============================================ || || The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin || *** 5th April 2009 *** || || LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ || || "News of Lincolnshire's Wildlife" || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. News from the Lincolnshire Coast NNRs 5. News from Far Ings NNR 6. News from Lincolnshire Limewoods NNR 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9.. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary ....and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin now goes to 876 addresses each week and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. Note: Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Please make contact via the LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ or e-mail wildlifenews@lnu.org, or contact the Editor to join up and contribute articles or reports. [Or cancel!] E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Web-based Bulletin *** Web-hosted Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009feb15.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009feb22.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar01.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar08.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar15.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar22.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar29.txt Just cut and past the address into your browser. Thanks. Roger *** LNU Meetings *** For 2009 LNU Field meetings also see section 12 below or visit www.lnu.org/events.php *** Editor Writes *** It is good to read about research initiatives in Bats, Botany and the Reptiles and Amphibians. So many of our reports are bird records, not surprising as most of us start our interest in Natural History with the birds. The neglected Taxa, plants, invertebrates, etc. are often key to understanding a habitat, as well as providing the very food chains that support birds, so it is encouraging to see ornithologists transferring their identification skills to other groups. Keep the reports coming. I hope everyone has adjusted to the present system of hosting the Bulletin on my webspace. It should be a simple matter to email the page to yourself if you want a convenient record, or copy and paste it into a Word or similar document and save it that way. I am still thinking of how best to get round the dreadful dial-up service we are currently experiencing. Broadband, sadly, is not a realistic option here in Wildmore Fen. Roger *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) has assembled a committee in order to access funding sources, develop training courses and survey for reptiles and amphibians in Lincolnshire. Jackie Nicholson will be holding an indoor NARRS Reptile survey methods and identification presentation on Wednesday 8th April at 7pm at Hartsholme Country Park visitor centre. We will be following this up with a reptile survey training day on Saturday 11th April at Kirkby Moor Nature Reserve with Brian Redman. Our plan is: Meet up and survey Kirkby Moor - 10am-12pm - Packed Lunch in between, and 1pm to 3pm-ish survey Moor Farm Nature Reserve. Meet on Saturday 11th April at The Pump House at Kirkby Moor. OS: 122 GR: TF 225629 Map ref: 28 Readers of the Wildnews Bulletin are cordially invited to both events. For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel.07984 66 5847 *** Budding Botanists Needed - Beginners Welcome! *** Repeating Mark Schofield's interesting note from last week. The Lincolnshire and Rutland Limestone Grassland Project A project to survey and conserve limestone grassland in the west of Lincolnshire and north-west parishes of Rutland is now well underway with over £200,000 of funding behind it. Work will build on the existing Roadside Nature Reserve schemes, Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) and SSSIs by identifying important roadside verges. These will act as ‘corridors’ enabling the many threatened species associated with this diverse and attractive habitat to move and adapt in response to disturbance and climate change. We need as many volunteers as possible over the next two summers to help us survey roadside verges in your area. You will not need previous experience as a wild flower ID guide and training will be provided. Check the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website www.lincstrust.org.uk and the next edition of Lapwings for further details, or contact: Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Banovallum House, Manor House Street, Horncastle, LN9 5HF, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk, Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Boston Wildlife Explorers (Junior branch of the RSPB) *** Mick Todd writes: Boston Wildlife Explorers Event – “Happy Families” Saturday 11th April Registration 9.45am, finish 12.30pm "Happy Families" - spend the morning looking at the family life of different creatures. Bird watching from the hide, play "Happy Families" game, presentation of "Creature Comforts" and help build a "Hotel" for invertebrates. WEX members £2, non members £3, parents are welcome to accompany children free. