============================================ || || 7th March 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events Diary - Please Come Along *** For all LNU meetings also see section 11 below and www.lnu.org/events.php NEW events have been posted in section 11. 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, March 13, 2010 Annual General Meeting & Presidential Address Mammal review, atlas update. A century of recording, progress and opportunities. *** Badger Group *** The work of the Badger Group is often sensitive, so I do not expect much in the way of events and news from them. However, readers need to contact them from time to time in relation to badger matters. For this reason I have put a contact address in section 8 of the Bulletin for years. I need a replacement for the current email address, which is failing. Anyone know? *** Hedgehogs About *** Spotted my first hedgehog of the season, unfortunately it was a RTA on the A158 at Wragby on the 27 Feb. It did appear to be a little one but given the location I didn't stop to examine it. Has any one else spotted an early hedgehogs? Chris J Manning Mammal recorder: chris@lincsdeer.info *** Amphibian Action Yet? *** An old friend down in Hampshire wrote on 28th Feb: I have been going out for almost a month now recording frog spawn clumps in the fields and ditches close to my toad study site. To date I have around 250 which is down on recent years but,of course, they may not have finished yet, though I think they have. This morning I heard the first male toad giving its 'release' call but hunt as I may I could not find it. It wasn't in the breeding pond but in a boggy area close to it. I also saw my first squashed male toad on one of the approach roads to my study area. Given these two events it appears as if they might be about to arrive in my study pond. This would make it quite a late year but not the latest I have ever had. On the other hand the forecast is not too good for the coming week with some frosty nights likely and this will slow them down a bit. The frogs in my garden pond are very active but have not produced spawn yet, they are always quite a bit later than the ones close to my toad study site for some reason. The newts, all three species, are also starting to get into courtship mode, also in my garden pond. *** Trent Aegir *** Trent Aegir, 02 March, 2010 from K Negoro Enthusiastic coverage by local radio brought out unusually large crowds to see what was to be a four-star event, but unfortunately the caution from an Environment Agency representative that the recent rainfall filling the river would overwhelm the aegir, proved accurate. From Whitton Garden in Gainsborough, we watched the outgoing flood slow, stop and reverse, without even a large ripple much less the sound and sight of a proper aegir's multiple waves. However, three more four-star events are predicted for later in the year, in daylight and when flooding isn't usually a problem: Friday, 13 August, 9.10am; Friday 10 September, 8.05am; and Saturday, 11 September, 8.46am (all BST). For more information on seeing the event, plus other starred events (there are a number of three-starred ones), go on the Environment Agency site and find 'The Severn Bore and Trent Aegir 2010' page (or just google 'Trent Aegir predictions 2010'). http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/timetable_2-Trent.pdf *** Good Weather Gets Jerry Gunner Poetic! *** A holiday, a holiday, the first one of the year! Well, not a holiday but two days of glorious sunshine have certainly felt like one; lovely long walks with Ambrose without the need to wrap up in jumpers, coats, scarves and gloves. I even got a bit sun burnt today. Today started with a severe frost and light snow but by mid morning the sun was shining through the windows showing up dust and finger marks so I felt the need to get outside! Our house is painted white and the southerly garden is sheltered and warm, so much so that this is the first year in thirteen that we have not had daffodils in flower on Christmas day. They're still not out but the snowdrops are prolific and long lasting and this morning I noticed that they had a few crocuses amongst them. I was pleased and surprised to see scores of honey bees busy amongst them. The bird feeders needed replenishing so I did that before we went out. They have been pillaged by Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Greater Spotted Woodpecker. The depredations of a couple of