============================================ || || The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin || *** The 30th August 2009 *** || || LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ || || News of Lincolnshire 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 is read by 890 people each week and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Each address contains the relevant date. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Finding the Bulletins *** LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date for that particular Bulletin. e.g. bulletin2009jul26.txt *** Wildlife Crime *** Editor writes: Nige Lound and the Lincolnshire Police Wildlife Unit need the support of all right-thinking people. His interesting article asks for this help in a variety of ways and I am sure all of us will wish to do what we can to counter wildlife crime. Just think - we could provide 5-600 new members of Farm & Country Business Watch! Nigel's article follows: The Hare Coursing season is once again upon us, although it has been relatively quiet in Lincs since April. The fact that the majority of individuals involved are from the travelling fraternity and/or criminal fraternity does not lessen the fear of associated crime however. We are attempting to reduce the fear of crime in rural areas by raising awareness and having dedicated 'Action days' to deter offenders. This is, and has always proved difficult due to the nature of the individuals responsible and the antiquated laws we have at our disposal! Also, due to the early harvest, incidents of Deer Poaching appear to be on the increase both in the north and south of the county. Poacher Watch is still active in the south of the county, but I would like to see more new members as this could lead to more incidents being detected before, or while, they are happening and not the day after the event. Retrospective information should still be reported to us however. Again, vigilance is the key word and you are reminded not to approach these individuals, but to contact your nearest Police Station. The number for ALL calls to report crimes is 01522 532222. You will need to ask for the Force Communications Centre to report an incident and obtain an incident number. An incident number is essential, so please don't forget to ask for one. I am always banging on about this, but it means the incident will be on the Force computer and I will (should!) pick it up and it will also assist with our strategic assessment of wildlife crimes. This brings me on to the Farm & Country Business Watch. The idea is to encourage ALL people living in rural areas, not just farmers, to become members. Being Lincolnshire born and bred, I am obviously concerned about what happens to the county, especially in terms of crime, be it main stream crime, wildlife or environmental crime. In an ideal world there would be more Police Officers in our rural areas, but we are now 'intelligence led' with the majority of resources deployed to known hotspots of crime. Not reporting crimes in rural areas will inevitably lead to even less Police Officers in these areas. People living in rural areas need to be on the lookout, and not just for themselves but also for their neighbours, and report any suspicious incidents or vehicles. We all need to get involved with protecting our fair county against the criminal minority. It is frustrating to investigate a crime in a rural area and find there is not a single line of enquiry, so please stand up and be counted! Often, vehicles involved in crime are found some miles from the scene of the crime, so it is important that any suspicious vehicles etc. are reported. Let's face it, most people know their local vehicles! Unless we are told of the sighting there is very little we can do. I would like to take this opportunity to ask, and recommend, that Bulletin readers join this new initiative, especially if they are particularly concerned about rural areas. Wildlife Crime incidents always need reporting if we are to see the full picture. If it is not reported it is 'not a problem'! This can be said for ALL types of crime. Application forms for the Farm & Country Business Watch scheme can be found on the Lincs Police website or obtained via your local station. If you care about your county, please join Farm & Country Business Watch! The Farm and Country Business Watch co-ordinator can be contacted direct on 01522 558399. Please make a note of my new contact details: PC Nige LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer County Police Station Sea Lane, Ingoldmells, Lincs PE24 4XX Tel 01522 558684 e-mail nigel.lound@lincs.pnn.police.uk *** HORKSTOW *** Jenny Haynes Sunday 23rd August My partner has been taking photos of insects, butterflies and other small creatures in our garden throughout the summer. On Sunday he photographed a bumblebee (sorry but do not know which one but can provide evidence), and when he downloaded it onto his computer we could see what appeared to be mites on its back. Would