============================================ || || 4th April 2010 || || 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 892 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 Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union or any associated organisations. Please make contact via the LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ or e-mail wildlifenews@lnu.org, or contact the Editor to join up and contribute articles or reports. [Or cancel!] E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor Writes *** I am planning some walkabouts in the Easter break. This may mean a delay to some of the Bulletins. Please keep the reports coming. Thanks. Roger *** Mail Fails *** This note will also be on the Bulletin Portal version. From time to time the Bulletin does not get through to some readers for some reason. If your Bulletin does not arrive as expected, please check: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html If the current Bulletin IS there, you will know that your copy has failed to get through. You need to take action, but what you need to do will depend on your ISP and email software. 1. Check your Spam/Bulkmail folder. It might be there. 2. Check your anti bulk mail settings and adjust to let the Bulletin through in future. 3. Failing that, visit your ISP website and review their FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions] to see if they deal with this problem. Follow their instructions. If all this fails: 4. Contact your ISP explain the problem, ask their advice. Current ISPs facing problems are: BTinternet and openworld; yahoo; talk21 and ymail. Past problem ISPs included aol, tiscali and hotmail. If you get lucid advice from your ISP, please pass it on! Thanks. Roger *** LNU Events Diary - Please Come Along *** For LNU meetings also see section 11 below and the website: www.lnu.org/events.php Sunday 18th April Revesby Reservoir and adjacent woodland, SW of Horncastle. Private Site. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use fisherman’s car park near Pumping Station at TF303 633. Signed off A1183 just north of Revesby. Gated track to reservoir: code needed for padlock (contact leader day before or during morning of 18th to obtain code). Habitats: Mixed woodland, Lake. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Japanese Knotweed Update *** Tom Collins has written this useful update. As of the 9th March 2010 a psyllid (Aphalara Itadori) is being trial released in the UK to assist with the control of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) and closely related Knotweed species. I am not an expert on insects and it was explained to me as a sap sucking aphid. The Psyllid is approximately 2.5mm long and is native to Japan where it is believed to feed exclusively upon the Japanese Knotweed Plant. The Psyllid doesn’t kill the Knotweed but reduces its vigour by feeding on its sap and this is hoped will reduce its spread within the UK. The trial release follows five years of studies by scientists at CABI. The aim of the trial release is to establish the effectiveness of the Psyllid in UK conditions and monitor any adverse effects upon indigenous flora and fauna. The release sites are ‘secret’ but if the trial is successful further release sites are proposed across the UK. The aphid is a poor flyer and it is envisaged that it will spread throughout the UK on the wind. From these original release sites, full coverage of the UK is envisaged to take a period of between 5 to 10 years. It seems this is the first time a biocontrol agent for plant species has been released in Europe. A risk assessment for the release can be reviewed by following the following links. http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/japanese-knotweed/pest-risk-analysis.pdf Public Consultation for the release has already been completed and details can be found by following the attached link. http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/japanese-knotweed/consultation-document.pdf During the seminar the consensus was that this release and consultation had not been widely publicised, or at least not publicised to the most likley interested parties, and as a result only 61 responses to the consultation were received. I wondered if anyone on the list had offered an opinion or had heard of the consultation ? If the trials are successful I also wonder how long it will be before records start reaching the list ? *** Friends of the Pingle *** Roger Parsons, [Chairman of the Friends of the Pingle] writes: The AGM of the “Friends of the Pingle” takes place on Tuesday, 20th April in the Coningsby Sports Pavilion 7pm for 7.30. After completion of the AGM business there will be a talk about the life of Sir Joseph Banks. We have had a number of interesting speakers at our AGMs and they have spoken about many interesting topics, but in my view Sir Joseph Banks has a very special place in the history of this area. I would like to extend a warm invitation to anyone who would like to join us for this talk, for which there is no charge. If you are interested, you are welcome. The supreme organiser, he played a part in the drainage of the fens near Coningsby, the engineering of the course of the lower River Witham, the construction of the Horncastle Canal and many other local projects. We could not have a more fitting subject for our talk this year. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Sunday 4th April 2010 the group invite you to join them on a guided walk around Tetney Blow Wells. Distance 1.5 miles in 1.5 hours. Park and meet outside Tetney Church at 2.00pm. Please wear suitable footwear such as boots or wellies as it will be wet underfoot. All are welcome but no dogs please. Free event but donations to the Trust will be gratefully received. The church will be open 3.00pm - 4.15pm for hot drinks at 60p towards church funds. Furthermore look out for primroses flowering in the churchyard. Contact walk leader Clifford Jukes - Grimsby 814887 for further details. *** RSPB BIRDWATCHING CRUISES 2010 *** The South Lincs Group of the R.S.P.B. have just released details of their 2010 programme for BIRDWATCHING CRUISES IN THE WASH. Each cruise will be aboard The Boston Belle and will last about four to five hours, departing from (and returning to) the Boston Sluice Bridge on the River Witham. After leaving the mouth of the Witham and entering the Wash for about one mile, the return journey will include parts of the river Welland which is boarded on both sides by saltmarshes, including the R.S.P.B. Frampton Marsh reserve. Apart from the many bird species which are usually seen, there are frequently good views of basking Common Seals. Refreshments, seating and toilet facilities are available on board. Further details including booking arrangements can be found on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk or by telehoning Group Leader Anne Algar on 01529-460877. The programme starts on April 10th and continue until October 14th. *** Sir Joseph Banks Society Annual Lecture *** Professor Mark Seward, well known to all LNU members, is giving this year’s Sir Joseph Banks Society Annual Lecture at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 5 May at Horncastle College entitled “Joseph Banks, James Edward Smith and the Linnean Society.” Note: I have been informed that non-members will be charged £3.00 to attend. Roger *** RSPB Lincoln Group Events: April *** Jo Bramwell writes: BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS Sunday 4 April, starting from the cafe at Hartsholme Country Park, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, at 10.30am. A leisurely walk of about 2 hours round the country park and Swanholme Lakes. Everyone welcome - free. The walk coincides with the 'Date with Nature' event at the main lake at Hartsholme, where on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday, between 10am and 4pm, RSPB volunteers will be on hand to show visitors the nesting herons. See www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/hartsholmepark/index.asp. EGYPT-BIRDS ANCIENT AND MODERN: a slide-illustrated talk by Martin Davies. Thursday 8 April, 7.30pm, at the Lincoln Suite, the Lawn, Union Road, Lincoln. Martin works in the RSPB's International Department and is also one of the organisers of the annual British Bird Fair at Rutland Water. £3 for RSPB members and students, £4 for non-members. Parking charge at the Lawn. COACH OUTING & BIRDWATCHING CRUISE Saturday 24 April Visit to Freiston Shore, followed by a 4 1/2 hour cruise on the Wash. Adults £30, children £15. Coach departs Anglian Water car park, Witham Park, Lincoln LN5 7JE (parking by kind permission) at 8am. More information and to book: Mike Willey, 01526 321917. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 31/3/10 LINCS Lapland Bunting. Frampton Marsh RSPB, mid am from 360 Hide + 22 Twite, 13 Whooper Swan. 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. Swallows: Barry & Christine Hancock on 29/3/10 Interesting news (at least we think so), with all the talk about Spring being late this year we can report that one of "our" swallows returned to their nest site in our garage on 29th March, 17 days earlier than the last 2 years. Thinking we had plenty of time, we had to hurriedly put up the nest camera and lay out the covers, so that we're prepared for another exciting summer of swallow watching. Hope he (it was a male) doesn't have too long to wait for a mate to arrive. Reader question Susan Lipscombe-Ridley asks: I am no expert on birds but can't help wondering of someone close to Sleaford/ Grantham flies a bird of prey. I spotted one souring in the sky on the road back from Grantham on Saturday and then yesterday on the A17 just after Heckington at 10.30 am another one souring in circles on the thermals and when I stopped because of the low patchy cloud I could not see him, to verify what it was. Had the binoculars ready but no chance. Plus this morning a hawk made a mess of a bird on my lawn, the second in two days. Grey feather and head and guts - nice really was!! *** 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. BARDNEY LOCK Jo Bramwell 27 March 2010 Seal (not sure which species) in the Witham. ALMA WOOD AND SURROUNDING FIELDS. SK9437. 