============================================ || || The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin || *** 10th May 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 is read by 876 people 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 recent Bulletins *** Web-hosted Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr05.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr12.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr19.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr26.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009may03.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009may10.txt Just cut and past the address into your browser. Now you know the system, if your email does not arrive you can work out what the URL will be! Next week it should be: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009may17.txt Thanks. Roger *** LNU Meetings *** For details of all 2009 LNU Field meetings see section 12 below or visit www.lnu.org/events.php 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. *** LINCOLNSHIRE 200 BRIDGES OTTER SURVEY 2009 *** Can you spare a few days this summer to help survey Lincolnshire's rivers for the presence of otters? Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership and the Environment Agency are looking for volunteers to help survey 200 sites across Lincolnshire (which were last looked at in 1994 and 1999). Ten years on we hope to learn more about the current distribution of otters across the county, and by surveying the same sites we will be able to compare this with past results. The results will also feed into the 2009 National Otter Survey, contributing to our understanding of the status of otters throughout the country. Otters are elusive creatures that can be difficult to see in the wild, but they mark their territories with droppings, called spraints, often in prominent places such as under bridges. With training, identification of these spraints can be used to determine whether or not otters are using a stretch of watercourse. Support, guidance and safety equipment will be provided; and training dates have been set for Wednesday June 3rd at 5:30pm and Sunday June 7th at 2pm both at the headquarters of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Banovallum House in Horncastle. You would only need to attend one of these sessions. If you are interested in taking part, are physically fit, and able to commit to surveying at least ten sites (approx two days' work) please contact Catherine Collop at ccollop@lincstrust.co.uk or 01507526667 for more information. *** Rauceby Little Footprint Initiative *** We are putting on an event called ‘Nature On Your Doorstep’. The event will run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 16th May and will comprise of a variety of environmental activities. It is intended that the hub for the event will be at Rauceby Primary School and this is where people will need to congregate to be part of this extremely exciting and fun day out. The activities will include: the ‘Nature on the Verge’ project that will be identifying the huge variety of flora and fauna that occurs naturally on Lincolnshire’s road verges. There will be a freshwater invertebrates specialist situated on the lake at Rauceby Hall, terrestrial invertebrates specialists in the park wood land, a geologist at Pinfold Lane quarry and bird ringing throughout Rauceby Halls parkland. Refreshments and toilets will be on hand at the Village Hall, bird hides to watch garden bird tables and all the information gathered will be channelled through to the school so that it can be documented and shared with the participants. It is hoped that this event will be an annual one so that the RLFI can monitor the effects of climate change on the local flora and fauna. This will allow them to make the necessary changes to ensure the survival of any threatened species. For further details please visit www.raucebyonline.co.uk/rlfi-events.htm *** RSPB Lincoln Group events *** Jo Bramwell writes: A SLOVAKIAN SAFARI by John Wyatt Thursday 14 May, 7.30pm A slide-illustrated presentation on the birds and wildlife of this Eastern European country. 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. *** Barton on Humber LWT *** Monday Evening Walks Summer 2009 These walks will be lead by Martin Broadbridge (Tel: 01652 632895) and will aim to look at breeding birds as well as wild flowers. They normally start at 6.30 pm and last for about 2 hours. Whilst they are not strenuous walks, stout shoes and waterproofs could be a good idea. 18th May Beverley Clump (6.00 pm start). Meet at the layby on the A1077 Scunthorpe Road just west of the A15 intersection at Barton so that we can organise car sharing to take the minimum number of cars. Rendezvous at the car park on the B road from South Cave to Riplingham (SE945327). This is a very attractive walk through chalk wold land and woods to the artesian springs and the old Hull to Barnsley Railway Line. We hope to see a number of raptors (Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk and Red Kite) and chalk flowers. *** R.S.P.B. South Lincs Local Group – Events *** Sunday 31st May 2009 at 10-00 a.m. - Guided walk at Denton Farming Company, Harlaxton. This