these be the same ones that have been causing problems to honey bees? Editor replies: I think I can say these are not varroa mites. Bumblebees [and beetles] are quite often found with such passengers. A search on the internet will find you some great pictures. Any ectoparasite has the potential to act as a vector to viruses and other pathogens, but in evolutionary terms a good parasite keeps its host alive long enough to allow reproduction. Otherwise you would be killing off its food supply. Varroa was a relatively benign parasite of Apis cerana. Not so as far as Apis mellifera is concerned! But it is humans who again have played a huge part in the mess-up. We have a lot to answer for. *** RSPB LINCOLN LOCAL GROUP EVENTS – SEPTEMBER *** Jo Bramwell BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS Sunday 6 September A leisurely walk round Hartsholme Country Park and Swanholme Lakes nature reserve, led by RSPB volunteers. Free. Meet outside the cafe at Hartsholme Country Park, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, by 10.30am. Walk takes about 2 hours. POLES APART by Michael Leach A slide-illustrated presentation of wildlife at both ends of the earth: penguins to polar bears, snowy owls to elephant seals. Thursday 10 September, 7.30pm 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. All are welcome at all RSPB events. For more information visit www.lincolnrspb.org.uk *** FREISTON SHORE Activities *** Mick Todd 13th September Wildlife Explorers Club (junior wing of RSPB) Meeting at Freiston Shore Nature Reserve 9.45 to 12.30 non members welcome for children 4 to 14 years old, parents welcome to stay. Craft, presentation and games linked to protecting the environment in fun activities. members £2, siblings 50p non members £3. For further information contact A.Slater 01205 360858 Upcoming events: October 10th Halloween November 14th Frampton Marsh January 9th Predators and prey February 13th Grebes March 13th Gardening for wildlife All meetings held 2nd Saturday of each month at Freiston Shore Reserve (except the Nov meeting which will be at Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve) *** Working Woodlands Weekend *** Liz Fleuty Working Woodlands Weekend Chambers Farm Wood, near Wragby Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2009 11:00am - 4:00pm on both days Join us for a celebration of the Lincolnshire Limewoods at this popular weekend event. Traditional craft demonstrations, activities for the young (and young at heart), guided walks and much more. This year the event will also include a consultation by the Forestry Commission to gauge public opinion on their management of the Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve. This will include asking what people like or dislike about the woodlands, finding out what people want out of their local woodlands and whether any improvements can be made in line with the current management objectives. If you have any comments or proposals to make, come along to Chambers Farm Wood to have your say! For more information on the Working Woodlands Weekend, please visit www.limewoods.co.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 24/8/09 LINCS 2 Crane. Gibraltar Point NNR, 11.30am flew S. LINCS 2 Crane. Cleethorpes Coast LNR, SE @ 8.25am + 2w Med Gull. LINCS Roseate Tern S.past Donna Nook + 4 Black Tern, 2 A.Skua, also Pied Fly, Marsh Harrier. 25/8/09 LINCS fem Montagu's Harrier. Frampton Marsh RSPB, 11.30am from raptor watchpoint by f/pth + 2 Wood Sand. LINCS 2 Garganey. Frampton Marsh RSPB, am on grassland, Curlew Sand on reedbed + 3 Wood Sand, 6 Ruff, Spot Redshank on scrapes. LINCS Spotted Redshank. Freiston Shore RSPB, over resr + 4+Whinchat. 26/8/09 LINCS Spotted Crake. Frampton Marsh RSPB, 3.45pm on pool from East Hide but elusive. 27/8/09 LINCS Curlew Sandpiper. Frampton Marsh RSPB, am + 4 Wood Sand, 6 Ruff. LINCS Osprey. Frampton Marsh RSPB, + 6 Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, L.Tern, 30 Eider. 29/8/09 LINCS 5 Whinchat. Frampton Marsh RSPB 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. BASTON FEN AREA TF 14 17 23.08.2009 LNU meeting led by Richard Chadd and Ian Cappitt. Report sent in by Brian Hedley. Attended by 8 people. Walk eastwards from Baston Fen along River Glen and back along Counter Drain. At least 115 plant species were noted including large-flowered hemp-nettle, whorled water-milfoil, needle spike-rush, common meadow-rue, frogbit, water- violet, arrowhead, fan-leaved water crowfoot and an abundance of great horse- tail as an arable weed. The stonewort, Chara globularis, was also noted. Twenty-seven bird species were noted including red-crested pochard, kingfisher and hobby (two chasing dragonflies over our heads). Invertebretes noted were 10 dragonfly/damselfly species including red-eyed damselfly and abundant common darters and migrant hawkers. Common emerald damselflies and ruddy darters were also frequent. Nine butterfly species included several brimstones, painted ladies, speckled woods and a comma. Moths included