Together’, which is an organic community garden/allotment next to Gainsborough Park. Trust Links is also managing the fruit orchard at St Laurence Park and has an area of the Leigh allotment site for organic vegetable production. If you are interested in joining any of their activities or supporting their work please contact them.