============================================ || || 18th to 26th 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 *** Back from holiday and have just caught up with thanking contributors and completing the Bulletin. My ISP nhas sorted their email problem. Please can I remind everyone to follow the format for reports, otherwise you will have made work for me. Keep it simple, please. I am posting this on the web now, and will try a mailing later. Roger *** LNU Events Diary - Please Come Along *** For LNU meetings also see section 11 below and the website: www.lnu.org/events.php *** Gainsborough Group LWT*** Linda Woodward writes: Short AGM followed by slides, quiz and food! A light-hearted evening with the opportunity to enjoy good company, a chance to chat and free food! Wednesday 28th April, 7.30pm Morton Village Hall (just north of Gainsborough) Raffle and other fundraising items on sale A donation of £1.00 includes refreshments People of all ages, Wildlife Trust members or not, are welcome. *** 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: www.southlincsrspb.org.uk or by telehoning Group Leader Anne Algar on 01529-460877. *** 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. *** Life on the Verge!*** Mark Schofield writes: We need as many volunteers as possible this summer to help us survey roadside verges in your area. You will not need previous experience as wild flower ID booklets and training will be provided. Dates for free wild flower identification field days at local wildlife reserves are as follows: Grimsthorpe Estate Conference Centre and SSSI areas on Estate Grounds Wednesday 19th May ~ 10.00am to 1.00pm. Sunday 20th June ~ 10.00am to 1.00pm. Sunday 4th July ~ 10.00am to 1.00pm. Rutland Water Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre Followed by a field trip to Bloody Oaks Quarry Nature Reserve and nearby roadside verges Sunday 23rd May ~ 10.00am to 2.00pm. Friday 4th June ~ 10.00am to 2.00pm. Saturday 19th June ~ 10.00am to 2.00pm. Ancaster Village Hall and Ancaster Valley SSSI Saturday 15th May ~ 10.00am to 2.00pm. Saturday 29th May ~ 10.00am to 2.00pm. Saturday 5th June ~ 10.00am to 2.00pm. Saturday 12th June ~ 10.00am to 2.30pm. (advanced) Joining instructions are downloadable from http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/documents/LOTV_Training_Day_Joining_Instructions.pdf or available on request. To reserve your place and to take part in the surveys 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 8/4/10 LINCS imm White-tailed Eagle. Whitton Sands, til 10.15am then flew E. LINCS Rough-legged Buzzard. Gibraltar Point NNR, N.@ 10.30am, Spoonbill Tennyson's Sands, Black Redstart by Vis Cntr. LINCS Rough-legged Buzzard. Boston, E.@ noon. 12/4/10 LINCS Spoonbill. Gibraltar Point NNR, 1.02pm on Tennysons Sands from hide. 13/4/10 LINCS 6 Shorelark. Saltfleetby NNR, pm 100m S.of end of Brickyard Lane c/pk. LINCS ad Black Brant. Freiston Shore RSPB, 2.20pm from main c/pk with DbBrents + 2 PbBrents. LINCS 3w Caspian Gull. Frampton Marsh RSPB, 11.30am at R.Welland mouth. 14/4/10 LINCS Glaucous Gull. Gibraltar Point NNR, on beach. LINCS Spoonbill. Gibraltar Point NNR, pm on Tennysons Sands. 17/4//10 LINCS ad Black Brant. Frampton Marsh RSPB, on saltmarsh + 26 Twite, 4 White Wag. Ring Ouzel Freiston Shore RSPB + Garganey. 18/4/10 LINCS 4 Shorelark. Saltfleetby NNR, am on beach Nof end of Brickyard Lane c/pk. 19/4/10 LINCS 7 Shorelark Saltfleetby NNR on beach S.of end of Brickyard Lane c/pk. 20/4/10 LINCS Spoonbill. Gibraltar Point NNR, + 2 Ring Ouzel, Red Kite thru. LINCS Great Grey Shrike. Tetney Lock, 9.45am on Newton Marsh East + 3 Whimbrel. 21/4/10 LINCS White Stork. Southrey, RPTD 8.15am on lamp-post. LINCS Great Grey Shrike. Tetney Lock, noon on Newton Marsh East in ditch bhnd bunker 2 + Whimbrel over. 