Grey Squirrels haven't helped the levels either. The spillage from the feeders has been attracting lots of Blackbirds, Dunnocks, a single Wren and our resident Bullfinches. Our garden seems to be a meeting place for Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws at the moment, maybe hiding from the bird blasters who roam the fields roundabout. Pheasants hide with the Hares and Rabbits in the woodpiles, baby rabbits a plenty. Catkins on Hazels and Willows in the paddock and swarms of little gnats. At the bottom of the drive, on the Beck, Moorhens and Mallards and Hybrid Ducks are pairing up amongst the little yellow flowers which look a bit like Celandines but aren't, I can't remember their name. Down the lane and lots more ducks pairing up, mostly Mallards squabbling and chasing, Long Tail Tits in the hedges and Skylarks, more than one, singing away and in the hedge on the corner another Wren singing away merrily. Past the ruins of Nocton Hall and into the laurel grove carpeted with fly- tipped rubbish and Snowdrops. Some sort of Pippits along the banks of the Beck as it flows through the fields and murders of Crows whirling high up and Grey Wagtails on the sewage works. Out to the Fen and three Grey Herons and a pair of Buzzards as we walk towards some Woods. The Barn Owl we've been seeing for weeks was quartering the fields and then a pair of Shelducks out on the flooded fields amongst the Lapwings. I presume these are the same two birds that have been here for the last couple of years. Out on the Fen towards Bardney Sugar Beet Factory and a sighting of the Marsh Harrier which I first noted about a week ago. I think it was performing some sort of display flight but for the life of me I couldn't see what it was displaying to. As we walked back towards the woods I saw a massive flock of Wood Pigeons coming towards us in a leisurely swarm which suddenly burst asunder like a bag of soot dropped from a height. I suspect that Mr Peregrine was the cause but I didn't see him. The Stonechat which has been resident all winter was on the corned where I normally see one or both of them, they don't seem to go far. The bridge over the Carr Dyke has had the foundations on the Wood side washed away in last weeks torrential rain and it has dropped abut a foot, fracturing the concrete slightly, but it can still take my weight, so it's safe enough. In the woods the Primroses, Bluebells and Wild Garlic are pushing their leaves up but there seem to be very few buds, Pussy Willow and Catkins but few buds. The ground is still pretty sodden. The woods were full of birdsong and Woodpeckers drumming, I only saw a Greater Spotted but I heard a Yaffle. Lots of Tits and finches, including three Goldfinches. Then it was home via Potter for a much needed cup of tea. Ambrose was subdued by the heat which makes it much more likely that he'll walk properly to heel so a very pleasant end to our walk. *** Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation *** Lesley Robinson, BC Lincs Branch Secretary, writes: Spring Indoor Meeting on the 27/03/10 at Chambers Farm Wood Education Centre Grid reference: TF147740 The meeting will start at 2pm. The speaker is Brian Oxborough who will be talking about a Beekeepers Year. *** LWT Grantham Area Group *** Marion Ellis Writes: Barkston & Syston Village Hall A607 Friday 12 March 7.30pm "Life on the Verge" Mark Schofield Limestone Grassland Project Officer Project to identify the most important limestone grassland roadside verges Friday 9 April 7.30 pm Wildlife in the Philippines Rachel Shaw LWT Public Relatons Officer The Philipinnes is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world. A dreamland for nature and animal lovers Sunday 25 April Field Meeting 2 - 4 pm Tortoishell Wood OS 130 SK963197 Guided walk with Reserve Manager The wood is a fine example of Kesteven boulder clay primary woodland. Tea and cakes will be served weather permitting *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 8th March 2010 at the next meeting we will be holding a Slugs Workshop with Chris Du Feu and will include identification of live slugs. People attending the meeting are invited to bring along live slugs from their garden or any local area for identification. Full instructions for this can be obtained from contacting Jennie Redpath 01472 502858 The meeting will be held in the Banqueting Room of Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2. Raffle, stall and refreshments. All are