============================================ || || The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin || *** 19th 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** 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 http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr12.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr19.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. *** Coningsby - The Pingle LNR Events *** Roger Parsons writes: Events for 2009 AGM and Bat Talk 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. Moth & Bat Night. Friday 17th July 9.00pm Helen Scarborough. Toby Ludlow. All welcome. For more info contact: rparsons@enterprise.net *** 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/ *** Parking at Whisby - Comments *** Malcolm Johnson writes Interesting to read your comments about the above parking charge. We too were miffed about the charge as we also visited Whisby very often. I wrote a letter to the Trust and they replied giving reasons, and we eventually had the same letter back from NKDC as you. It does seem a shame that on the one hand we are trying to get people interested in all things wild and then trying to rip them off on the other. But to be fair we did not realise that the car park did not belong to the Trust. I suppose that the outlay on the refurbishment of the car park would be considerable. But, all things being equal, surely Members need to be encouraged not discouraged? Another reader commented pithily: Tell you what - Ill not pay the 1GBP and you keep your coffee/tea. Fair enough? Editor adds: I dont think NKDC will go for that one! I do note that a few places are offering free entry for a year once an initial admission charge has been paid e.g. The Deep, AND they are also asking visitors to covenant their entry fee so tax can be reclaimed. This does not apply to their pay-and-display car parking charges, though you do get a £2 discount in their shop with a parking ticket counterfoil. I believe the National Trust now offer something similar, at least as a new membership promotion. Does anyone know? What is wrong with adopting the season ticket arrangements that seem to work perfectly well at Snipe Dales and Gibraltar Point? *** RSPB Visitor Centre opens at Frampton *** The opening of the new visitor centre at Frampton Marsh has had quite a bit of media coverage this week. I have not been to see it yet and will be glad to have comments from any reader who has. See: http://www.rspb.org.uk/media/releases/details.asp?id=tcm:9-214658 or http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk/ For the Lincs Bird Club perspective, see: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&p=22439 *** Lincolnshire 2009 Butterfly Records *** Allan Binding, County Recorder, writes: 2009 is the last year of the five year recording period before the National Atlas of Butterfly Species is updated. I have to send all data for 2009 in by January 2010. This means that all casual butterfly records should be sent to me by the 1st of October 2009 to have a chance of being used in this updated atlas. Any late records can be sent in later but may not be included in the atlas. All transect records should be sent in by the end of October 2009. Email: allan.binding@ntlworld.com *** Butterfly Conservation Membership Promotion *** Lesley Robinson writes: Butterfly Conservation is delighted to offer new members 15 months membership subscription for the price of 12 - thats three months free when you join online by direct debit (annually or monthly). This is a fantastic opportunity to belong to the only UK charity saving butterflies, moths and their habitats. Some excellent benefits include: A new members pack Free local Branch membership Butterfly, our exclusive magazine three times a year Garden butterfly identification guide To become a member simply go to http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/ choose the Online (direct debit) payment method and follow the on-screen instructions. If you encounter any problems or have any questions about this offer, please contact Hannah Cooper on 01929 406017 or email: membership@butterfly-conservation.org *** 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 14/04/09 LINCS 12 Waxwing. Humberstone, on Grimsby Rd btw Tesco rbout + Grosvenor Pub.se. LINCS 10 Waxwing. Barton-Upon-Humber, 9.50am at Waters Edge CP. LINCS 76 Waxwing. NNE of Gainsborough, at Laughton (2nd day). 15/04/09 LINCS 40 Waxwing. Gainsborough, 9.25am at Laughton on West End Road. 17/04/09 LINCS Bittern. Far Ings , 11.15am booming. 