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. Alkborough Flats Barn Owls from Alice Nunn. While it would be rash ever to say you can guarantee a barn Owl sighting every time, the most reliable place I know for them is Alkborough Flats. I find the best time to go is latish afternoon.On Tuesday 6th April we had excellent view - it must have been aboout 6.00- 6.30pm BST. In the depths of winter it's more like 3.00- 4.00pm. I think there are two at least because there seem to be slight plumage variations. While on subject of Alkborough, has anyone seen kingfishers there recently? They were often seen near the first hide on the way to Trent Falls, around the gungy ditch. Before the cold winter they were pretty reliable sightings too, but I haven't seen any recently. The Shelduck seem to be going mad at the moment, a bit like a soap opera. Bardney Seal from Jo Bramwell I was at the Bardney Heritage Centre today and asked the owner whether he had had any further reports of the seal. He said he went out looking for it himself 8/9 times, and saw nothing; but a customer about 10 days ago reported seeing a seal near Southrey, lying on its back on the river bank, munching on a fish. Hopefully this means that it's making its way back out to sea ... *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming, We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from all readers, be they beginners or professionals. Thanks. BASTON FEN SSSI / NR. TF1414. 11/04/2010. David Clarke. Buzzard 2 Carrion Crow 11 Goldfinch 10 Greenfinch 6 Jackdaw 4 Mallard 7 Mistle Thrush 1 Moorhen 2 Mute Swan 6 Reed Bunting 11 Sedge Warbler 1 Skylark 2. Flowers. Lesser Celandine Marsh Marigold. BOSTON 14.04.10 Mick Todd Pipistrelle bat flying round house, 1st sighting of bat around my house for about 5 years. COLSTERWORTH TO EASTON. 10/04/2010. ( disused railway line) David Clarke. Blackbird 4 Blue Tit 8 Chaffinch 7 Chiffchaff 2 Dunnock 2 Great Tit 9 Jackdaw 12 Kestrel 1 Robin 3 Skylark 2 Wren 2 Wood Pigeon 11 Yellowhammer 2. DOLE WOOD.SSSI/ NR. TF0916. 11/04/2010. David Clarke. Blue Tit 15 Carrion Crow 3 Chaffinch 9 Chiffchaff 3 Coal Tit 4 Great Tit 10 Green Woodpecker 1 Long Tailed Tit 2 Robin 3 Skylark 3 Wren 2. Butterflies. Peacock 2. Flowers. Bluebell Dog Violet Lesser Celandine Primrose Wood Sorrel. EPWORTH SE772039 Matthew Blissett 3/4/10 Swallow 3 EPWORTH TURBARY Matthew Blissett 5/4/10 Chiffchaff 4 Common Dog Violet Lesser Celandine 8/4/10 Chiffchaff 2 Willow Warbler 1 Brimstone 2 Comma 1 Peacock 2 Small Tortoiseshell 2 Orange Underwing 1 HAXEY TURBARY Matthew Blissett 5/4/10 Chiffchaff 1 Willow Warbler 1 KETTLETHORPE SK 846754 Alison and Rodger Brownlow 8.04.2010 Minotaur beetles. We have at long last discovered the beeltes that are digging holes in the sandy soil in the rides of our wood. Using a pit fall trap we have caught male and female beetles. These stunning black dung bettles are taking down rabbit droppings as future food for the eggs that they lay in burrows up to 1 metre down. Brimstone (m&f) Small tortoiseshell Peacock Comma Speckled wood Buff-tailed bumblebee Red-tailed bumblebee Oyster Catchers Chiff-Chaff Buzzard Kettlethorpe SK 846 754 Alison Brownlow 20.04.2010 Cuckoo flower Orange tip butterfly Green-veined White KINGERBY BECK MEADOWS Matthew Blissett 9/4/10 Blackthorn Common Dog Violet Cowslip Lesser Celandine LANGHOLME WOOD Matthew Blissett 5/4/10 Buzzard 3 Chiffchaff 2 Willow Warbler 1 A46 LINCOLN- FALDINGWORTH Thursday 8th April 2010 Jacquie Harrison First Brimstones of the year - seen about 10 miles apart. MARTON SK842 820 Brian Hedley 08.04.2010 Moth trap out in back garden overnight (15w actinic lamp over Skinner Trap) Clouded Drab 22 Hebrew Character 10 Early Grey 8 Common Quaker 2 Small Quaker 1 Common Plume 1 Light Brown Apple Moth 1 10.04.2010 Small Tortoiseshell 5 Peacock 1 Brimstone 3m 1f TRENT PORT, MARTON SK834 813 Brian Hedley 11.04.2010 Brown Hare 2 Fox 1 Little Owl 1 Shelduck pair Tufted Duck pair Oystercatcher 2 pairs Fieldfare 55 Green Sandpiper 1 Redshank 3 Sand Martin 60 Snipe 8 MESSINGHAM SAND QUARRY Matthew Blissett 9/4/10 Avocet 6 Blackcap 4 Chiffchaff 6 Willow Warbler 3 Marsh Marigold RIPPINGALE 9 April 2010 Ian Misselbrook Butterflies:- 3 Brimstones 2 female Orange Tips 4 Small Tortoiseshells 1 Peacock