============================================ || || The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin || *** 12th 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor Writes *** Made a jaunt to Norfolk this week, heading for Holme next the Sea where a small flock of Brent geese and several curlew were gathered on the submerged forest where Seahenge was found. A terrific bit of coast. http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturereserves/holme_dunes_/ Came home via Hunstanton Cliffs SSSI where we saw fulmars nesting, always a good sight, and a single swallow flew over. The cliffs at Hunstanton are a stunning geological sight, with Upper Cretaceous white chalk sitting on rust-red Lower Cretaceous strata of red chalk and Carstone, appositely known by geologists as Gingerbread. http://www.naturalengland.gov.uk/ourwork/conservation/geodiversity/englands/sites/local_ID56.aspx We also stopped at Castle Rising, an English Heritage managed site well worth a visit. http://www.castlerising.co.uk/main.html *** Back copies of Bulletins *** 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 http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr05.txt Just cut and past the address into your browser. Thanks. Roger *** LNU Meetings *** For details of all 2009 LNU Field meetings see section 12 below or visit www.lnu.org/events.php 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 *** Watch for Meteors *** Paul Money's excellent guide Night Scenes 2009 reminds us that a Lyrid meteor shower may be seen this month, clouds permitting. Look out for shooting stars around 22nd April. Paul suggests the best time to see these is in the early hours as the peak is between 04hrs to 15hrs BST. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards Deadline Approaches *** 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. 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/ *** Whisby Car Parking *** You may be interested in points made by a concerned Bulletin reader on the subject of car parking charges at Whisby, and a response from NKDC. B & RM Mutter wrote last week: We apologise for sounding off to you, but just feel the need to express how we feel. We wonder if your readers are aware that from Monday here is to be a £1 per day car park charge for Whisby Nature Centre. We are members of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and we cannot be the only people who are disappointed at this decision. We are keen birdwatchers and have often visited the park every day, especially in the Springtime - this would cost us £5 - £7 per week, which is more than the "token" charge described. Disabled people can go free - presumably because they need a car for transport, but because of the situation of the park, there must be many people, like us, whose only way to get to the Nature Park is by car. A free cup of tea for one person per car is no recompense. Consequently, we shall only be able to visit the park occasionally and I am sure that this will apply to many visitors, especially pensioners and those who are out of work. This means that it will discourage people from visiting and involving themselves in the wildlife of the area instead of encouraging them. Editor adds: I forwarded this plea to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for comment and have now received the following information. This is the official statement I received bout the parking situation from NKDC/ Leisure Connection/LWT Partnership that administers Whisby Nature Park. I am told the charging policy is a NKDC/Leisure Connection initiative. “Thank you for your recent email to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust regarding the introduction of a car parking charge of £1 at the Whisby Nature Park. “The decision to charge for car parking was taken after considerable debate and discussion by the Whisby Steering Board, whose members include representatives of Lincolnshire County Council, North Kesteven District Council, Thorpe Parish Council and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. “The Board fully understands that many visitors to Whisby attend regularly and were keen to ensure that they can continue to do so. For this reason the car park charges only apply between the hours of 10am and 4pm daily. Outside these hours parking is free. After considering charges at other similar sites across the Country it was decided the charge would be £1 per vehicle, per visit and Disabled Badge Holders would be exempt from the charge. There are no plans to introduce an annual ticket at this stage. Leisure Connection Ltd, who operate the Natural World Centre, have offered customers a free cup of tea or coffee in the Boardwalk cafe for those who purchase a parking ticket. “We are pleased to inform you that all income retained from the car park will be used to facilitate improvements at the Whisby Nature Park and the Natural World Centre. These improvements have already commenced with a refurbishment of the car park areas and the creation of 50 new car park spaces. All future improvements will be agreed by members of the Whisby Steering Board. “We hope you will continue to enjoy Whisby and support its future development. “Thank you once more for your comments, if you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me