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** The annual Lincolnshire Environmental Awards are with us once again, and applications are invited from anyone with an environmental project that might qualify. There have been some excellent applicants over the years, and both winners and runners-up benefit from the publicity of this scheme. The deadline for entries is 30 April 2009. See the website for details of categories and some useful background information for applicants: http://lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Natural History and Geology talk at the Scunthorpe Museum *** Keith Scarrott [Chairman] writes: Monday, 6th April, 2009. John Aram, Consultant Geologist, will be giving an illustrated talk entitled "When the earth moves" with particular reference to last year's earthquake in Lincolnshire. He will compare our area with less tectonically stable areas in the rest of the world. Meetings are held in the Scunthorpe Museum and begin at 7.15pm. Non-members are welcome. *** RSPB Lincoln Local Group April Events *** Jo Bramwell writes: BIRDING DOWN UNDER Thursday 9 April, 7.30pm A slide-illustrated presentation on the colourful birds of Australia. The Lincoln Suite, The Lawn, Union Road, Lincoln, LN1 3BJ. RSPB gifts and bird food and feeders on sale. RSPB members and students £3, other adults £4, accompanied children free. Parking charge at The Lawn. COACH OUTING TO RUTLAND WATER NATURE RESERVE for migrants, waders, waterfowl, osprey, etc. Depart Jackson Building Centre, Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HG, 8.30am. Depart reserve 5pm. Adults £14.50, accompanied children £9.50. Price includes permit. For further information and to book, call Mike Willey on 01522 888842. Cars may be left at Jackson Building Centre by kind permission of the management. All are welcome at all RSPB events. For more information visit www.lincolnrspb.org.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Birdnews from FOCALPOINT *** UPDATED DETAILS. Sign up for local and national news for only £15 p.a. with text messaging also available, details of this and other services at www.fpoint.co.uk 01/04/09 LINCS drk American Wigeon. Manby Flashes, 11.35am from bank by sewage wks. 02/04/09 LINCS 21 Waxwing. Messingham, 11.05am on B1400. LINCS 2 Little Egret. Manby Flashes, + drk Goosander, 2 Whooper Swan, 2 House Martin, , 2 Swallow, no sign drk American Wigeon. LINCS 21 Waxwing. Messingham SQ, 12.30pm on wires above B1400. 03/04/09 LINCS male Ring Ouzel. RAF Cranwell, opp church. We are very grateful to FOCALPOINT for allowing us to reproduce Lincolnshire Birdcall reports, and strongly encourage keen birders to sign up to receive these on a regular basis. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. GIBRALTAR POINT Malcolm Johnson. 01 April - 11.00 to 15.30 Really nice day with little wind. Avocets - 20+ Black Headed Gulls - 100's and very noisey!! Brent Geese - 15 Canada Geese - 10 Common Gulls - 20 Coots - 15 Cormorant - 2 Curlew - 5 Greylag Geese - 10 Lapwings - 17 Moorhens - 12 Oystercatcher - 14 Redshanks - 7 Shellducks - 20+ Tufted Ducks - 30+ Also saw many Natterjack Toads in the ponds and dykes. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming, We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from all readers, be they beginners or professionals. Thanks. ARNOLDS MEADOW N R K J Seaton 29-03-2009 First of the migrants seen but not singing. Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler. Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming Green Woodpecker calling Activity around nest boxes, Blue & Great Tits. 31-03-2009 Butterflies, several Peacocks FRESHNEY PARKWAY 1/4/09 Robin Lister 2 kingfishers flying up and down small dyke. Lots of water voles about at least 10 seen. FREISTON SHORE Malcolm Johnson 01-April - 16.30 - 18.00 Avocets - 5 Black Headed Gulls - Too many to number. Black Redstart ? Brent Geese - 200+ a conservative estimate Canada Geese - 50+ Great Black Backed Gulls - 2 Greylag Geese - 10 Oystercatchers - 10 Redshanks - 6 Shovellers - 2 Wren - 1 Common Gulls - 20 HOLBEACH RANGE R & K Heath 29/03/09 Barn Owl 2 Hen Harrier 1 Marsh Harrier 1 Short-eared Owl 1 No migrants Low wader numbers with 1000 Knot being the best. LINCOLN (Allenby Road Industrial Estate area) TF001 714 Brian Hedley 31 March 2009 Small White 1 Peacock 2 Small Tortoiseshell 5 Brimstone 1male 1 April 2009 Small Tortoiseshell 8 Bee-fly 1 (my first of the year and always nice to encounter) MARTON SK843 821 Brian Hedley 31 March 2009 Moth-trapping in garden with 15w actinic lamp over Skinner trap produced: Purple Thorn 1 Shoulder Stripe 1 Red Chestnut 1 Garden Carpet 1 Common Quaker 6 Small Quaker 1 Hebrew Character 5 Early Grey 4 Double-striped Pug 1 Common Plume moth 3 Brown House Moth 3 Burying beetle, Nicrophorus humator, 2 Pair of tawny owls calling whilst inspecting trap. 1 April 2009 Moth-trap out again but only one additional species to that above: Brindled Beauty 1 STURTON BY STOW Sturton by Stow Sk874799 Alison Brownlow On kitchen window a male Hairy-footed flower bee, noticeable due to it raggedly feathered 2nd pair of legs. WHISBY NATURE PARK SK910661 Grahame Hopwood/Phil Porter/Peter Dryburgh et. al. Week beginning 22/3. Buzzard - 2 Chiffchaff – 8 Green Woodpecker – 1 Kestrel at nest box – 1 Little Ringed Plover – 3 Oystercatcher - 4 Redshank – 1 Redwing – 4 Ruddy Duck – 1 Sand Martin – 12 Siskin – 40+ Teal – 4 Willow Tit singing – 4+ WILDMORE FEN - TF 216534 R & A Parsons w/e 4/4/09 An unexpectedly warm Saturday brought out small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies and several species of bumblebee were patrolling the garden. 