28/03/2010. David Clarke. Blackbird 6 Blue Tit 8 Buzzard 2 Chaffinch 14 Chiffchaff 1 Carrion Crow 12 Goldfinch 9 Great Tit 5 Greenfinch 2 Heron 1 Jackdaw 54 Long Tailed Tit 3 Magpie 9 Raven 2 Robin 5 Rook 23 Red Kite 1 Sylark 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 Wood Pigeon 73 Wren 4. Mammals. Rabbit 14. Flowers. Lesser Celandine. Dog Violet. Primrose. BOSTON 27/03/10 Mick Todd While walking along the Witham bank between Boston and Antons Gowt, Chiff chaffs could be heard calling in the hedgerow and one was observed chasing a flying insect and landing on branch next to path, giving clear view of eye stripe and dark legs. DUNSBY STW 2nd April 2010 Ian Misselbrook 1310hrs Willow Warbler singing GAYTHORPE Paul Gee Gathorpe 30/3/10 Red Kite seen in Scunthorpe on road from Glandford Park rounabout towards Normanby rounabout. Sat on a post within 10-15 yards of road. I have also seen on more than one occasion same species in Luddington, which in a straight line is probably only 4/5 miles. Gardening this last weekend literally hundreds of Ladybirds, and a very actively feeding Hedgehog. GRANTHAM. 27/03/2010. David Clarke. I observed a sparrowhawk being mobbed and pursed by up to 50 starlings. As the hawk changed direction the pursuing starlings did the same on mass. I have seen birds of prey mobbed many times but not by so many birds and in such a determined manner. Is this an unusual occurrence? GRANTHAM Bob Sheppard. (project leader) The peregrines are nesting in my tray at St Wulframs Church, Grantham and have laid their first egg. There is live coverage 24 hours a day on the LBC website plus blog plus a history of the site. Andrew Chick adds: Full access to the Grantham Peregrine Project including live images, can be found online by following these links: Live images from Grantham http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/pegcam.html The history of the Grantham Peregrine's http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/Articles/Grantham_Peregrine_project.html The Grantham Peregrine Blog (updated daily) http://pegcam.blogspot.com/ Peregrines nesting on man made structures in Lincolnshire are only a recent phenomenon. Birds have bred on Lincoln Cathedral since 2007. The nest tray has been on the walkway of St Wulframs, Grantham since 3th December 2007. Bob Sheppard made the tray and installed it with his colleague Alan Ball with help from Derek Jackson. Earlier in 2007, a pair of Peregrines had nested on the west side of the walkway of the Church on a tiny patch of gravel. They laid two eggs and one chick successfully fledged. In 2008, the birds did not nest on the church, but a pair nested nearby and raised three male chicks. In 2009, Peregrines returned to St Wulframs, laid four eggs and raised two chicks in the nest tray. There was one female chick and one male. These chicks were ringed at 16 to 18 days old by Alan and Bob, under BTO license. The Grantham Peregrine Project is run under license, and all photographic equipment was installed before birds took up territory. Andrew Chick Lincolnshire Bird Club To get in touch with any questions regarding the Grantham Peregrine Project, email peregrines@lincsbirdclub.co.uk IMMINGHAM Brian Hedley 25 March 2010 Common Porpoise lingering near south shore of Humber at TA233 142 Stoat at TA234 134 Common Toad in ditch at TA235 135 LINCOLN SK976 738 Brian Hedley 25 March 2010 Brimstone 1 male LINCOLN DODDINGTON PARK M.Scott 27.March 2010 Update for frogs report, 24 March, large clump of frog spawn in my pond. Last year a week earlier, but we have had a bad winter. Still got lots of frogs about croaking. Blackbirds making nests in conifers and trellis work. I made a hedgehog nest box to try, but nothing there, so I hope we get one to stay with us next winter. LINCOLN (city centre) Graham Clifford 27/03/2010 Goldfinch 2, in general area near Binns. LINCOLN Jacquie Harrison 27.03.10 Very large bumblebees with white bottoms seemed to be looking for shelter around the kitchen roof/windows. LINCOLN Jacquie Harrison 28.03.10 Dark Morph ladybird - two pale spots landed on John in the car. MARTON SK842 820 Brian Hedley 27 March 2010 Moth-trapping in garden produced: Hebrew Character 5 Clouded Drab 4 Common Quaker 1 TRENT PORT, MARTON SK834 813 