(h) Pond. Ford Motor Co. Research Centre. Laindon
This pond has been the subject of regular and systematic study by D. S. Walker since
the early 1970s. Over this period twelve species have been recorded, including such local
ones as Pyrrhosoma nymphula. Lestes sponsa, Libellula depressa and Sympetrum
sanguineum. As the area of open water has gradually declined, and the pond has become
subject to drying out a colony of the national rarity. Lestes dryas has become established.
This is one of the very few inland sites for this species in Essex.
3. Flooded Mineral-Extraction Sites
(a) Fingringhoe Wick Reserve (E.N.T.). Colchester
This former sand and gravel excavation site was purchased as a nature reserve in
1961. It combines diverse and invertebrate-rich aquatic and terrestrial environment of
very high quality. Important dragonfly breeding-sites include Kits Pond, a well-
vegetated and brackish former settling pond at the eastern end of the reserve, the central
lake (a former gravel-washing reservoir), and several smaller ponds, some of them
subject to drying out in the summer, in the north-western corner of the reserve. There are
early records (J. A. Richardson. 1962-3) of Aeshna cyanea and Libellula depressa at the
reserve.
Since 1980 several observers including L. Forsyth. B. Watts and myself have recorded
a total of fifteen species at the Wick. This total includes several local species, such as
both 'Chaser' species (Libellula depressa and Libellula quadrimaculata). Sympetrum
sanguineum. Pyrrhosoma nymphula and Lestes sponsa. The presence of Lestes dryas was
established in 1986 (though its breeding status is as yet unclear) and changes in
management since the early 1980s have resulted in the re-appearance of Orthetrum
cancellatum after a period of presumed absence since the mid 1970s. There are also
records of the very local Erythromma najas from before the present survey began, but
the species has not been recorded at the reserve since 1980.
(b) The Backwarden Reserve (E.N.T.), Danbury
This mid-Essex reserve has many characteristics in common with Fingringhoe Wick,
although aquatic breeding sites are smaller and fewer. Open heathy areas on the reserve
and adjacent Danbury Common are first rate feeding sites for the more frequent
hawker and darter dragonflies. Several observers including G. Pyman. J. Shanahan. J.
Dobson, P. Treadwell and myself have recorded a total often species at the reserve since
1980. These include breeding records for Sympetrum sanguineum and Lestes sponsa.
(c) See under 'Complex Sites' for references to flooded pits in the Lee Valley. Epping
Forest. Roman River Conservation Zone, and at Ulting.
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