welcome. Editor adds: Chris Du Feu's Slug Workshops are well worth attending. *** Gainsborough Group LWT *** Linda Woodward writes: Somewhere in Africa .............Geoff Trinder Geoff's latest trip, covering Botswana, Namibia and South Africa Wednesday 17th March, 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. *** South Lincs RSPB March events *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: On Sunday the South Lincs R.S.P.B. will be conducting a walk in the grounds of Harlaxton Manor (west of Grantham), a stunning Gothic mansion, campus of the University of Evansville. We will be searching for woodland birds and be looking at the trees and flowers that grow in the area. Suitable clothing for the weather on the day is recommended as there my be little shelter from any inclement weather, stout footwear is also essential. If you have binoculars please bring them along, although a limited number may be available on the day. Spaces for this walk are limited and there is no charge. To reserve your place and obtain further details of the meeting point,contact Robert Townhill 01400230445 or email robert.townhill@btinternet.com On Thursday 25th March the Group have arranged a TALK at the San Newsom Music Centre, Boston starting at 730pm. The Talk, entitled "WILD LINCOLNSHIRE" will be given by Geoff Trinder. Based on the species found at Lincolnshire Trust reserves throughout the County this well known Lincolnshire photographer will be showing us birds from Little Terns and Ringed Plovers to Bearded Tits and Bitterns as well as various plants and reptiles. With aerial views and habitat management as well, the talk gives us "a little bit of everything". Admission is £3-50 for non-members, £2-00 for members, with children admitted at half price. Light refreshments will be available during the interval which will also feature a raffle. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 1/03/10 LINCS Great Grey Shrike. Welbourne, noon by A607 opp Temple Bruer & Welbourn Heath nr 2nd turn by nursing home, pk in Welbourn & walk back to A607. 2/3/10 LINCS Great Grey Shrike. Welbourne, 10.10am by A607 opp Temple Bruer & Welbourn Heath nr 2nd turn by nursing home, pk in Welbourn & walk back to A607. LINCS 15 Lapland Bunting. Frampton Marsh RSPB, RPTD + 20 Snow Bunting, 2+WfGeese. 4/3/10 LINCS 28 Waxwing. Grantham, E.over Carnoustie Close at 6.45am. LINCS 3 Lapland Bunting. Frampton Marsh RSPB, 12.10pm from 360 Hide + 50+Twite. 5/3/10 LINCS 6 Shorelark. Saltfleetby NNR, at end of Brickyard Lane + c50 Twite. 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. Frog News: Jeremy Hutchinson Further to your note about frogs/toads appearing, I went out to Newark on the evening of 25th Feb (a mild but wet night) and saw several toads and possibly one frog between Carlton le Moorland and Stapleford Woods. I was surprised by this so soon after the weather had turned mild. Hawk ID. John Cowell writes: Could you help me please? I saw a dark bird fly over our house in Theddlethorpe (Brickyard Lane) yesterday midday. It had the barred white tail of a female hen harrier but was very dark in colour & looked as though it has a cord or strap hanging from one of its legs. (It could just have been a dead mouse I suppose?). Has anyone lost a tame hawk? It was the right size but seemed too dark for a harrier. It settled in a tree on the main road (Saltfleet Road) so I got a decent look at it from a distance. *** 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. ARNOLDS MEADOW NR 24-02-2010 K J Seaton Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming on metal cover of outside light in neighbours yard. Sound carried a long way. Lots of small birds now singing and pairing up despite the bad weather. Snowdrops now in full flower. DODDINGTON PARK Lincoln. M.Scott. 27 Feb 2010 1 Blackbird 2 Bluetits 2 Chaffinchs 2 Collared Doves 1 Longtail Tit 2 Woodpigeons Also my frogs are back, They came On 4 Feb, early this year. Last year it was the 17th Feb. Only 2 Or 3 at the moment. NAVENBY to BASSINGHAM 4th March 2010 (Arable land between Navenby and Bassingham) Ian Misselbrook 3 Roe Deer crossing the fields. PINCHBECK R & K Heath 5/3/10 Small Tortoiseshell. Seen in our garden this afternoon. SPALDING Mick Todd 3rd March 2010 12 waxwings feeding all day in rowan tree at Elsoms seeds main site on Pinchbeck Road. NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE Paul Gee Paul Gee 3/4/10 Crowle Rooks extremely busy carrying nesting twigs Thorne