============================================ || || The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin || *** 24th 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Recent Bulletins *** Until I fix my dial-up connection problems, Bulletins will continue to be posted on my webspace on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Please bookmark that page. 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 Roberts 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. *** ANNUAL TREE WALK *** LINCOLNSHIRE TREE AWARENESS GROUP At SYSTON PARK, near GRANTHAM Sunday 24th May 2009 starting at 10am A guided walk looking at the parkland trees of this beautiful private estate with members of the Tree Awareness Group - a voluntary group promoting trees in Lincolnshire. The estate includes one or two 'champion' trees of Britain. Meet at the Syston Farm Shop on the east side of the A607, approx 4 miles north-east of Grantham. Look for TAG signs. The walk will last about 2 hours and will follow uneven terrain. Please wear strong boots/shoes and wear appropriate clothing. Sorry – no dogs except support dogs. The walk is free. Please support the TAG raffle Enquiries—telephone 01522 552360 *** Swallow Comments *** Roy Pearson writes: You are correct when you say recovery rates for most birds are very low, the exceptions normally being larger birds which are more easily seen and especially those, such as ducks, that are shot, though there are others that would not be shot in Britain, but are fair game abroad, for example a Redwing that I ringed one October at Wrangle, which was shot the following Boxing Day near Caceres in Spain. Occasionally though, some interesting recoveries of small birds do occur such as a Whitethroat that I ringed at Wrangle some years ago on the 1st September that unfortunately flew into a window in Paris on the 3rd September and died of its injuries. I've heard nothing of the brood I ringed for you, but a roost ringing session of Swallows at Wrangle the same year produced captures of a bird ringed in central Lincs and another in north- east Scotland. You're also correct about cats producing a lot of recoveries,but this is mainly of garden birds other than Swallows. These, as you surmise, are often recovered at roost owing to the large numbers that can be caught at one time. There was an interesting occurrence last year of a ringer operating just over the County border in Notts, ringing 750 in his garden in one week, whilst intercepting birds going into a roost in a willow grove next door. Malcolm Johnson asks: I wonder whether any of your readers have noticed anything like this? On my property I have a roofed passageway that is open at both ends allowing access to the pantiled roof. In there we have a swallow nest that has been there for many years. Each Spring a pair of swallows return and repair or partly rebuild the nest. The female then lays two eggs which are incubated and as soon as the young ones fledge she lays 4/5 eggs more and starts to sit on them. When they hatch the two from the first sitting are roped in to help feed the new young ones. These usually stay around until very late in the season before they depart for Africa. Last year they remained in Wragby until the 20's of October. *** Otters *** John Beswick writes: Apropos Otters A number of owners of large ponds stocked with large Koi/Carp fish in the Marshchapel area are blaming otters for the continuing disappearance of their fish over time. They are familiar as all fish keepers are with the modus operandi of Heron and their predation. *** LINCOLNSHIRE 200 BRIDGES OTTER SURVEY 2009 *** 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. *** Guided Walk in Limewoods *** Liz Fleuty writes: Sunday 31st May, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Goslings Guided Walk Goslings Corner Wood (LWT reserve) TF144 752 Join Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Warden Kevin James to explore one of the finest examples of ancient limewoods in the county. For more information contact LWT on 01507 526667 Please wear appropriate footwear e.g. boots, sturdy shoes or wellies as the ground may be muddy *** BROUGHTON WOODS question *** Jenny Haynes writes: Someone contacted me about two insects, Lime Moths and Larch Flies, she knows live in Broughton Woods (part of which is under threat from a golf course development). She wondered if they were uncommon and so worthy of protection Can anyone help? Contact: jenny.haynes@btinternet.com *** 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 *** 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. *** Organic Farm Open Day 5th July *** Andrew Dennis, Woodlands Organic Farm, writes: We’re holding our annual Summer Open Day at Woodlands Farm on Sunday 5th July. Last year we had great success with the RSPB, Slow Food, bats, ferrets, apple press, spinning and so forth and over around 1200 people came. Information: www.woodlandsfarm.