The Essex Naturalist
29
Muntjac have been recorded in many woodlands although there are very few
reports from south of the A127 road. The Essex Wildlife Trust and The Forestry
Commission have expressed concern about this species preference for woodland
flora, and limited culls are undertaken in sensitive areas. In July, 1996, one
walked round the boundary of the County Ground in Chelmsford where Essex
were playing Northamptonshire.
All mammal records are of interest, particularly those from under-recorded
areas such as north-east Essex. Would all members submit their records to the
above address so that a comprehensive atlas can be produced.
Bats in Essex in 1996
John Dobson
16 Westerings, Bicknacre, Danbury, Essex CM3 4ND.
The following is a summary of the most interesting bat records for 1996. A fuller
review of the last 16 years appears elsewhere in this journal (page 49).
Natterer's bat Myotis nattereri (Kuhl , 1818)
Up to seven bats were present during the winter at Coggeshall in some war time
bunkers that have been recently adapted as a hibernation site. Compared with
previous years, numbers in the Grays deneholes were down to a peak count of 12
bats. No new summer roosts were found but droppings could still be found in
established roosts at Bradwell, Little Sampford and Great Totham.