The Cotswold Water Park

The Lesser Emperor story of the Cotswold Water Park continues to unfold in 2006! After a single sighting of a male in 2005 (at CWP 26, Wilts) 2006 has produced a bumper crop of sightings.

First sighting was on the 12^th June; a male was found patrolling some margins at some active mineral workings in the Western section of the CWP (site undisclosed for health and safety reasons) (Steve Covey, Gareth Harris).

This was then followed by a tentative sighting at Swillbrook Lakes (CWP 46/48, Glos) on the 16^th July (Nick Adams, Reserve Warden), followed by confirmed sightings by Damien Pinguey and Steve Covey on the 17^th. This male stayed around long enough for a female to find him, and the pair were observed ovipositing in tandem (a characteristic of this species) on the 19^th July.

A visit to nearby lakes shortly after observing them ovipositing, resulted in the discovery (by Steve Covey) of another male, whilst also at the same time, Chris Walker, Senior Ranger found a male at Keynes Country park (CWP 32, Glos/Wilts)!

As of today (20th) yet another male was found on a private lake near Somerford Keynes whilst the male was still present at Keynes Country Park, on the southern shore of CWP 32.

Even allowing for individuals moving around, there are clearly several individuals here. It would be worth checking any of the lakes in the area as you are likely to find your own Lesser Emperor! So why not come and have a look!

For further details, please contact Gareth Harris, Biodiversity Officer, Cotswold Water Park Society on 01285 861459 or email Gareth.harris@waterpark.org