This is the time of year for much serious recording to start (and not to be stuck in front
of a computer!), but the weather this spring has so far (mid April) not been particularly
favourable compared to others in recent years. My sweet cherry tree produces a crop
that is usually mostly eaten by Starlings before I get a chance to pick them, but the main
factor is the weather at the time the flowers are out. Bumblebees and the Tawny Mining
Bee Andrena fulva are the most important pollinators, with much rarer bees such as the
Nationally Scarce Andrena tibialis making an occasional appearance here. This year we
finally had some fine sunny weather to bring the cherry blossum out at the stall; of April,
only to then get substantial snowfall that settled (at least in Grays) for at least a whole
day (see Plate 1), not doing the crop's chances much good at all. The change a few days
later (see front cover) means that there may be a good crop after all. Please help record
some of the spring species by using our on-line forms for this species Andrena fulva, the
bee fly Bombylius major and the flower bee Anthophora plumipes. Also help with records
of the Lily Beetle, Rosemary Beetle, ladybirds, frogs etc. And don't forget one of our
most under-recorded aculeates the Honey Bee!
Although progress has been slower than we might have hoped, funding for a new centre
at Wat Tyler Country Park is being actively explored to make sure the new centre will be
delivered and I am pleased to report that the prospects for success are still good.
Request for contributions to the Essex Naturalist
Editorial Team
We would make a plea to all County Recorders to produce even a brief summary report
on their groups and to send it to Chris Gibson (email: gibson@dovehc.freeserve.co.uk)
by the beginning of July. Some groups have not been represented in the journal for some
years.
Snippits, information on records for 2-3 species new to Essex in recent years or any
interesting observations on behaviour, distribution, ecology, phenology etc would all be
very welcome, and would help to raise the profile of the taxonomic group to members.
We will also be very pleased to receive contributions from any member, however small,
for inclusion. Longer articles are also welcome, although these may need to be peer
reviewed and held back for the following year.
We are also always interested in striking photographs that would make a good cover
picture. If you think you can help, please send images to Bill George (william-
george@lineone.net) or Peter Harvey (grays@peterharvey.freeserve.co.uk). Images
should be high quality, at least 300dpi and not heavily compressed. Peter can scan slides
or negatives but we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to items.
2
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 56, May 2008