^{5th October 2007}

^{What’s Happening at Moor Green Lakes?}

If you’ve never visited Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve then why not come along on Sunday 14th October and find out about the history and general management of the site and have a go at some practical conservation tasks.

The site originally consisted of open fields and grassland, but was transformed as a result of gravel extraction and covers 36 hectares (90 acres). Opened in 1993, Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve is now the premier bird site in the Blackwater Valley. Well over 200 bird species have been recorded here, everything from Lapwing and Common Tern, to Wigeon, Teal, Little Egret and Goosander, as well as Kingfisher, Little Owls and countless small birds that use the scrub areas..

What visitors may not realise is that even though the site looks natural it takes a lot of hard work to keep it in such good condition.

“Wildfowl are attracted to the lakes because they are largely clear of scrub and tall vegetation but it takes a lot of manpower to keep them that way.” said Peter Scott Chairman of the Moor Green Lakes Group. “The site is looked after almost entirely by volunteers and is something that we are all extremely proud of. Sunday if a chance for everyone who enjoys the site to come along and find out more about the work that goes on behind the scenes, and how they can contribute”.

If you are interested in finding out more about Moor Green Lakes come along and talk to the volunteers who will be working on site on Sunday 14^th October from 10.30am. On this special Volunteer Taster Day they are inviting people to come along and ‘have a go’, so if you’ve never been on a conservation work party, find out what’s involved. The group will be based at the meadow by Colebrook Hide. Tasks are likely to be on Long Island, clearing bramble from grassland and scrub from shoreline. Just turn up anytime between 10.30am and 3.30pm and stay for as long as you like, have a chat with members of the group, light refreshments will be available. Everyone welcome, although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The car park is situated off Lower Sandhurst Road between Sandhurst and Finchampstead. For more information contain the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk

END

For further information contact: Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353. Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS

NOTES

Conservation work parties at Moor Green Lakes start at 10:30 and continue until about 15:30 or 16:00. Anyone is welcome; just turn up. Volunteers are welcome to attend for just a few hours if they can't spare time for the whole session.
Protective equipment and tools are provided for the tasks planned, but you will need to dress in suitable clothing; brambles feature in most of the activities, so old clothing is recommended. Tea/coffee and biscuits are provided, you may want to bring a packed lunch if you are staying all day.
Membership of the Moor Green Lakes Group offers unlimited access to the two hides on the Reserve, two newsletters a year and an informative annual report. Members are encouraged to help with conservation work during the winter. For more details email the Chairman, Peter Scott.
The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.