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. *** Goose Identification and Habits *** Would an experienced birder like to advise John on goose identification and habits? John Cowell asks: I saw a pair of what I seriously believe were graylag geese on Theddlethorpe Dunes today Easter Sunday, is this usual? We were used to seeing them breeding in NW Scotland when we lived there. Is this usual for this area? *** Thoughts on Fieldfare Migration *** Jim Fish asks: On Saturday 11 April we started our farm survey under the scheme run by the RSPB high in the wolds near Louth. We were very surprised right at the start of the survey to spot a pair of Ring Ousels, obviously in transit inwards and then immediately afterwards disturbed a flock of about fifty Fieldfares, probably in transit outwards. Things became a bit quiet in contrast but it seemed a bit of a coincidence to see two sets of migrants, in and out at the same time. Were the Fieldfares just a little late? Anyone like to comment? *** 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. BASTON FEN NR 14.04.09 John Redshaw Two Common Terns fishing along the Counter Drain and in the wooded area two Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler singing. A pair of Lapwings displaying over adjacent fields. A few Sedge Warblers in the reedmace beds, a Yellow Wagtail following cattle on the river bank and a female Marsh Harrier lazily drifting over towards Baston. Ladies' Smock and Marsh Marigolds in flower. Brimstone, Large White, Peacock, Orangetip and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies on the wing, and frogs "singing" in the borrowpits. Spring must have arrived. FRISKNEY Steve Foster 11 April 09 In addition to the usual uncounted blackbird, dunnock, robin, wren, wood pigeon, collared dove, house sparrow, blue and great tits. Chaffinch 6 Goldfinch 4 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Green finch 4 Long tailed tit 2 Mistle thrush 2 Ring necked parakeets 2 Siskin 1 Song thrush 1 Tree sparrow 2 All the above seen on nut or seed feeders apart from the Thrushes. My Niger seed feeder has four holes; I have four Goldfinches. All was calm until now a Siskin has figured out how to use the feeder; heated arguments now take up more time than feeding. KIRKBY ON BAIN pits R & A Parsons 12/04/09 Single swallow on wires approx 11am. SLEAFORD Mareham Lane area Diane Maltby TF069451 Swallow, first sighting of 2009. 11/4/09. Late morning, during a period of wet weather that had temporarily eased to drizzle. It flew low over the rooftops, then alighted on a nearby television aerial where it stayed for several minutes until a crow also alighted. I had a clear view through binoculars. Also this week, I sighted a song thrush in the garden. There have been none during the winter, but this one seems to have moved in and claimed its territory, from the way it’s constantly singing from the top of 3 local trees. NETTLEHAM TF 005756 Brenda Edlington 19 April 5 bramblings under seed feeder 20 April 2 bramblings Not seen bramblings in the garden since 1993. 6 April - first frog spawn but not much of it 25 March - 2 yellowhammers 14 March 1 male blackcap - first record of the year, usually see the odd one throughout the winter but not this year. 8 February 2 siskins -seen most weeks since on niger seed 2 tree sparrows regular visitors since end of November still present. With regard to an earlier item on guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) berries - mine hang on the tree usually till about February when the birds must be getting desperate, unless waxwings come in. The berries smell pretty disgusting (I wondered what I'd trodden in until I realised I'd brushed against the bush and had berries on my shoulder) but I've had waxwings come twice and devour them. Later on in winter I have seen mistle and song thrush, blackcap, starlings and blackbirds take them. WELTON The Hardings, Welton by Lincoln. John Laws. 11 April 15:00 Sparrow-Hawk takes Collared Dove from bird table. On arriving home disturbed sparrow-hawk who had clearly taken a collared dove from our bird table, he/she attempted to escape with its prize, but was unable to clear fence and crashed to ground, dumped the carcase, and made its escape empty handed (footed). WILDMORE FEN - TF 216534 R & A Parsons 11/4/09 2 barn owls hunting approx 11am. 17/4/09 Butterflies: Comma, Brimstone, Small tortoiseshell, Small white. Housemartin – 3 over for first time this year. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 12/04/2009 Alpine Swift Chiffchaff 8 Common Scoter 30 Redwing 5 Siskin 4 Wheatear 3 Willow Warbler 6 13/04/2009 Avocet 49 Barn Owl Brambling Marsh Harrier Short-eared Owl Swallow 8 Tawny Owl 14/04/2009 Lesser Whitethroat SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker w/e 16/4/09 Flowers include, cowslip, cuckoo flower, field mouse ear, lots of blackthorn flower. Birds inc, red kite 1 marsh harrier 3, barn owl 3, whitethroat 7, grasshopper warbler 3, redstart 3, ring ouzel 4, lesser whitethroat 1, willow warbler 30+, blackcap 3, garganey 1. 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 18.4.09 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern 2+ blackbird 40+ blackcap 5 black headed gull 15 blue tit 14 bullfinch 2 canada goose 2 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 12 chiffchaff 6 collared dove 4 common gull coot 120+ cormorant 4 curlew 2 dunnock 4 gadwall 4 goldeneye 2M +1F goldfinch 6 GC grebe 4 G S woodpecker 2 great tit 10 greenfinch 4 grey heron greylag goose 40+ herring gull house martin 2 house sparrow 6 lesser whitethroat linnet 2 little grebe 6 long tailed tit 4 magpie 5 mallard 30+ marsh harrier M+F moorhen 30+ mute swan 5 pheasant 2 pochard 12 redshank reed bunting 8 reed warbler 2 ringed plover 3 robin 12 sand martin 100+ sedge warbler 3 shelduck 10 shoveler 4 skylark 3 snipe 3 snow geese 8 flying west 16.4.09 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk 2 starling 10 swallow 6 teal 2 treecreeper tree sparrow 5 tufted duck 20 water rail 5 whitethroat willow tit 4 wilow warbler 6 wood pigeon 11 wren 17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) Rookeries in and around the Limewoods Anne Goodall writes on 13/4/09: Last weekend (11-12th) was the appointed time for the annual count of rookeries. I have been counting a selection of local rookeries since the last county-wide census in 1996, but in 2007 I decided to extend this, and try to locate all the rookeries in the Limewoods 'core' area. This has fuzzy boundaries, but is bounded to the north by the Wragby Road, A158, between Langworth and Minting, and to the south by the fen-edge road from Fiskerton to Bardney, then the B1190 between Bardney and Horsington. In 2007 I counted 18 rookeries, with a total of 511 nests, and considering only these rookeries (or their successors - see below) in 2008 they had 522 nests, and in 2009, 526. So, more or less stable, though you could also see a very slight upward trend amounting to about 3% over the two years. However, in 2008, with a fairly willing assistant (my son, suitably bribed) we searched much harder and extended the total to 31 rookeries with a total of 839 nests. These rookeries in 2009 had 867 nests, so again, about a 3% increase. However, this year I extended the survey to include Horsington which I'd previously omitted because I knew it had a lot of rooks. This gave a final total of 39 rookeries, with 956 nests. There are at least 2 more rookeries in the count area but both are in blocks of pine trees and are uncountable, even from directly below the trees, so this is going to be it. The main rationale for counting rooks is that this species is totally dependent on farmland, at least in the Limewoods. No landfill sites, no outdoor pig units, both known to provide good foraging for this species, and on the whole, low levels of traffic, so low levels of road-kills, another source of food for all the crow family. But, unlike most of our farmland species, they are clearly doing well. The overall distribution of rookeries is interesting, since the great majority are found in and around villages, and all are close to reasonably old pasture which tends to occur around villages, the old in-bye fields. Even in three years I've also seen lot of change, with rookeries new ones arriving and old ones gone in each year. So, even though there were 39 occupied rookeries in 2009, I had to check 44 previously occupied sites to find them. I am aiming now to continue monitoring at this level. However we know, from all past surveys, that the Wragby Clay Triangle (which includes the Limewoods area) is excellent for rooks, and it would be very interest- ing to hear from anyone else who is monitoring their rookeries over a reasonably large area. Contact Anne Goodall: Anne.Goodall@esl-lincoln.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Anon, ISP wgfederation ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/