walk takes place in the Vale of Belvoir, following a disused railway line, through wooded terrain and on to farmland which is managed in terms of farm production and conservation. The planting of field edge strips with various mixes of seed has encouraged wildlife to flourish along with the needs of a working farm. The walk will also give panoramic views over the Vale. Local group members will be on hand to help to locate and identify the various species seen and heard, and, weather permitting, we may also see various species of butterfly attracted to the planting. There is no charge for this event. Suitable clothing for the prevailing weather is recommended, and, due to the uneven nature of the ground, stout footwear is also advisable. To book your place, and receive full details of the starting point, please contact the organiser, Robert Townhill, Tel 01400 230445, or e mail robert.townhill@btinternet.com Sunday 7th June 2009 at 10-00 a.m. - Guided walk at Burghley House. Renowned for the Burghley Horse Trials, this magnificent stately home is a new venue for the group, and is set in over 2000 acres of parkland and gardens, much of which remains as originally designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown in the 18th Century. The walk will take in part of the grounds and follow a route passing the lake, where it is anticipated, both woodland and water birds will be seen and heard. Members of the local group will be on hand to help to locate and identify the various species. The walk should last about 2 hours and suitable clothing for the prevailing weather and stout footwear are advisable. There is no charge for the event. To book your place, and receive details of the starting point, please contact the organiser, Robert Townhill, on Tel 01400 230445 or e mail robert.townhill@btinternet.com To complete your morning, lunch may be pre-booked at the Orangery restaurant. Thursday 11th June at 6-15 p.m. - Guided walk at Brickyard Farm, Wrangle, nr Boston. A much awaited return visit to George Danby's conservation award winning farm, for an evening stroll to look for and listen to the varied species of farmland bird which have been attracted by the conservation work done on the farm. Bearing in mind that this event, for which there is no charge, will last at least 2 hours, warm clothing may well be needed later in the evening, and stout footwear is advisable due to the uneven nature of part of the walk. Directions to the farm - turn off the A52 opposite Wrangle Chapel, down Broadgate, first right along Gold Fen Bank, past row of houses, Brickyard Farm is the First farm on the left. *** South Holland LWT *** To Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Lincolnshire Wildife Trust South Holland Group of the Trust, by kind permission of Mrs E and Mr T Wayman, will hold an Open Day at Surfleet Park, Surfleet, on Saturday 16th May, commencing at 1030am and open until 4.00pm. Guided tours of the arboretum will be give by Mr T Wayman at 11am, 1pm and 3 pm. The event will be supported by Trust sales, Trust and reserves information, hedgehog sanctuary, Bat Group and refreshment stalls. Surfleet Park is located off Park Lane, which is accessed from the Surfleet to Spalding road (B1356) immediately south of the R. Glen bridge in Surfleet village. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Sunday 17th May 2009 - Tetney Blow Wells Nature Reserve Open Day. Guided walks at 10.30am and 2pm. Park at Tetney Church and then walk east for 200 metres to the Anglian Water Pumping Station entrance gates on your right. The walk is about 1 1/2 miles long and could be wet under foot so please wear walking boots or Wellingtons. As well as being a Lincs Trust Countryside Event, it is an event of the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival. Please note that the afternoon walk starts at 2pm and not at 3.45pm as listed in the Walking Festival Programme. The church will be open 11.00am - 12.00noon and 3.00pm - 4.15pm when tea/coffee will be available and there will be a Trust Goods stall. The guided walks are free but donations to the Trust will be welcome. No dogs please. Leader Clifford Jukes - 01472 814887 On Saturday 23rd May 2009 - "Warbler Walk" in Cleethorpes Country Park, searching for warblers and other birds with leader Ray Hume. Duration of walk will be approximately 2 hours. Pleas bring binoculars if you have them. Please meet at 9.00am at the car park at the end of the road through the main entance. To get there take the Park Lane exit of the mini- roundabout that also joins Humberston Road, North Sea Lane and Church Lane, Humberston and follow the road to the Country Park. For further details please contact Ray Hume - 01472 320878 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 7/5/09 LINCS Crane. Tetney Marshes RSPB, 9.30am flew NE across estuary. LINCS PROB RED-THROATED PIPIT. GIBRALTAR POINT NNR, FLEW S. OVER + RLBUZZARD FLEW N. AT 8AM. 8/5/09 LINCS 2 Dotterel. Tetney Marshes, 11.25am on rolled fld btw Newton Marsh Lane & seawall. 