Brian Hedley 26 March 2010 Sand Martin 5 south Little Owl 1 Teal pair Fieldfare 4 Snipe 19 MESSINGHAM SAND PITS Jacquie Harrison 28.03.10 Avocets - I could see 8 but possible more out of sight from where I was Black headed gulls - numbers seem to be growing Blue tits - not all males very bright as yet Bumblebees - two types - ones with white bottoms around base of a silver birch and another with a yellow stripe (not very bright) and creamier bottom elsewhere. A female bunting that totally confused me - almost 100% sure not a reed bunting as so pale and tail different, too small for a corn bunting and quite brightly streaked, clear eye stripe, markings on top of head - would have said a female lapland bunting but feeding in bushes. Not a female sparrow as I have made that mistake plenty of times! Has anyone else seen near the duck hide please? Common frog Cormorants Great tits Greylag geese Mallards Mute swans - a male displaying but others did not seem interested Oystercatchers - 2 Pochards - still only in pairs on one pit - all males on others Redshank - 2 Robins Sand martins - 100+ Shelduck Teal - fewer in open than last visit Tufted ducks PINCHBECK R & K Heath 02/04/10 Chiff Chaff singing beside the railway bridge. It is much more exciting to find one in our own village. RIPPINGALE 1st April 2010 Ian Misselbrook A Merlin from A15 between Rippingale and Dunsby turn offs. In my garden at Rippingale this morning a Redwing; so still some winter visitors hanging on. Also a Muntjac in very fine condition and far less welcome a Grey Squirrel. Lesser Celandines are blooming in the garden and the frogs have all left the ponds but there is ample spawn. Just down the road a Chiffchaff has been singing every day since March 25. RIPPINGALE 2nd April 2010 Ian misselbrook In the chruchyard the following wild flowers; Early Dog Violet, Primrose, Lesser Celandine, Common Daisy plus cultivated Daffodils and still a few Snowdrops. In my garden a male Blackcap singing constantly and 12 Fieldfares flying over heading north. THEDDLETHORPE John Cowell 30/3/2010 Theddlethorpe Dunes 09.30 A pair of Shelduck on the beach near Brickyard Lane entrance. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 A & R Parsons TF 218534 approx 1/4/10 m & f reed bunting on/under feeding station 5.30pm. Not seen doing this before, though active in general area. Female noticed earlier in the week but not identified. Also m and f yellowhammer and stockdove. Tawny owls calling in garden 5pm. Another unsuccessful spawning year for our frogs and toads? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 23/03/2010 No current report. SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 THEDDLETHORPE John Walker Week ending 2nd April 2010 Frogs have completed spawning and 630 spawn clumps found so far,common toads are still active. Migrant birds have included, swallow 1, white wagtail 6, wheatear 2, ring ouzel 1. Pipestrelle bats 2 early in week over Churchill Lane ponds. 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 John Badley RSPB Lincs Wash Reserves sightings No current report. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 02.04.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet bearded tit bittern blackbird 15 black headed gull 40+ blue tit 14 bullfinch 2 canada goose 10 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 14 chiffchaff 3 collared dove 2 common gull 6 coot 50+ cormorant curlew dunnock 6 gadwall 6 goldfinch 6 GC grebe 4 great tit 4 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 40 herring gull house sparrow 28 kingfisher little grebe 4 long tailed tit 6 magpie 15 mallard 17 marsh harrier 1M +1F mistle thrush moorhen 25 mute swan 4 pheasant pochard 20 redshank reed bunting 4 robin 8 sand martin 50+ shelduck 30 shoveler 8 snipe song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 3 swallow 12 tawny owl 2 teal 8 tree sparrow 6 tufted duck 14 water rail 4 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 6 wren 8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ CHAMBERS FARM WOOD Adrian Royle 28.3.2010 It is not often I look in a ditch, they are usually something I attempt to leap over, but with a cool wind blowing there wasn't much else to view. I noticed some very small movements on the water surface. A closer look showed hundreds of mosquito larvae popping up to the surface from below the leaf litter in the bottom of the ditch. Whether or not they had just emerged from eggs in the litter I do not know. The lifecycle of mosquitoes is quite interesting but many of us might be more interested in their deaths, horrible little things that they are. While watching the mosquito larvae I noticed other movements in the leaf litter, more specifically "leaves" moving. Another closer look showed the culprits to be caddis fly larvae in their purse leaf cases. A wonderful