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 18/5/09 LINCS 3 BEE-EATER. HUMBERSTONE FITTIES, 10.25AM FLEW S.ALONG SEAWALL + 2 L.EGRET. 19/5/09 LINCS ringtail Montagu's Harrier. Dorrington Fen, late am + 1s.m Hen Harrier, 3 Marsh Harrier, Hobby. LINCS 2 Spoonbill. Donna Nook, 3.10pm flew S.over Pyes Hall. 21/5/09 LINCS Golden Oriole. Fillingham Lake, singing in tree 50m W.of boathouse 6.40-50am only. 22/5/09 LINCS CASPIAN TERN. FREISTON SHORE RSPB, 9.30AM SW OVER GULL COLONY. 23/5/09 LINCS Serin. Gibraltar Point NNR, 10.15am flew S.along East Dunes. 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. WHISBY NATURE PARK SK910661 Grahame Hopwood/Phil Porter/Peter Dryburgh et. al. Week beginning 8/5 Almost 300 pairs of Black-headed Gulls are now breeding at Grebe Lake including a few at Thorpe Lake. An Avocet flew around Grebe Lake briefly on 16th. This is the first record of a bird seen from the reserve. One or two Black Terns were seen on 10th, 13th and 14th. One or two Common Sandpipers were seen on 8th, 14th and 15th. The biggest count of Common Terns was 20 on 13th. Breeding activity currently confined to rafts. 2-3 Dunlins were seen on 8th, 9th, 14th and 15th. Up to 17 singing Garden Warblers were located on 8th. There were 2 Hobbys on 9th. Four singing Lesser Whitethroats were located on 8th. This is unlikely to be the full complement. Up to 5 Little Ringed Plovers have been seen through the week. A Little Tern on 14th appeared only briefly and was only the 2nd reserve record. One or two Ringed Plovers were seen on 8th and 15th. Two Shelducks have been frequently seen at Grebe Lake or Thorpe Lake. Turtle Doves have been reported singing on only 7th and 17th, which is quite a poor showing on recent years. Brown Argus, Common Blue and Large White were all seen for the first time on 12th. Chimney Sweeper moths emerged on 11th. A Dark Dagger moth larva was found on 17th, being the first reserve record. Azure Damselfly emerged on 7th, and Four-spotted Chaser on 12th. *** 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. RIVER ANCHOLME SAXBY-HORKSTOW BRIDGES Jacquie Harrison Sun 17/05/09 Showery Blackbirds Carrion Crows Chaffinches Coot Cormorant Goldfinches Grasshopper Warbler - 1 Great spotted woodpecker Grey heron House sparrows Magpie Mallard Marsh harrier - male to east Meadow pipits Moorhen - 1! Lapwings Linnets - 7 Pheasants Reed buntings Reed warbler - 1 Robins Rooks Sedge Warblers - 5 Skylarks Swallows - 3 Swift - 1 but at least 6 over Far Ings earlier the same morning Tufted duck - 3 Whitethroat Woodpigeons Wren Yellow wagtail - 1 very bedraggled Cabbage white were only butterflies seen and I'm not good at wild flowers but lovely large vetch very noticeable near copse/Horkstow bridge. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson My neighbour tells me that he was asked about an unusual bird seen by two farmworkers about a mile east of Carlton le Moorland during the last 10 days or so. When shown a White Stork they were sure that was what they had seen, i.e. a very large white erect bird with black on the wings. I can't think of anything else that it might be, but I haven't managed to spot it myself. There was a Barn Owl hunting from 20.00 this evening, so I imagine that it has youngsters to feed. CONINGSBY – THE PINGLE LNR TF 230584 Richard Chadd 18/5/09 Oligochaeta (Rare) Helobdella stagnalis (Occasional) Erpobdella octoculata (O) Radix balthica (R) (plus eggs) Gammarus pulex (R) Asellus aquaticus (Abundant) Copepoda (A) Cladocera (A) Cloeon dipterum (Frequent) Coenagriidae (O) Notonecta glauca (R) Notonecta sp. (nymphs) (F) Corixidae (nymphs) (F) Ilybius fuliginosus (R) Chironomini (Dominant) Orthocladiinae (D) MARSTON STW SK 907 428 Barry Johnson 23/5/09 Dunlin 1 Cuckoo 4 Hobby 1 Kingfisher 1 Oystercatcher pair with 2 chicks Woundwort Shieldbug Eysarcoris fabricii (SK 91 42) MINTING Chris du Feu *Slugs and snails found at Minting 20 May 2009* Specimens collected by members of the local gardening club. Note that I have used unofficial common names to describe some species. If you stroke Arion subfuscus, or Deroceras reticulatum or if you watch the rate at which Deroceras panormitanum moves off the starting blocks, these names I have awarded them will make sense. Snails All these were already recorded on the map, all are very common species. Helix aspersa the garden snail Cepaea nemoralis brown-lipped snail Trichia striolata These were the small shells I took away from your treasurer to identify at home with the aid of the snail key. Slugs Arion ater The big black slug. Arion subfuscus The 'yellow stainer'. A new dot on the map. Arion distinctus The garden slug. New dot on the map - this is