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The Coypu
By C. Owen
THE Coypu or Nutria, Myocastor coypus, has been found in
Essex. A colony established itself on the north bank of the
Stour (near Dedham) some years ago and no doubt that at this
time the first occurrence in Essex took place by 1955. In 1958
young Coypu were observed on the Essex side of the Stour near
Lamarsh. In 1959 a young animal was killed at Rayne and the
nearby Pods Brook was searched for three miles by officers of the
Pest Division of the Min. of Ag. & Fish. None were found.
In spring 1960 two reported near Stebbing and caught by
officers of the Pest Division were given to Mr. Owen at the
Colchester Natural History Museum where they are still alive.
There is an unconfirmed report (July 1960) from East Mersea,
but further records will be welcomed by the author.
Essex Naturalists' Trust Ltd.
THE inauguration of the Essex Naturalists' Trust on 3rd
October at Chelmsford was a notable event of 1959. Her
Majesty's Lieutenant of Essex, Colonel Sir John A. Ruggles-Brise,
C.B., O.B.E., T.D., J.P., consented to be the Trust's Patron, and
Mr. H. R. Tutt, J.P., a pioneer of nature conservation in Essex,
accepted an invitation to be the Trust's first President.
The first aim is to record all places of scientific interest in
the county involving a thorough survey of each site from scientific,
archeological and historical aspects. The Trust will also
endeavour to protect such sites which are threatened and which
warrant preservation.
Some reports have been published in 1960, and on 5th March
1960 the first Annual General Meeting was held where further
plans for the development and organisation of the Trust were
outlined. The Trust invites the co-operation of all having an
interest in the natural history of the county.
Secretary of the Trust is T. H. C. Bartrop, Oak Tree Cottage,
Margaretting, Ingatestone.