3 yellowhammers are now regular visitors at the bird table and a pair of stockdoves too. It has been a disappointing start here for amphibians this year, but a frog is croaking in the pond now – 8pm this evening and tawny owls have begun calling at the same time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT N.N.R. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/index.php Katherine Bocock 29/03/2009 Brambling 2 Firecrest Siskin 30/03/2009 Black Redstart Chiffchaff 31/03/2009 Chiffchaff Red Kite Swallow 01/04/2009 Black Brant Black Redstart 2 Brambling 3 Chiffchaff Crossbill Jack Snipe Merlin 3 Short-eared Owl 3 Tree Sparrow 2 Woodlark 02/04/2009 Black Redstart Brambling 2 Goldcrest Hen Harrier Short-eared Owl 04/04/09 Great white egret Rough legged buzzard Hen harrier Marsh harrier 2 Merlin Peregrine 2 and an escapee falcon sp Willow warbler 3 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker No reports yet received. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp Lincs Wash Reserves March 2009 Paul French Whooper swan Birds migrated through all month, with flocks of 10 and 55 on 11th, 32 on 14th, 23 on 16th, 26 on 17th and 24 on 31st. Pink-footed goose Two (adult and juvenile) on the wetland at the start of the month Dark-bellied Brent goose Over 3000 birds were on the wetland during the month Pale-bellied Brent goose Up to two birds with the Brent flock all month Scaup A flock of 21 were offshore on 4th, a male was on the lagoon on 11th and another two were offshore on 29th. Eider Up to 150 were offshore all month Red-breasted merganser Several birds displaying offshore, plus males on the lagoon and reservoir at the end of the month Red kite One that flew south on 31st may have flown through Spurn Point earlier that day. Hen harrier One seen on 5th Marsh harrier Singles seen on 5th and 29th Merlin At least one throughout the month, but elusive on the saltmarsh. Peregrine One hunting over the saltmarsh throughout the month Avocet The first five arrived back on 5th, and built up to 55 by the months end Ruff One on the wetland and reservoir on 29th-31st Common snipe 60 birds present on the lagoon on 11th Short-eared owl At least one hunted the sea banks of the realignment throughout the month Barn owl At least one bird seen regularly Black redstart A female appeared along the inner sea bank by the reservoir on 29th-30th, but could be elusive Wheatear A pair dropped into the wetland on 31st Chiffchaff Two singing birds were in the hedgerow behind the hide on 31st ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 3.4.09 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern 2 blackbird 40+ blackcap black headed gull 50+ blue tit 14 bullfinch 2 canada goose 4 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 12 chiffchaff 6 collared dove 4 common buzzard common gull 6 coot 120+ cormorant 5 curlew 35 dunlin 20 dunnock 4 gadwall 2 goldeneye 2M +1F goldfinch 8 GC grebe 4 G S woodpecker 2 great tit 8 greenfinch 6 grey heron 2 greylag goose 40+ herring gull house sparrow 6 linnet 2 little grebe 5 long tailed tit 8 magpie 10 mallard 30+ marsh harrier M+2F meadow pipit 7 moorhen 30+ mute swan 4 oystercatcher pheasant 2 pochard 13 redshank reed bunting 7 ring ouzel 31.3.09 robin 10+ sand martin 50+ shelduck 30+ short eared owl shoveler 25 skylark 3 snipe song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 200+ swallow First record 31.03.09. tawny owl teal 8 treecreeper tree sparrow 2 tufted duck 30+ water rail 4 wigeon willow tit 2 wood pigeon 25 wren 14 Also: porpoise in the Humber off Chowder Ness ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specfic area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridleway only) *** Bat Research Project - Chambers *** Anne Goodall writes: For the last two weeks the research team have been at work locating and marking 42 focal-point trees for this project, throughout the Chambers woodland block. The habitat around each focal point will be recorded in great detail over the coming month, after which Anabat recorders will be used on a randomised schedule for a total of 6 nights at each point over the rest of the summer. These recorders detect and record every single bat pass and store the recording, with time and date, on a mini- disk, for downloading to a laptop. They can