ONGAR NATURE WATCH

Recent arrivals

Over recent times many animals and plants have become resident in Britain, some by accident and others by design. These introduced species are also known as exotics, aliens, nonindigenous, non-natives and invasives. The definition of an introduced species used here assumes that it has survived for at least two generations in the wild in Britain following its initial introduction.

Although mammals and plants are the best known of the non-indigenous species, there are many others including fish, crustaceans, amphibians, birds and insects. Here just a few are considered.

One of the most colourful animals new to this country is the ring-necked parakeet, which is native to Africa and southern Asia. Despite its name, it is only the male that possesses the dark ring around its neck. The original introduction to the UK was from escaped pets, and these birds were first recorded breeding here in 1969. The parakeet has thrived since that date aided by relatively mild winters and a lack of predators. A number of colonies have become established in the South-East of England, with the largest of around 7000 birds in Esher, Surrey. There are also smaller populations in some London parks and it is a frequent garden visitor in many towns and cities, including Ongar and nearby villages. The ring-necked parakeet is highly gregarious forming large roosts which attract attention owing to their loud squawking. The current UK population is growing steadily and is estimated at more than 10,000 birds.

Our second visitor is native on the other side of the world. It is the North American mink which was imported into Britain in 1929 to be bred for its fur. As the wearing of fur became less popular and, nowadays, less politically correct, the breeding of mink in captivity has dramatically reduced. However, over many years, large numbers of mink have escaped or been freed by animal liberation groups and have spread throughout much of the British Isles and, despite its negative impact as a predator on many forms of wildlife, the mink is almost impossible to eradicate.

The ruddy duck first appeared in the 1940s, introduced from North America into ornamental lakes from which it escaped and survived in the wild. It has spread rapidly and now occurs widely in Britain where it interbreeds with the white headed duck, which poses problems in areas where the survival of the white headed duck is in question.

he Chinese mitten crab is a Far Eastern species which spends most of its life in freshwater, returning to salt water to breed. It is seen in increasing numbers in many parts of the country including the tidal Thames and nearby waters where its habit of burrowing into riverbanks poses a threat to flood defences and bank stability. The species originates from the Far East, particularly China and Korea. It was first recorded in this country in 1935, and by the 1970s had become fully established.

There are many more animals that have colonized our locality in addition to those named above. These include muntjac deer, edible dormouse, Canada goose, signal crayfish, grey squirrel, harlequin ladybird, horse chestnut leaf miner and the European yellow tailed scorpion.

Keith Snow

3rd North Weald Beavers

Tel: 01992 524672

British Legion, North Weald Branch

Tel: 07973 867 827

Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer

Tel: 01277 365200

Harlow Badger Group

Tel: 07941 185171

Friends Force Hertfordshire/Essex

Tel: 522464

Epping Forest Rotary Club

Tel: 07855 911323

Forest Highlanders Pipes & Drum

Tel: 01708 250820

Essential Local Numbers

Local Club Directory

North Weald Angling Club Tel: 01992 522303 www.nwdas.co,uk

North Weald Bantham & Ongar Bowls 01992 571535

North Weald Cricket Club Northweald.play-cricket.com

North Weald Scouts Group 01992 524672

North Weald Seniors Society for over 70’s Tel: is 01992 522677

North Weald Wireless Station Bowls Club Tel: 522803

North Weald Women’s Institute (Afternoon) Tel: 524631

Queens Hall Bowls Club Tel: 523375 or 522052

Queens Hall Charity

Tel: 522910

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Tel: 01992 523854/07803243625

Theydon Jazz Club 01945 588325/davedyer24@gmail.com

Thornwood Seniors

Tel: 577872

Three Valleys Male Voice Choir Tel: 01279 415563 www.3valleymvc.org.uk

West Essex Flower Club

Tel: 524631