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. BRACEBY TF015353 Marion Ellis 7th May On 20th April I reported a House Martin inspecting a nest on our house, since then I've not see it, so began to wonder if I imagined it until I read Jeremy Hutchinson's query about what House Martins do when they arrive. Hope someone can answer the query. WHISBY NATURE PARK SK910661 Grahame Hopwood/Phil Porter/Peter Dryburgh et. al. Week beginning 1/5. A pair of buzzards displayed over the area for the first time 3/5. The only migrant wader was a common sandpiper 4/5. The maximum count of common terns was 10 at Thorpe Lake on 1/5. Only one cuckoo has been heard so far and this was on the very late date of 1/5. Egyptian geese are possibly breeding on Thorpe Lake. Around 8 singing garden warblers have been located so far. A goldeneye female seems stranded at Grebe Lake to 6/5 at least and may be unfit. A hobby was seen along the railway line on 1/5. At least 4 singing lesser whitethroat have been counted. An adult summer little gull was at Thorpe Lake briefly on 6/5. Up to 3 little ringed plovers have been favouring Thorpe Lake mostly during the month. Around 8 singing nightingales have been mapped, almost all in the core area of Coot Lake. This is a striking drop from the last two years when outlying territories accounted for 4-6 other singing birds. Oystercatchers have a nest on Thorpe Lake and another on Grebe Lake. A red kite flew over on 1/5. Sand martins have not yet taken up residence at the breeding colony giving cause for concern. Up to 50 have been seen over various lakes. A shelduck was at Grebe Lake on 5/5. The first common blue damselfly was seen on 5/5. Some interesting spring hoverflies have been detected; the most unusual was Criorhina floccosa. Other were Cheilosia bergenstammi, C. albitarsis, Volucella bombylans, Parhelophilus versicolor, Platycheirus albimanus and P. clypeatus. Finally, a pair of water voles have returned to the Nature Park in Pike Drain after an apparent absence of 7 years. *** 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. CONINGSBY The Pingle LNR TF230585 TF 230584 is the Grid ref. the middle of the embankment. Species in The Pingle, 9 May 2009 Chris du Feu 09/5/09 *Slugs* *Arion ater agg.* Some smaller specimens which were almost certainly Arion ater seg. Two larger specimens taken for further examination could prove to be Arion rufus (the continental form of the Large Black Slug). *Arion subfuscus* 'The Yellow Stainer'. Abundant. *Arion silvaticus *- a new 10km record. records before the 1970s did not separate A. silvaticus and A. circumscriptus so this record establishes the presence of at least one of the two species. *Arion distinctus*, the common Garden Slug. Several found. A new 10km record - it is a common slug but the records prior to the 1970s did not separate this and A. hortensis. Good to have a record of this (and the other species too). *Arion hortensis * Garden Slug, the less common species. One specimen found. A new 10km record. (see A. distinctus) *Deroceras reticulatum* - the common pest found, too often, in lettuce with a mucus the colour and texture of Milk of Magnesia. Surprisingly only one individual found. *Deroceras panormitanum, *'the Racing Slug'. Abundant. *Limax flavus,* the Yellow Slug. Some mature individuals and two very small ones. These two were found under rubbish thrown over the boundary fence from an adjacent garden. Limax flavus is often associated with human habitation so this seems to be a probably source of introduction of the species to the reserve. A new 10km record of this benign and handsome species. *Limax maximu*s, the Tiger or Leopard Slug. One large specimen and a handful of immature individuals. Good to find this predatory species present. A new, but not unexpected, 10km record. *Snails* *Discus rotundatus, *abundant *Cochlicopa lubricella *- new 10km record which helps fill an obvious under-recording gap in the distribution map. *Oxychilus alliarius*, the Garlic Glass Snail. Several found, some very strong smelling indeed. *Oxychilus helvetica *- another glass snail and (happily) without a garlic smell. New 10km record which helps fill an obvious under-recording gap in the distribution map. *Monacha cantiana -* typical of this type of former railway embankment and adjacent habitat. *Arianta arbustorum* - the Copse Snail. *Cepaea hortensis *- white-lipped banded snail. A new 10km record - filling an under-recording gap. *Cepaea nemoralis -* brown-lipped banded snail. * Helix aspersa,* Garden Snail. The Pingle 9/5/09 R.Parsons adds: Holly blue and 3 Speckled wood butterflies. Cannabis sativa L. [var "skunk"] - 3 potted-up plants. HAINTON TF 180844 Churchyard Mark Tyszka 08/05/2009 Green Veined White - 1 Painted Lady (worn) - 1 KEELBY TA 1609 Mark Tyszka 06/05/2009 Swift - 3 LINCOLN Hartsholme/ Swanholme 8/5/09 (P.M.) Malcolm Johnson 3 Greylag Families with 6 Goslings. 