therefore provide an immense amount of data on species, numbers, activity - feeding or commuting - and times of each feeding bout or commuting pass. Hopefully, this can then be correlated with the habitat variables, in an attempt to determine just why each bat is where it is. The Forestry Commission have purchased a weather station for this project, to be installed at the Wood Centre (where it will of course be available for use in all our other research and monitoring work) and weather variables will also be included in analysis. Since the focal point locations all lie on National Grid intersections (to remove bias) it is clearly by chance that so many lie deep in (very scratchy!) woodland, but fortunately, some are fairly close to rides. Look out for some news of the findings in due course. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Sundays. Please e-mail in your contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save reediting: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms via Tori Sandilands at the Lincs Wildlife Trust Horncastle office, e-mail vsandilands@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: csmith@countrywidefarmers.co.uk *** Contacts List *** PC Nigel LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer - Community Safety Police HQ Deepdale Lane Nettleham Lincs LN57PH Tel 01522 558684 e-mail: nigel.lound@lincs.pnn.police.uk or Nige LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer County Police Station Sea Lane Ingoldmells Lincs PE24 44XX Tel: 01522 558684 *** Local Bat Helpline *** Gounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: A.Faulkner@care4free.net *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: A.Faulkner@care4free.net *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php *** LNU Bees and Wasps Recorder *** Dr Michael Archer 17 Elmfield Terrace, Malton Road, York YO31 1EH. [Willing to check or identify any aculeate wasp or bee specimen. Such a specimen usually has to be relaxed and mounted on a pin before it can be examined. If more than a few specimens are sent in, they must be mounted.] *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is now a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** LNU Plant Galls Recorder *** Graeme Clayton 2 The Dene Nettleham Lincoln LN2 2LS g.clayton@ntlworld.com Willing to check or identify any plant gall material. Recording forms www.british-galls.org.uk *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group *** If you have important information about badger activity or badger road casualties please e-mail the information to: Ian Frudd, e-mail address Fruddfolk@tiscali.net *** Bird Club Recorder *** LBC County Bird Recorder Steve Keightley: steve.keightley@btinternet.com *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Check it out. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. English Nature is now "Natural England" http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs. Wildlife Trust Website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ Lincs Environmental Records Centre Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre newsletters can be downloaded from: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/ Development Officer, Margaret Haggerty's e-mail: mhaggerty@lincstrust.co.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: freistonshore@rspb.org.uk South Lincs RSPB Local group's website address: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk/ Sub Regional Country Park North Kesteven District Council The concept of the Sub Regional Country Park (SRCP) is to create an easily accessible network of managed outdoor places by developing links and routes between existing green spaces and facilities, and exploring the opportunities for creating new, sustainable recreational facilities and supporting nature conservation objectives. This might include the restoration of old quarries; constructing new all purpose paths; or simply providing access to new areas of woodland, lakes and open land for countryside focussed activities. Contact: Luisa McIntosh Project Officer, Sub Regional Country Park North Kesteven District Council Tel: 01529 414155 ext 2469 Direct Line: 01529 308069 www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/subregionalcountrypark Bardney Limewoods www.limewoods.co.uk [New URL] limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** Harlequin Ladybird Survey *** To report your sightings: www.harlequin-survey.org/ *** Sir Joseph Banks *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society is based at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre in Horncastle and a programme of events has been arranged for both members and non-members. New members to the Society are always welcome. Contact 01507 528223 or by email: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. Latest newsletter and related articles are available on: www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Trent Aegirs *** Don't forget that the bore often comes up to half an hour before the expected time. www.environment-agency.gov.uk and go to Midlands link or search for 'Trent Aegir'. or try: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/timetable_2-Trent.pdf *** Before You Set Out. *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisby@cix.