ECOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR PROPOSED COUNTRY PARK
The Conservation Corps of Belfair's Woods and several
other naturalist bodies have joined forces to make an
ecological study of the saltings, mudflats and woods which
extend from Benfleet to Leigh in an effort to claim a better
and larger area to be managed as a nature reserve in the
Country Park proposed by Southend Borough and Essex County
Councils.
The park would comprise 1485 acres stretching from
Hadleigh to Leigh including Two Tree Island. Amenities
would include picnic grounds, a golf course, a camping site
and seven car parks. Only a small area has been proposed
for a nature reserve.
The object of our group is to collect all the
information concerning the natural history of the area, and
with this, offer advice to the planners as to the best
location of an ecologically balanced area that would become
the reserve. The survey, however, has just started; the
many habitats have been logged, and work is about to
commence on analysing each habitat.
The study is especially important in that there are
several rare plant species in the area which could disappear
if the present plans are adopted. The Brent Geese would
also suffer if Leigh Marsh - included in the plan — were
to be developed.
Anyone interested in helping with the survey should
contact Miss MacConnell of 61 Gravel Road, Eastwood.
Gordon Davis
NEW RECORDER
The Club is pleased to appoint Mr. R.M. Payne, of
49 Galton Road, Westcliff -on-Sea, Essex, as the Recorder
for Diptera.
Mr. Payne is a long-standing member of the Club and
has made a special study of the Diptera, in particular of
the Crane-flies (Tipulidae) and the Hover-flies (Syrphidae).
He will welcome all records of the Essex flies.
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