Birds 3 singing Blackcaps 4 singing Chiffchaffs 2 Swallows Lots of very small Common frog tadploes in my ponds still clumped together. PINCHBECK 14.04.10 Mick Todd 1st swallow of the year SALTFLEET D. Cressey 15/04/2010 Pied Flycatcher in garden all day - male in summer plumage. SCOTTON COMMON & BECK FIELDS Matthew Blissett 9/4/10 Blackcap 1 Chiffchaff 3 Willow Warbler 2 Wheatear 1 Common Shrew 1 Polecat/Ferret 1 Roe Deer 1 Coltsfoot Ivy-leaved Crowfoot Lesser Celandine SCUNTHORPE SE865062 Matthew Blissett 4/4/10 Red Kite 1 SPALDING Mick Todd 15.04.10 Song thrush seen on grass collecting insects, presumably to feed young STURTON BY STOW Sturton by Stow SK 874 799 16.04.2010 Alison Brownlow Hedgehog Buff tailed bumble bee Red tailed bumble bee Common carder bee Queen wasp Bee fly Brimstone Small tortoiseshell Large white TATTERSHALL THORPE LAKES 19.04.10 M & R Pocklington Good to see the sand martins skimming over Lancaster and Halifax lakes today. 20.04.2010 R& M Pocklington Cuckoo calling THEDDLETHORPE John Cowell Thursday April 8th, Theddlethorpe Dunes, 10am, saw first Swallow & a Redstart (female). A pair of Shelduck on the beach on 1st April. WAQDDINGTON Waddington Map ref 974634 Peter Wilson 19th April 2010 0930hrs 200+ Golden plovers basking in the sunshine on the ploughed field. Several lapwings flying about overhead, yellow hammers in nearby hedge. WATER RAIL WAY CYCLE PATH, LINCOLN END (Just after car park) John Nickson 11th April Chiffchaff (Singing) Brimstone butterfly STAMP END to FISKERTON via Water Rail Way Jo Bramwell 17 April 2010 Warm and sunny *BIRDS* blackbird 7 blue tit 2 carrion crows chaffinch 5 chiffchaff 1 coot 6 dunnock 1 goldfinch 7 great crested grebe 4 great tit 6 house sparrow 1 jackdaw 2 kestrel 1 lapwing 8 (most displaying) magpies mallard 18 (inc. one male paired with a farm duck) moorhen 3 mute swan 20 pheasant 2 robin 3 rooks sedge warbler 4 skylark 3 starling 1 swallow 2 tufted duck 2 willow warbler 2 woodpigeons wren 3 yellowhammer 9 *BUTTERFLIES* brimstone 3 comma 2 peacock 3 small tortoiseshell 5 small white 9 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 A & R Parsons TF 218534 approx 8/4/10 Brimstone butterfly 1 9/4/10 First swallow on wires, 6.30am. Last year it was 12th April. 20/4/10 24 swallows 21/4/10 First cuckoo heard [AP] 24/4/10 Marsh harrier over 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 SALTFLETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR John Walker 9/4/2010 Total frog spawn found 776 up on 728 2009. Several small tortoishells and peacocks and 1 comma thurs, also several bees and ladybirds. First willow warblers singing and first swallows arrived Thurs, 0804. 23/4/10 A good show of cowslips just coming into flower. migrant birds arriving in number, lesser whitethroat, whitethroat, grasshopper warbler, sedge warbler, wheatear, linnet, cuckoo, swallow, and 7 shorelark were still present on 21 04, also 3 fieldfare . 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. Freiston Shore - 10-April-2010 Malcolm Johnson. Avocett - 12 Black Headed Gull - C350 Blue Tit - 2 Brent Goose - C200 Canada Goose - 20 Feral Pigeon - C40 Greylag Goose - 4 Lapwing - 4 Magpie - 2 Mallard - 18 Mute Swan - 2 Oystercatcher - 8 Redshank - 11 Ringed Plover - 4 Robin - 1 Shellduck - 2 Sparrow - 5 Starling - 12 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 10.04.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 3 barn owl bearded tit 2 bittern 2 blackbird 15 blackcap 2 black headed gull 20+ blue tit 16 bullfinch 2 canada goose 10 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler 2 chaffinch 14 chiffchaff 7 collared dove 2 common gull 20+ coot 50+ cormorant 2 curlew 2 dunlin 2 dunnock 6 gadwall 2 goldfinch 6 GBB gull 4 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 20 herring gull house martin 4 house sparrow 20 kingfisher 2 little grebe 4 long tailed tit 6 magpie 8 mallard 30 marsh harrier 1M +1F moorhen 22 mute swan 5 pheasant 2 pochard 8 redshank 2 reed bunting 6 robin 12 sand martin 100+ shelduck 30 shoveler 4 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 4 swallow 20+ tawny owl tree sparrow 4 tufted duck 10 water rail 4 white-tailed eagle whooper swan willow tit 2 willow warbler 4 wood pigeon 10 wren 10 Also: Pipistrelle bats FAR INGS NNR Week ending 16.04.