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk Chambers Farm Wood NEW contact - Mary Porter Mary.porter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Lincolnshire Bird Club Secretary - Janet Eastmead: janet.eastmead@talktalk.net Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net For the more general wildlife information coming via Roger Goy: roger@wildlifehelpline.org.uk Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen "in flower".] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will not be giving precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU AGM and Field Meeting 2009 *** Sunday, April 26, 2009 South Thoresby Pit followed by South Thoresby Warren LNR West of Alford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. From A16 at "5 ways" - the local name for the junction - (TF399 753) take road to S.Thoresby, go straight though village, then turn left for Belleau and park immediately on right on wide verge above entrance to pit. For the LNR go back into village and turn right then left for A16. Park on lay-by on left just before A16. S.Thoresby Pit is at TF406776 and S. Thoresby Warren LNR at TF392762 Habitats: Diverse mixture including wet areas and grassland. Leader: Christine Rieser christine.rieser1@virgin.net Tel 01507 607205 with Brian Hedley brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, May 16, 2009 BioBlitz - South Rauceby LNU members and the public are invited to this event. Sunday, May 31, 2009 Robert's Field Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve SW of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Parking at TF 000 150 (on roadside?). See Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for details http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=75. Habitats: Limestone grassland Leader: Annette Faulkner a.faulkner@care4free.net 01775 766286 and possibly Dave Vandome (site warden) 07775 566586. Sunday, June 07, 2009 High Barn SSSI, Oxcombe. In Wolds between Louth and Horncastle. Private site. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on road verge along Blue Heath Road at TF325 761 near where track leads north to site. Habitat: Calcareous grassland on steep slopes. Leader: Brian Hedley 01427 718320 brian_hedley@hotmail.com with Paul Kirby. Saturday, July 04, 2009 Crowle Moor Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at visitors’ car park at SE756 137. Take minor road leading NW from Crowle village. See Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for details http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=12. Later meeting at 20.30 for bats and moths. Habitats: Heathland, mire and willow scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 01427 718320 brian_hedley@hotmail.com with Colin Smith later. Friday, July 10, 2009 BioBlitz - Banovallum House, Horncastle BioBlitz @ Banovallum House, Horncastle Times: 4pm to 4pm. Habitat: Large riverside garden. Contact: Margaret Haggerty 01507 526667 mhaggerty@lincstrust.co.uk Sunday, August 23, 2009 River Glen 12 for 1pm start. Park at TF144 176. This is the Car Park used for Baston Fen NR and is located on the minor road between Baston and Tongue End. Cross over concrete bridge and park along track to left. Do not park on track straight on from bridge. Habitats: River, drains and marsh. Leader Richard Chadd richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk & Ian Cappitt ian.heidi@virgin.net Saturday, September 19, 2009 Humberstone Blow Wells + National Moth Night A small blow wells site just south of Humberston. Private site. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Later meeting at 19.00 for bats and moths. Park on verge of South Sea Lane at TA 313 048 near where track leads south to site (might be able to park closer depending on harvesting activity). Habitats: small woodland, ditches, marsh, pools and cattle pasture. Leaders: Brian Hedley (afternoon) 01427 718320 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Colin Smith (evening) csmith@countrywidefarmers.co.uk. Sunday, October 18, 2009 Fungus Foray - Roughton Moor Wood, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve Fungus Foray 12.00 for 13.00 start. Site located off Moor Lane, a minor road between Woodhall Spa and Kirkby on Bain. Restricted parking along Moor Lane (do not block tracks). Meet at site entrance at TF210 631. Habitats: Mixed Woodland and heathland. Leaders: Ken Rowland 01522 686900 and Ray Halstead. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** The following address(es) gave an error message. I have deleted them from the mailing list. If you recognise any, please pass on a message - "Contact me if you wish to continue to receive the Bulletin." Thanks. Roger Mailfails None to report this week. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/