further.” Alex Bedford North Kesteven Contract Manager Hub: National Centre for Craft & Design, Navigation Wharf, Carre Street, Sleaford, Lincs. NG34 7TW Editor adds: I dont want to spend a lot of time flaming NKDC for a decision that was, quite possibly, forced upon them by hostile economic factors. However, readers may wish to have their say and if you do can I ask that you keep it short and snappy so we cover the issues in the next week or two, please? I don’t want to drag it out. Those wishing to make their case more substantially than that are encouraged to write directly to a member of the Whisby Steering Board, whichever one you feel most likely to be receptive to your point of view. Thanks. Roger *** South Lincs Local Group R.S.P.B. *** Magdalen School, Magdalen Road, Wainfleet Thursday 23rd April at 7-30 p.m. Illustrated Talk entitled "RSPB Freiston and Frampton Nature Reserves" by Paul French. Assistant Warden at these reserves, Paul will be talking about the developement of the various habitats at each reserve and show casing the varied wildlife to be found throughout the year. Admission - Members £2-00, non members £3-00, children half price Woodland Waters, Ancaster, Near Sleaford Sunday 26th April at 10-00 a.m. Guided walk round the lake and through the wooded areas of the popular location, where both resident and migrant birds will be hopefully establishing their breeding territories. the walk will last approx 2 hours. Local group members will be on hand to help locate and identify the species seen and heard, and a limited number of binoculars may be available for loan for the duration of the event. There is no charge for this event, but places are limited. To book, please contact Robert Townhill on Tel 01400 230445 or e-mail at robert.townhill@btinternet.com Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston Thursday 30th April at 7-30 p.m. Illustrated Talk entitled "Neil's Digital World" by local wildlife artist and photographer Neil Smith, who is making a welcome return to the group. Using his own photographs, Neil will be showcasing the wildlife to be found on the local reserves at Frampton and Freiston, and also from further afield. His unique style of presentation will make for an interesting and amusing evening. Admission - Members £2-00, non members £3-50, children at half price. This event will be preceded by the Group's Annual General Meeting, at which some important changes to the Committee will be introduced. *** Gainsborough LWT *** WEDNESDAY APRIL 22nd. British Mammals. John Lill. Morton Village Hall. 7- 30 p.m. Admission £1-00 Come along to hear John's take on some illegal immigrants' of the furry kind, and others. Even join in the discussion, if you like. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 20th April 2009 the area group will be treated to "The Wonders of the Universe" - a power point presentation by the excellent Lincolnshire astronomer Paul Money. The talk will commence at 7.30pm following the group's AGM which will start at 7.00pm. The meeting will take place in the Banqueting Room of Grimsby Town Hall. There will be refreshments, a raffle and a Trust Goods stall. Admission is £2.00, all are welcome. On Saturday 25th April 2009 the area group have arranged a guided Spring walk in Bradley and Dixon Woods looking at the succession of seasonal life with leader Mick Binnion. Please meet at 2pm by the car parking area of Bradley Woods. The ground could be muddy and uneven under foot so please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Please ring Carolyn Lovely 01472 316882 for further details. All are welcome to join us. *** Coningsby - The Pingle LNR Events *** Roger Parsons writes: Events for 2009 AGM Wednesday 22nd April 7 for 7.30pm Speaker: Helen Scarborough on Bats All very welcome – the business part is quite short. It would be very good to have some local suport. Slug Hunt: Saturday 9th May 2pm – 4.00pm Leader: Chris du Feu with Roger Parsons All welcome. Pond Dipping: Monday 18th May for Primary Schools Leader: Richard Chadd with Roger Parsons. Schools by invitation. Moth & Bat Night. Friday 17th July 9.00pm Helen Scarborough. Toby Ludlow. All welcome. For more info contact: rparsons@enterprise.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 6/4/09 LINCS 25 Waxwing. Messingham SQ, am on wires above B1400. 7/4/09 LINCS 70+ Waxwing. Messingham, 8am by 106 Brigg Rd. 8/4/09 LINCS Great White Egret. Gedney Drove End, 9.45am flew SW. 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. KIRKBY ON BAIN C Brady 5/4/09 4 Avocets on the Kirkby On Bain gravel pits yesterday and a handful of Sand Martins flying around. Also spotted a small Grebe, which I think might have been a Slavonian Grebe, have you had any reports? There were a couple of men there with large telescopes watching it, which makes me think it was not a Little Grebe. Not sure it was not close enough for me to see. WEST FEN TF322569 Gail Cartwright 10/04/09 barn owl 1 blackbird 2m 1f blue tit 3 buzzard 2 chaffinch 3 dove white 1 (moved into our barn) feral pigeons 7 fledglings 2 magpie 1 sparrow 3 starling 3 bees, several, dont know what sort deer 1 toad 3 also on the B1183 (7 mile straight) little egret 2 *** 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. 