Bats in Essex in 2000
two young observed on beams on 6th June. New 10km square records, both involving several foraging
bats, occurred in August at the Perch Pond in Wanstead Park (TQ48) and over fishing lakes at
Glemsford (TL84). Finally, the last record of the year was of several bats feeding at Danbury Lakes
on 15th October.
Serotine Eptesicus serotinus (Schreber 1774)
Another poor year for this large bat with records from just two sites - Fairstead in late April and
droppings found in Salcott church during June.
Noctule Nyctalus noctula (Schreber 1774)
This species was recorded from three new 10km squares during the year. An individual was observed
feeding at Shoebury Garrison (TQ98) in late July, another at Fisher's Green (TL30) around the same
time and at Wanstead Park (TQ48) during mid-August. It is of concern that records of this species
now tend to concern individuals rather than groups of bats found feeding together.
Leisler's Bat Nyctalus leislerii (Kuhl 1818)
Another poor year with the largest known colony at Little Hallingbury declining to 41 bats compared
with 59 four years ago. Eight bats were counted at a Danbury roost on 5th July and the final record
involved a male found at Thundersley (a new 10km square - TQ78) on the late date of 29th November.
Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus (L. 1758)
A large colony of 46 bats was counted emerging from a house at Danbury during August, with bats
being found in houses (presumably due to the mild weather) until late November.
Other species recorded during the year were both species of Pipistrelle including records from bat
boxes at Phyllis Currie Reserve, Alresford and Broakes Wood.
Amphibian and reptile notes for 2000
DAVID SCOTT
Court Hill, Church Lane, Little Leighs, Chelmsford CM3 1PG
A recent report from John Pepper, warden of Stanford Warren EWT reserve details some interesting
reptile records. Some twenty Adders Vipera berus are to be seen regularly, as arc Slow-worms Anguis
fragilis, which often number fifty specimens counted under strategically-placed sheets of tin. These
reptiles enjoy the warmth of the sun as it shines on the tin sheets. Grass Snakes Natrix natrix are also
common here, and have bred well in recent years. This is probably due to the improvement in quality of
wetland habitats, which has encouraged a strong colony of Smooth Newts Triturus vulgaris, one of the
Grass Snake's favourite foods. Reptiles are having a snuggle to survive in Essex, and it good to have
news of yet another Essex Wildlife Trust reserve wh ich is supporting them.
Another success story is the growth of a large breeding colony of Common Toads Bufo bufo, in the
Leez Lake reservoir at Little Leighs TL 711185. This was constructed in the late 1960s by damming
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 18 (2001)