blood-vein, mother of pearl, straw dot, silver Y, Udea lutealis and yellowshell. Molluscs included painter's mussel, Lister's river snail, strawberry snail and brown-lipped snail. Water vole also noted. *** 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. BUTTERWICK Roy and Kath Pearson 22/08/09 Our August butterfly count for the WCBS over a period of one hour on highly cultivated arable land, produced the following results:- Large White 23 Small White 105 Common Blue 1 Red Admiral 1 Painted Lady 9 Small Tortoiseshell 14 Peacock 11 HOLBEACH RANGE R & K Heath 23/08/09 Highlights of WeBs count Marsh Harrier 1 F Osprey 1 Sitting on a post out on the saltmarsh until approx 09.30. Probably the same one that has been seen off Frieston in the week. Peregrine 1 Whinchat HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Sunday 23rd August Although my garden is fairly large and managed in a wildlife-friendly way, I rarely see caterpillars. However, on Sunday I saw two for the first time. The first was a Privet Hawkmoth caterpillar which had attached itself to a bag I was filling with prunings and amazed me at its size; the second was a Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar which was making its way along my path at a rapid speed. My partner took photos of both which are available if anyone wants to see them. MARTON SK 843 821 Brian Hedley 19 August 2009 Moth-trapping in garden overnight produced about 50 species including: Pebble Hook-tip Rosy Rustic Nutmeg Campion Meal Moth Wax Moth Angle Shades Pyrausta aurata Gold Spot Silver Y Gold Triangle Coxcomb Prominent Dusky Thorn REVESBY VILLAGE HALL 299612 Noel Herbert Saturday 15th August 10.45am House Martins - 30+ SOUTH KYME OUTSKIRTS Sun 23 August late morning Jacquie Harrison Young hare obviously very recently killed on road - not the previous night. SPALDING Cradge Bank Spalding TF 235205 K J Seaton 28-08-2009 Late Swifts flying overhead at 19.00 hrs, also lots of Swallows, Sand & House Martins over the river. STICKNEY TF322569 Gail Cartwright 25/08/09 I am happy to report we have had lots of swallows this year after a worrying start when only 1 of our usual swallows returned. Today I counted about 24 swallows flying around. There are about 12 regularly flying around our garden and there are 4 still in a nest in our barn. This must be the 3rd, lot. Hope they will be mature enough by the time they leave. Generally there seem to be more swallows than usual around this area. A friend in Partney has seen an increase too. WHISBY LWT Reserve Whisby Kevin Marshall 28 August 2009 Hobby over Thorpe Lake Flock of 700+ hirundines flying low over Willow Lake, consisting mainly of Sand Martins and House Martins but including a small number of Swallows WILDMORE FEN TF 216534 [unless otherwise stated] R & A Parsons 24/8/09 bank vole [cat kill] also Weasel crossing road W to E at 10am, TF 217545. Canada Farm, Wildmore Fen TF 220539 Roger and Anne Parsons 25/8/09 @ 11am approx. 2 1st winter f wheatears. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 24/08/2009 Common Crane 2 Common Scoter Greenshank Sandmartin Spotted Redshank Whinchat Yellow Wagtail 28/08/2009 Arctic Skua Golden Plover Merlin Pied Flycatcher Ruff Wheatear Whinchat Yellow Wagtail SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker No report yet. 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 RSPB FREISTON SHORE Denis Jones Mon 24 Aug 20098 Having enjoyed guided RSPB walk in July to observe one of the highest tides of the year decided to book for Aug high tides. Arrived on a lovely warm morning to find about another dozen people on the walk. One couple had come from Stratford on Avon for a few days to observe the high tides. I find these walks are very enjoyable with friendly company and 1st class guide. At £1.50 for RSPB members and £3 for non members are good value. Perhaps not for twitchers but for people who enjoy observing birds but are not particularly experienced at identifying Waders for which help is at hand. The tide came up to the sea defence wall bringing in many birds off the flooded mud and sand banks etc. Large flocks of birds come onto the reserve Lagoon at the back of the sea wall. Although not quite as many as July (then est 20,000 inc 14,000 Knot) there were large numbers of: Dunlins Knots Oystercatchers Redshanks Ringed Plovers Turnstones Others inc Common Tern Golden Plover Grey Plover Lapwings As the tide receded other flocks flew onto the Saltmarshes inc :- Black Tail Godwits Curlews Grey Plovers Little Egrets Pied Wagtails Whimbrels Other interesting sightings inc a Sparrowhawk harassed by the large numbers of Swallows present Juv Cuckoo on track down to hide c10 Eider Ducks on sea Kestrel Little Grebes Little Gull Sand Martin On the wetlands Reservoir BlackTailed Godwits Common Sandpiper Cormorants Green Sandpipers Greenshanks For the afternoon decided to make 30 min journey across Boston to Frampton Marsh FRAMPTON MARSH Warm afternoon, tide out, breeding season over didnt expect to see too much but