the first one to be identified in the area since the species was separated from the other garden slugs. Tandonia budapestensis The Budapest slug. A new record of this much-under-recorded pestilential species showing that it has spread a great deal since intensive recording was done in the area 40 years ago. Limax maculatus The Irish yellow slug. A new record. Very interesting as there are few records of either this one or the ordinary yellow slug in the area (even though they are likely to be widespread). Probably there are more of these Irish ones (which are probably the real native species) than is realised. Deroceras reticulatum The Milk of Magnesia slug. Our widespread, native pest. Deroceras panormitanum The racing slug. A new dot on the map. STICKNEY TF322569 Gail Cartwright w/e 22/5/09 blackbird 2 blue tits 2 feral pigeons 8 great tit greenfinch 3 pied wagtail robin sparrows 2 swallow 2 yellow wagtail 1 Our sparrow nest box has gone quiet so I presume they must have fledged and I missed it, unfortunately, so I dont know how many there were. The blue tits are very busy with their brood, there were at least 11 eggs and there are now 7 chicks that I can see for definite. The nest looks very deep so Im not sure. Arent nest cams wonderful? A few days ago I saw a yellow wagtail in the yard. I have never seen one before, but a day or so later I saw it again so I hope that means its here to stay. The lonely swallow has a companion now, they fly around, fly in and out of the barn and sometimes perch on the phone line too together. As the second one doesnt stay all the time I guess that means its not one of the original pair but it stays longer and longer so fingers crossed. 2 Sundays ago I was driving along Frithville bank and saw a large brown bird in a big bush. I stopped and watched it from the car and took a photo. Then I noticed the blue things round its legs. It had a white rump, I assume it was a buzzard, it obviously belonged to somebody, but great to see it so close. It was gone later. [Anyone like to advise on ID? Editor] WILDMORE FEN - TF 216534 R & A Parsons 9/5/09 Stockdove – 4 [2 youngsters] 20/5/09 Fox crossing our road at 8.30pm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 17/05/2009 Avocet 44 Mediterranean Gull Sandwich Tern Short-eared Owl 20/05/2009 Hobby House Martin Marsh Harrier Mediterranean Gull 2 Swallow Swift Turtle Dove 11 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker w/e 22/5/09 Butterflies this week include, wall brown, small heath, common blue, painted lady, speckled wood, green hairstreak Flowers include, marsh orchids emerging, twayblade, field mouse-ear, sea pink, scurvy grass, yellow flag. 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  23.5.09 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 13 bearded tit 2 bittern 2 blackbird 30+ blackcap 5 black headed gull 20+ black tern blue tit  12 bullfinch canada goose 10 carrion crow 4 chaffinch 14 chiffchaff 2 collared dove 4 common gull common tern 6 coot 120+ cormorant 2 cuckoo curlew 4 dunlin 10 dunnock 4 gadwall 5 goldfinch 6 grasshopper warbler GBB gull 2 GC grebe 4 GS woodpecker great tit 6 greenfinch 6 grey heron  greylag goose 60+ herring gull 2 house martin 4 house sparrow 6 jackdaw 2 kestrel 2 lesser whitethroat 2 linnet 6 little egret little grebe 3 long tailed tit 2 magpie 6 mallard 20+ marsh harrier  M+F meadow pipit 4 mistle thrush 2 moorhen 30+ mute swan 16 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 25 reed bunting 8 reed warbler 15 ringed plover 4 robin 13 sand martin 10 sedge warbler 10 shelduck 6 shoveler 2 skylark 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk spotted flycatcher starling 20 swallow 30+ swift 80+  tawny owl tree sparrow 6 tufted duck 20 turtle dove water rail 4 whitethroat  7 wigeon 4 willow tit 2 wilow warbler 6 wood pigeon 10 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) 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 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, 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 melanie.markham wildlife21237 mark@jsutton *** August Mars Hoax *** You may have received the Mars hoax, which seems to be doing the rounds again. The planet Mars will not look as big/bright as the full Moon. This is an exaggerated hoax stemming from some years back when, in astronomical terms, Mars and Earth positions were somewhat closer than usual, with improved telescope observation a consequence. I recall marginally better views through my tele- scope, but nothing like the Moon. The opposition of Mars to which I refer was in 2003, when it did indeed look its biggest on 28th August. The hoax is still circulating 6 years later. Errrr. See: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/8708182.html ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/