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 2 bearded tit 2 bittern 2 blackbird 20 blackcap 4 black headed gull 20+ blue tit 16 bullfinch 2 canada goose 2 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler 2 chaffinch 20 chiffchaff 7 collared dove 4 common gull 20+ coot 50+ cormorant curlew 31 dunlin 2 dunnock 6 gadwall 2 goldfinch 6 GBB gull 4 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 28 herring gull house sparrow 20 kingfisher 2 little grebe 4 long tailed tit 4 magpie 7 mallard 30 marsh harrier 1M +1F moorhen 22 mute swan 4 oysetercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 6 redshank 2 reed bunting 6 robin 14 sand martin 50+ shelduck 4 shoveler 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 4 swallow 10 tawny owl tree sparrow 4 tufted duck 10 water rail 4 willow tit 2 willow warbler 4 wood pigeon 8 wren 12 Also: Pipistrelle bats FAR INGS NNR Week ending 24.04.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 4 bearded tit 2 bittern 2 blackbird 20 blackcap 5 black headed gull 20+ blue tit 14 bullfinch 2 canada goose 4 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler 3 chaffinch 20 chiffchaff 7 collared dove 4 common gull 20+ coot 60+ cormorant cuckoo 23.04.10 curlew dunnock 6 gadwall 2 goldfinch 6 GBB gull 4 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 38 herring gull house martin 4 house sparrow 20 kingfisher 2 little grebe 6 long tailed tit 4 magpie 5 mallard 30 marsh harrier 1M +2F moorhen 22 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 2 pheasant pied wagtail 2 pochard 6 redshank 2 reed bunting 6 robin 14 sand martin 20+ shelduck 2 shoveler 2 song thrush sparrowhawk starling 4 swallow 30+ tawny owl tree sparrow 4 tufted duck 8 water rail 4 willow tit 2 willow warbler 7 wood pigeon 8 wren 12 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 17.4.10 Good weather and more and more activity in the woods. More butterflies on the wing, Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstones and a Small White. Reptile activity excellent - 18 Grass Snakes plus Common Lizards. Lots of Bee Flies around the woods, I've never seen so many. Also a 10 Spot Ladybird and a Hawthorn Shieldbug. 18.4.10 Much cooler and few butterflies about and no sign of any snakes but one lizard was braving the cooler conditions. Of interest to dipterists was a Tachina ursina fly, big and hairy. After searching the net it appears to be a scarce species with only a very limited number of records nationwide and none for Lincolnshire. So this could possibly be a county first, anybody knowing otherwise do please speak up. Plus some mystery vibrating sounds from the leaf litter. Searching closer produced ants, a black beetle and spiders but what was making the sounds, possibly spiders? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Saturdays. 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 editing: 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 *** Life on the Verge! We need as many volunteers as possible this summer to help us survey roadside verges in your area. You will not need previous experience as wild flower ID booklets and training will be provided. 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 and identified 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. 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 *** If you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find a copy. We are still having delivery problems for: hotmail; msn; live; yahoo. Also BT addresses. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Permanent errors: about to be deleted from list. nige@ (mailbox full) simonandalison.rummery peter.lawson3 If you recognise any failed 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 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/