05-04-2009 K J Seaton Butterflies Brimstone 2 Small white 2 Peacock 6+ Small Tortoiseshell 8+ Comma 1 EASTON COLD STORE AND FACTORY. SK9327. 31/03/2009. David Clarke. Three Red Kites hung around the complex for over half an hour circling very low. Many of the staff came out to look at them but the Kites seemed completely oblivious to them. HAGNABY NATURE RESERVE Roy and Kath Pearson 05/04/09 Common Sandpiper HEIGHINGTON VILLAGE John Nickson 9th April Chiffchaff My first this year HEIGHINGTON VILLAGE Chiffchaff 3 calling from the trees MARTIN to KIRKSTEAD BRIDGE road. John Nickson 8th April 2009 Swallow PINCHBECK R & K Heath 5/4/09 It was good to see 25 small tortoiseshells during our 2 hrs of BTO Atlas work, between Pinchbeck and Surfleet. We also had 2 Kingfishers on the River Glen. But no migrants yet. ROPSLEY/LITTLE HUMBY A THREE MILE CIRCULAR WALK TAKING IN ROPSLEY AND LITTLE HUMBY. SK9934. 05/04/2009. David Clarke. Blackbird 7 Blue Tit 14 Chaffinch 23 Chiffchaff 3 Corn Bunting 2 Carrion Crow 12 Dunnock 4 Goldfinch 14 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Great Tit 9 Greenfinch 16 Green Woodpecker 1 House Sparrow 17 Jackdaw 71 Long Tailed Tit 5 Magpie 8 Mistle Thrush 1 Pheasant 7 Red legged Partridge 2 Reed Bunting 2 Robin 8 Rook 96 Skylark 5 Starling 2 Wood Pigeon 45 Wren 5 Yellowhammer 3. Mammals. Brown Hare 6 Rabbit 2 Butterflies. Brimstone 2 Peacock 1 Tortoiseshell 2. Flowers. Common Field Speedwell Cowslips Dog Violets ( some white variety) Great Horsetail Lesser Celandine Marsh Marigold. Primroses. SPALDING Coronation Channel, Spalding 05-04-2009 K J Seaton 1st sightings this year. Sand Martin 4 Swallow 1 TATTERSHALL THORPE Tattershall Thorpe Lakes M & R Pocklington 04/04/09 The avocets are back Also sandmartins on 6th. WHISBY NATURE PARK SK910661 Grahame Hopwood/Phil Porter/Peter Dryburgh et. al. Week beginning 29/3. Blackcaps - 5 on 3/4 Black-necked Grebe -1 on 4th only, nearby Buzzard – 3 Gadwall - 4 Goldeneye – 7 Great Crested Grebe - 7 Green Woodpecker – 1 House Martin – 3 on 2/4 Kestrel at nest box – 1 Lesser Redpoll - 1 Little Grebe - 7 Mallard brood – 13 on 8/4 Oystercatcher – 2 Peregrine - 1 Shelduck – 2 Shoveler – 4 Swallow – 2 on 29/3 Teal – 2 Treecreeper singing - 1 Tufted Duck - 23 Willow Tit singing – up to 8 Willow Warbler – 2 on 3/4 Brimstone, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood Green Tiger Beetle Buff-tailed and Red-tailed Bumble Bees, Tawny Mining Bees WILDMORE FEN Roy and Kath Pearson 05/04/09 Merlin (male) WILDMORE FEN - TF 216534 R & A Parsons 5/4/09 Buzzard over - 10.30am. Headed west into Holland Fen. 09/04/09 2 bats hunting in garden glade – 8.30pm. 10/04/09 2 pairs of Yellowhammers under bird table. First swallow arrived here today – perched on wires. The first heavy rain for some time brought out the toads at night, but more strikingly, huge numbers of earthworms, some very large, which were laid out like hosepipes from their burrows, drawing in quickly if a torch was shone on them. I was reminded of earthworm comments by Gilbert White! And Charles Darwin’s book, of course. WOODHALL SPA Roy and Kath Pearson 05/04/09 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker WOODNOOK. SK9432. 30/03/2009. David Clarke. Red Kite sitting on a low tree next to the road. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 No report yet received. SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker w/e 10/4/09 A few butterflies seen this week, peacock, small tortoiseshell and brimstone. Bird sightings include, hen harrier, barn owl, short eared owl, and breeding migrants arriving, swallow, willow warbler, chiff chaff, blackcap. 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 10.4.09 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern 2+ blackbird 40+ blackcap 3 black headed gull 50+ blue tit 15 bullfinch 2 Canada goose 2 carrion crow 7 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 11 chiffchaff 6 collared dove 4 common gull 10 coot 120+ cormorant 4 curlew 7 dunlin 20 dunnock 4 gadwall 11 goldeneye 2M +1F goldfinch 8 GC grebe 4 G S woodpecker 2 great tit 10 greenfinch 5 grey heron 2 greylag goose 40+ herring gull house sparrow 6 linnet 4 little grebe 5 little ringed plover long tailed tit 6 magpie 8 mallard 30+ marsh harrier M+F meadow pipit 2 moorhen 35 mute swan 5 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pochard 20 redshank 2 reed bunting 8 robin 12 sand martin 200+ shelduck 40+ short eared owl shoveler 22 skylark 3 snipe 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk 2 starling 15 swallow 3 tawny owl teal 2 treecreeper 2 tree sparrow 5 tufted duck 20 water rail 5 wigeon 2 willow tit 4 willow warbler 4 wood pigeon 20 wren 16 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) CHAMBERS WOOD R & K Heath 4/5/09 Got a photo of a coil of several grass snakes in a sunny spot in Chambers wood on Saturday. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** 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. For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel.07984 66 5847 *** The Lincolnshire and Rutland Limestone Grassland Project *** 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. 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. *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Field Meetings 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/