FIELD NOTES
FEBRUARY 2003 continued....
ARTICLES
The Secret Sanctuary
Welcome to Maple Lodge Nature Reserve, 40 acres of mixed woodland and wetland hidden away next to Thames Water's Maple Cross sewage treatment works. Just off the A412, the reserve is owned by Thames Water but managed and maintained by the members of the Maple Lodge Conservation Society.
From the hide attached to the information centre there is a view over the first of the two lakes, a carefully positioned post gives Kingfishers an ideal fishing spot and visitors close up views of these beautiful birds. Great Crested Grebes, Little Grebe, Mallard, Pochard and Tufted ducks are usually present and Herons stalk the shallow edges or rest on the Tern raft.
Leaving the centre, visitors begin to appreciate the attractions of the reserve and the variety of trees and plants. In spring, Bluebells and Celandines spread under the trees and a newly planted Holly hedge is slowly taking shape. The large Ivy-covered Oak holds an owl box that has been regularly used by a pair of Tawny Owls. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the owlets peering over the edge of the box. The plantation of mixed trees on the left of the path replace a stand of Poplars felled some years ago, the Alders being particularly good for Siskin flocks in winter. Passing some Spindle-berry bushes, unspectacular until the autumn when the berries are a riot of shocking pink and bright orange and the leaves turn deep red, we head for 3 new hides.
These hides give the first view of Marsh Lake; the newly created marshy areas are good for Snipe and sandpipers during the spring and autumn passage. The Yellow Iris or Flags are spreading to form a colourful fringe around the edges of the lake. Keeping the Reed-mace under control is an ongoing problem but the Phragmites reed-bed is becoming well established. Reed and Sedge Warblers are summer visitors and other species such as Reed Bunting are often seen. A rare and much sought after sighting is the wintering Bittern that has been seen by some lucky observers.
Returning to the main path, visitors can rest for a moment by the large Buddleia planted to attract the butterflies. A large piece of Hertfordshire Pudding Stone by the seat is a reminder of the area's interesting geological past. From Teal Hide the view is of the wider part of Marsh Lake, this part of the lake is favourite spot for several species of ducks, especially Teal and Pochard.
Before the nettles take over the ground on either side of the path White Violets, campions and Wild Arum can be found under the Poplar trees. At the end of the Poplars the path divides, and we follow it beside the Long Hedge. A rich mix of trees and shrubs are found here, an indication of the hedge's possible age. Blackthorn, Spindle-berry, Brambles and wild roses are mixed amongst the Hawthorn and Ivy.
Any planting on the reserve is done to provide either flowers for butterflies and moths or winter berries for the birds, often both. Wild Guelder has beautiful white flowers during the summer months followed by clusters of deep red berries for winter bird food. Ivy is such a useful plant, many small birds use the deep cover for safe nesting sites, the flowers attract late butterflies and the berries provide welcome food when the weather is harsh.
The Society has been establishing a wild flower area behind a rabbit proof fence and a wide range of wild flower species are now settled in. Knapweed, Mallow and Cranesbill with Wild Scabious attract a good variety of butterflies including Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Brimstone, Red Admiral and several others.
There is an excellent view of the lake from the Long Hedge Hide and, depending on the season, most of the reserve's wild fowl can be seen from here. Tufted, Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal are usually present in varying numbers. The resident Mute Swans have to find a nest site before the Canada Geese arrive from Stockers Lake. Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe also find safe nest sites among the scrub willow. An area of the willow is left to provide cover and nest sites but it has to be prevented from taking over the open water by regular cutting back.
From the Shell hide the final quarter of the lake can be seen, the sheltered bay area is a favourite feeding spot for good winter numbers of Teal, Gadwall and the occasional Goldeneye. Elusive Water Rail are sometimes glimpsed in the reeds. Ruddy Duck breed on the lake and the colourful males can often be seen performing their strange "bubbling" display.
The long hedge is clearly visible from the hide and a sudden flurry of small birds usually means that a Sparrowhawk has made a swift sortie down the hedge in hope of catching some unwary passerine.
Returning to the division of the path we enter the area known as the Paddock, this area is managed for the butterflies and moths. A path is cut through for visitors but the rest of the vegetation is left to flower and spread at will. In summer it is full of flowers, butterflies and birdsong and is a very pleasant place to rest for a while on the seat and watch and listen.
Due to the proximity of the treatment works, Thames Water does not allow unlimited public access to the reserve. However membership of the conservation society gives access at anytime, it is almost like having your own personal little nature reserve. The Society welcomes parties of visitors and arranges guided tours; we have toilet facilities and can provide tea and coffee. We have an Open Weekend in May with plant /book sales, guided tours and refreshments. In July we have our Discovery Day, when we invite people to discover our secret sanctuary, we have a barbecue and a raffle and we hope that members will bring friends and families to share their pleasure in the reserve.
The reserve is interesting at all times of the year, there always seems to be something to see, wintering wild fowl, summer migrants, butterflies and moths with a profusion of wild flowers, colourful autumn berries and foliage. A reserve for all seasons and all interests.
For further details or if you would like to arrange a private visit, contact the chairman,
Gwyneth Bellis, Telephone 01923 230277
Email gwyneth@bellis7.fsnet.co.uk
A visit to Maple Lodge for Herts Natural History Society has been arranged. The date is Sunday 27th April 2003. For further details and directions please contact Peter Delaloye, Tel 01923 442182.
This year's Open Weekend will be 10th/11th May 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Discovery Day is Sunday 20th July 2003.
Gwyneth Bellis
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