example of nature finding a way to survive. Each larva had about 6 small pieces of leaf attached together somehow to form a jacket with one open end. I believe this is an example of the Hydroptiloidea or purse case makers. If anybody can enlighten me further regarding either subject please do write and let me/us know more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) 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 *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** BC Lincolnshire Branch website. http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** 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.] *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. Mammal records can reported to chris@lincsdeer.info 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 *** 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. 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 The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, cbarnes@lincstrust.co.uk or for more general queries: info@lincsbiodiversity.org.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 Contact: Project Officer, Luisa McIntosh 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 Bird of Prey Photography Days Lewis Phillips the photographer says: I am running local Bird of Prey Days again. All the info is on my new website at www.wildshots.org.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 EasyTide 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. As shown on LNU Website: LNU Events Programme Saturday 22nd May Peacock Wood, Laughton Forest, N of Gainsborough. Forestry Commission site. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park alongside minor road between Laughton and Morton at approx. SK831 963. Later meeting at 8pm for moths and bats. Habitats: Mixed Woodland, Pond. SSSI heathland nearby. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Colin Smith 07595 414318 colin.smith@masstock.co.uk Sunday 27th June Joint meeting with British Dragonfly Society as part of National Dragonfly week Butterwick Common, SW of Scunthorpe. 12.00 for 13.00 start. NEW INFORMATION Park at fishermans car park at SE8476 0630. To reach car park follow track off Chapel Lane in East Butterwick at sharp bend. Habitat: Pond, Marsh, Ditches. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Paul Kirby. Sunday 18th July Willow Tree Fen, between Bourne and Spalding. New LWT Reserve. Proposed Fenland recreation site. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Reserve located off the minor road between Pode Hole and Tongue End. Lots of parking at TF17438 22377 - access at TF18189 21280 (off the road near Bank House Farm). Habitats: Farmland, ditches, River Glen. Leader: Richard Chadd 07990 564519 richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk Sunday 8th August. To be Confirmed. Thorpe Culvert area Nr Wainfleet 12.00 for 13.00 start. See LNU website for details. Habitats: Pasture, Marsh, Pond, River Leader: Chris Manning 07752 353303 chris@lincsdeer.info Sunday 12th September Sailors Home area, Wrangle, NE of Boston 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take Sea Lane off of A52 south of Wrangle and follow towards coast. Park on minor road verge at approx TF444 492. Take care to avoid blocking field entrances. Habitats: Saltmarsh, rough grassland and ditches. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Paul Kirby. Sunday 10th October Hopland’s Wood and Willoughby Branch Line, South of Alford. Both LWT Reserves. Fungus Foray 12.00 for 13.00 start. Hopland’s Wood site first. This wood is found on the Willoughby-Claxby road, about 4 km (2.5 miles) south of Alford and 1 km (0.6 miles) west of the B1196 road. Park on verge at TF459 718. Willoughby Branch Line located at TF474 736. Habitats: Mixed Woodland, grassland, scrub, disused railway. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** I you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find it. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Permanent errors: about to be deleted from list. nige@ (mailbox full) If you recognise any address, please ask them to contact me with a new address if they wish to continue to receive the Bulletin. Thanks. *** Boosting Bulletin Readership *** At present we have just under 900 readers. I would love to get it up to the 1000 point. If you know anyone who might enjoy receiving it, please tell them about it. They can sign up via: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php *** Interesting links *** From Matt Phillips: New Forest Gateway http://www.newforestgateway.org/Wildcam/LiveCameras/tabid/117/Default.aspx Apple Season!! If you can get 50% of the 100 apples into the bucket, that's considered GOOD. Have fun! http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g2/applegame.htm ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/