6 Herons 1 Coot Chick with Parents Very few Black Heads only saw 2 6 Great Crested Grebes. MARTON SK843 821 Brian Hedley 04.05.2009 Moth-trap out overnight in back garden produced: Eyed Hawk 1 Swallow Prominent 1 Chinese Character 1 Spruce Carpet 1 Waved Umber 1 Mottled Pug 1 Nutmeg 1 Cabbage 1 Muslin Moth 1 Red Chestnut 1 Garden Carpet 3 Early Grey 1 Powdered Quaker 4 Clouded Drab 1 Shuttle-shaped Dart 1 Red twin-spot Carpet 1 Common Pug 3 Brindled Pug 2 Scoparia ambigualis 1 MOULTON MARSH NR R & K Heath 07/05/09 Among the 32 species seen and heard this morning at MM, which included many warblers but no waders were: Barn Owl 1 Cuckoo 1 Swifts 5 Turtle Doves 4 SARACENS HEAD Anneli Killen Week commencing 04 May 2009 Max numbers seen Blackbird 6 Blue Tit 2 Collared Dove 11 Dunnock 3 Goldfinch 3 Great Tit 1 Greenfinch 2 House Sparrow 7 Robin 2 Song Thrush 1 Starling 11 Wood Pigeon 1 I have also seen today (08th May) a male blackbird working very hard to feed his two babies which have been in the garden and on the shed roof! WILDMORE FEN - TF 216534 R & A Parsons Over the past 25 years a number rather more unusual species have paid us the compliment of a visit to the garden: woodcock, a hawfinch, a lesser-spotted woodpecker, a grey heron [on the roof], a kingfisher, turtle doves, young grass snakes, a [dead] harvest mouse and a long-tailed blue butterfly. This Saturday a pair of greylag geese had occupied the lawn first thing. Rather than surprise them with the dogs, I went outside to greet them myself, to impressive trumpeting. They took off in their surprisingly steep way, navigating around the tall trees and over- head wires without collision. Other reports: Winds brought down a long-tailed tit nest. 05/05/09 Swallows have selected nest site in old washhouse. Song thrush – 2 feeding a fledgling. 06/05/09 Blackbird m feeding fledging. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 03/05/2009 Arctic Tern Cuckoo 2 Curlew Sandpiper Kingfisher Marsh Harrier 04/05/2009 Cuckoo 06/05/2009 Common Sandpiper Cuckoo Swift Turtle Dove Whimbrel White Wagtail Yellow Wagtail 07/05/2009 Cuckoo Woodlark SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker Buterflies, green hairstreak, green veined and small white, small copper, brimstone, orange tip, peacock, small tortoiseshell, speckled wood, holly blue. Few flowers of note as the dunes are now very dry and much of the vegetation is stressed or growing very slowly, ( only 5mm of rain over the past 4 weeks) Birds include, 2 cranes and a hobby flying over, many whitethroats and willow warblers in song, also 4 grasshopper warblers and 8 to 10 lesser whitethroats. The saltmarsh and large lagoon has dried out so few waders to be seen. 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 recent [April] sightings Paul French – received 5/5/09 Frampton Marsh A little gull paused on the reedbed on the 6th, followed by 7 Arctic terns passing quickly through on the 15th. A yellow-legged gull dropped in on the 9th. A light passage of raptors included a buzzard on the 12th, and two red kites and a hobby on the 25th. A good run of garganey peaked with three males late in the month. Waders started to come through by the months end, with little stint on the 20th, wood sandpiper on 28th-29th and spotted redshank on 11th. Up to two little ringed plovers, three ruff and three greenshanks were also present late in the month. A water rail flushed from a ditch on 27th. Freiston Shore A firecrest along the inner seabank on the 4th was only the 2nd reserve sighting. Migrants were thin on the ground, but an early tree pipit flew south on 10th, three blue-headed wagtails were seen (12th, 23rd and 26th- 27th) along with up to five wheatears on 12th. A Sandwich tern and a common tern were offshore on 10th, with the first common terns on the lagoon on the 16th. The first five whimbrels were seen on 19th, with up to 12 birds present for the rest of the month. A goosander was a great rarity on the lagoon on 22nd and a female Montagu’s harrier flew inland on 25th. Lingerers from the winter included the two pale-bellied brents still with the brent flock all month and up to 116 eiders offshore. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending  9.5.09 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern 2 blackbird 30+ blackcap 3 black headed gull 20+ blue tit  12 bullfinch 2 canada goose 2 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 14 chiffchaff 3 collared dove 4 common gull common tern 4 coot 120+ cormorant 2 cuckoo curlew 2 dunlin 12 dunnock 4 gadwall 4 goldfinch 10 grasshopper warbler GC grebe 4 GS woodpecker great tit 6 greenfinch 6 grey heron  greylag goose 30+ herring gull 5 house martin 8 house sparrow 6 kestrel lapwing 2 lesser whitethroat 2 linnet 10 little egret little grebe 3 little ringed plover long tailed tit 4 magpie 7 mallard 20+ marsh harrier  M+F meadow pipit 6 mistle thrush 2 moorhen 30+ mute swan 6 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 4 pochard 25 redshank 2 reed bunting 10 reed warbler 12 ringed plover 6 robin 13 sand martin 30+ sedge warbler 8 shelduck 8 shoveler 8 skylark 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 25 swallow 30+ swift 70+  (1st on  2.5.09). tawny owl tree sparrow 6 tufted duck 15 turtle dove water rail 4 wheatear whitethroat  7 willow tit 2 wilow warbler 6 wood pigeon 8 wren 10 yellowhammer 4 yellow wagtail ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) Reports from this area are needed, please. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 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 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 *** 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 this week. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/