10
Observatory; indeed, most of us consider it to
be an optional extra between bouts of tea
drinking and conversation. Members of the
Field Club are welcome to visit the Obser-
vatory, or stay overnight if they wish. If
the former, then just turn up one Sunday, as it
is usually manned throughout the day: if the
latter, then feel free to get in touch with the
writer. We always reserve a few unchipped
cups for special guests.
GRAHAM SMITH
48 The Meads
Ingatestone
CM4 0AE
BAT REPORT 1990
During this year the bat survey of Essex has
continued and several new records have been
obtained. The year started with two descents
of the Grays deneholes. Previous copies of
the Essex Naturalist record the presence of
bats in these chalk mines (from 1880 onwards),
but numbers declined until the mid-1990s.
This was mainly due to an increase in pot-
holing that took place at the site - most of it
of a frivolous nature. Youth clubs, scout
groups and virtually anybody with £1.50 was
invited to abseil down and climb back out on a
Saturday afternoon. However, when a few bats
were found several years ago, winter pot-
holing was stopped and Thurrock Borough Council
decided that only well organised, bona fide