always chance of early migrants on lagoons etc I wasnt disappointed:- From Reedbed Hide 2 Curlew Sandpipers -1st for me 8 Wood Sandpipers - another 1st 6 Ruff Other sighting inc Black Tail Godwits Gt Crest Grebe Lapwings Little Egrets Redshanks Ringed Plover Sand Martins Snipe From the Sea Bank great views over the Saltmarshes 5 kestrel 4 Marsh Harriers 3 Yellow Wagtails Missed Osprey by 1 Min Nearly 60 species recorded for the day, a more in depth check in surrounding hedgerows, trees etc would have probably resulted in 70+ species. Information on guided walks at both reserves can be found on RSPB web site under appropriate reserve name. A superb day out ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Fortnight ending 29.8.09 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 2 bearded tit 2 bittern blackbird 20+ black headed gull 200+ blue tit 10 carrion crow 4 chaffinch 10 collared dove 2 common gull 6 common tern 2 coot 150+ cormorant 4 curlew 6 dunnock 5 goldfinch 4 GBB gull 2 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 6 grey heron 2 greylag goose 6 herring gull house sparrow 10 kingfisher lapwing 50+ little grebe 4 magpie 3 mallard 30 marsh harrier M meadow pipit moorhen 20+ mute swan 10 pheasant pied wagtail 2 pochard 12 reed bunting 8 reed warbler 4 ringed plover 2 robin 10 sand martin 500+ sedge warbler 2 shelduck 8 song thrush sparrowhawk starling 200+ swallow 40+ swift 3 (over Pursuit Pit 26.08.09). tawny owl tree sparrow 2 tufted duck 20+ water rail 4 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 12 wren 10 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) Adrian Royle's website for photos of species from the Limewoods. http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Reports needed please. *** Working Woodlands Weekend *** Liz Fleuty Working Woodlands Weekend Chambers Farm Wood, near Wragby Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2009 11:00am - 4:00pm on both days Join us for a celebration of the Lincolnshire Limewoods at this popular weekend event. Traditional craft demonstrations, activities for the young (and young at heart), guided walks and much more. This year the event will also include a consultation by the Forestry Commission to gauge public opinion on their management of the Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve. This will include asking what people like or dislike about the woodlands, finding out what people want out of their local woodlands and whether any improvements can be made in line with the current management objectives. If you have any comments or proposals to make, come along to Chambers Farm Wood to have your say! For more information on the Working Woodlands Weekend, please visit www.limewoods.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: csmith668@btinternet.com *** 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.] *** Bombus hypnorum the Tree Bumblebee *** Alan Phillips writes: BWARS in association with BBCT are again mapping the distribution of this relatively new bumblebee species to the UK. Although widespread in Europe, Bombus hypnorum, which has coined the name Tree Bumblebee because of its habit of nesting in tree cavities or bird nestboxes, was first found on the south coast of England in 2001. Since then it has gradually spread north as far as Northumberland (see map below). In Lincolnshire at present we have just one record for the species from Gosberton Clough near Spalding 2008. With records coming in from Yorkshire I'm sure its going unnoticed in this county so please keep an eye out especially in the south and west. So, have you seen one? Or possibly have a photo? If so, visit http://www.bwars.com/bombus_hypnorum_map.htm for further info on this bumblebee, how to recognise it, and details on how to report your sightings. Further photos here: http://www.bwars.com/bombus_hypnorum.htm *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. Mammal records can reported to chris_j_manning@hotmail.com Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** New Met Office Service *** The Met Office website now offers an email notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20090727.html *** Hummingbird Hawk Moths *** Had another in the garden this week. See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php Send in your records to the Bulletin and to the Butterfly Conservation website. http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/sightings/1096/humming_bird_hawk_moth.html *** 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: whisbynp@lincstrust.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 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, 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 the message "Contact me if you wish to continue to receive the Bulletin." Thanks. Roger Mailfails Deejayknight geoffrey.freeman keithandjune lynne.emeny *** Circle The Cat *** Try it! It will drive you nuts. http://www.members.shaw.ca/gf3/circle-the-cat.html ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/