These feeders were removed and relocated with the existing feeders by the main hide. The reason for this was to reduce the disturbance and conform to the remit of Ogston Reservoir as an SSSI Site, first granted in 1963 and reviewed in 1981. This status was given on the basis of maintaining the habitat for breeding and passage birds and the flora. The site will be re-planted with native species to recreate the natural habitat and encourage a wider variety of birds, butterflies and insects. The viewing facilities for the feeders by the main hide will be improved (on going). Further improvements and restoration of the scrapes in front of the main hide will be done after consultation with Severn Trent, we also need to cut and restore the grassland and scrub to its former level (needed to comply and retain SSSI status) . This work will be done at a time when it will cause minimum disturbance and the water levels are low enough. This will enable us to have more control over the water levels in front of the main hide to improve breeding and feeding conditions for waders. When we have finalised a plan for this work details will be put on the web site and in the hides

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Ogston bird club Life Member Mr James Derek Mart of Alton.

 Mr Mart approached Paul Beard and myself during 2005 offering Ogston bird club a parcel of land on Press Lane at Alton should we be interested, he also offered to  pay all legal fees for the transfer, after a short discussion we decided to accept and that became the start of the story of the Jim Mart Nature Reserve. Mr Mart went on to present us with another parcel of land closer to his home.

As Chairman of Ogston bird club I had the honour of presenting Mr Mart with his Life Membership certificate and remember clearly saying to him that it seemed a very poor exchange, a parcel of land for a framed certificate, his response was that he was delighted that the club had transformed the land into something he could and was very proud of.

Many members have spent lots of hours on JMNR and it has produced a phenomenal species list, particularly Dragonflies, and Butterflies and Birds, the interest in the site I am sure will continue for many years to come and will provide a lasting memorial to his name.

Keith Turton.

Chairman Ogston Bird Club.