The newts are now back with a vengeance. Torch surveys were carried out in April, May
and June 2003. The counts were as follows 51, 46, 106 and 7. The survey was undertaken
on around 50% of the shoreline and so the estimated population within this pond will be
around 1000 to 2000 newts. The peak that was around the 29th May 2003 and by the 5th
June the newts had finished displaying and was actively feeding amongst dense aquatic
vegetation making it very difficult to spot them. In 2000 the flood reservoir was surveyed
and a count of 211 was achieved. The population is veiy important in the county, as it is
the largest colony of Great Crested Newts found in Essex so far.
Next year there will be several field meetings at the Magnolia LNR for EFC and EARG
members to learn how to survey for these newts using a torch and net. Members can be
added to a license as an agent and then can go out and carry out Great Crested Newt
Surveys in the County. Please contact Jon Cranfield if you would like to have details of
the training days in 2004 - 07769 644354
More about fleas
Bob George, the flea man, suggests a good source of material would be the nests of house
martins BEFORE the birds return to this country or after they have left, (so that we do not
disturb them at nest), a further source would be the nests of voles and other small rodents.
There are a lot of 10K squares to fill up, so please, let's have plenty of FLEAS.
Please send to R.S. George, F.L.S., F.R.E.S. 54 Richmond Park Avenue, Bournemouth,
Dorset BH8 9DR with details - location, grid reference or postcode, date, etc.
Bob George also referred to Essex Naturalist No. 30 (3)pp 193-198 where he provided
a list of Essex fleas, and if he gets enough material, he would produce an update.
STOP PRESS!
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Invertebrate Group meeting set for Saturday
27th September will be delayed until Sunday October 19th. The meeting will delve
into the other creatures that live in Wood Ant nests, but particularly searching for the
guest ant Formicoxenus nitidulus, following its successful re-discovery at Hanningfield
last year. Meet at the small car park area for the Pound Wood EWT reserve at TQ
816888 at 1.30 p.m. Leader Adrian Knowles (01206 271139).
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Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 42, September 2003