Levels 2 Kestrels mating in a small bush only 15/20 feet from A18 4/3/10 Garthorpe, Nth Lincs Just spotted the first Ladybird I have seen this year. A small 2 spot, (Adalia bipunctata) WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 01/03/2010 The ponds now having thawed there were the usual numbers of ducks present, though passerines were still few in number and the wrens that are a feature of the reed-beds were absent. A barn owl was feeding at midday, probably owing to the inclement weather preventing hunting for much of the weekend. Canada Goose 13 Robin 1 Heron 1 Carrion Crow 2 Reed Bunting 6 Mallard 50 Wigeon 23 Teal 1 Barn Owl 1 Blackbird 1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 A & R Parsons TF 218534 approx 4/3/2010 Pair of stockdoves turned up under bird table. Usually have a couple come in each year. WILLOWTREE FEN, GUTHRAM 28.02.2010 John Redshaw On the river and partially flooded berms: Wigeon 230, Mallard 65, Teal 38, Tufted Duck 25, Goosander 5, Goldeneye 2, Little Egret 2, Redshank 4. Ponds and Plantations: Kingfisher 1, Coot 11, Water Rail 1 squealing, Woodcock 1, Fieldfare 125, Treecreeper 1, 15 Long-tailed Tits. A flock of c400 Rooks/Jackdaws over. WRANGLE COMMON 01/03/2010 Roy and Kath Pearson A bright, sunny day which seemed to have encouraged many of the birds to sing. Whilst very wet underfoot there was a distinct feel of Spring in the air, though no flowers other than snowdrops encountered. Two muntjac seen feeding well out of cover. No wrens counted. Is there a problem with this species following the cold weather? Blackbird 10 Blue Tit 5 Canada Goose 23 Chaffinch 6 Coot 5 Cormorant 2 Curlew 1 Goldfinch 3 Great Tit 5 Green Sandpiper 1 Greylag Goose 1 House Sparrow 1 Jackdaw 10 Jay 1 Linnet 1 Long-tailed Tit 1 Magpie 1 Mallard 18 Mistle Thrush 1 Moorhen 3 Mute Swan 2 Pheasant 1 Red-legged Partridge 1 Redshank 1 Reed Bunting 2 Robin 3 Rook 4 Skylark 2 Teal 15 Tree Sparrow 1 Tufted Duck 3 Woodcock 3 Woodpigeon 85 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 01/03/2010 Bar-tailed Godwit 4000 Black-tailed Godwit Corn Bunting 69 Dunlin 3000 Gannet Green Sandpiper Green Woodpecker Grey Plover 3500 Hen Harrier Knot 8000 Lapwing 800 Merlin Peregrine Siskin 3 Snow Bunting Sparrowhawk 3 Woodcock 3 02/03/2010 Greenshank Hen Harrier Lapland Bunting Merlin Pink-footed Goose 430 Pintail 4 Red-throated Diver 49 Siskin 2 Snow Bunting Twite 04/03/2010 Goosander 1 Hen Harrier 1 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 THEDDLETHORPE John Walker No report yet. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp John Badley RSPB Lincs Wash Reserves sightings January 2010 RSPB Frampton Marsh The new year started off well with a Water Pipit on 1st and 3rd and the peak monthly count of Snow Buntings with 30 on 1st. Lapland Buntings continued to show well, with a maximum of 12 on 3rd. A Black Brant was present with up to 950 Dark-bellied Brent Geese on 3rd. Up to 23 Whooper Swans and two Bewick’s Swans were regularly roosting on the Reedbed at night. The reserve’s first Black-necked Grebe visited briefly on 11th, and a single White-fronted Goose was present from 16th to 24th. Birds of Prey were seen regularly, with up to three Hen Harriers (31st), two Marsh Harriers (27th), three Merlins (24th), three Peregrines (12th), three Short-eared Owls (12th) and three Barn Owls (3rd). Twite peaked at 130 on 12th. RSPB Freiston Shore The cold conditions at this time may have been responsible for a record count of 121 Common Snipe and a Woodcock (3rd) and two Water Pipits (4th). Offshore a Red-necked Grebe was present on 3rd. North-East winds on 6th produced seven Great Northern Divers (one of which was on the lagoon), three Red-throated Divers, Puffin, 14 Kittiwakes, two Great Skuas, five Scaup, Velvet Scoter and four Common Scoters. While just off the reserve single Little Auk and Black Brants were seen. On 9th a Guillemot and two Fulmars were offshore plus Little Gull and Puffin out on the Wash. The Black-necked Grebe seen at Frampton on 11th was present on the lagoon from 13th onwards. Other sightings included Lapland Bunting 3rd, a good count of 650 Black-tailed Godwits and a Snow Bunting on 4th. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR  Week ending  06.03.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern 4 blackbird 30+ black headed gull 30+ blue tit 13 bullfinch 7 canada goose 12 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler 2 chaffinch 18 collared dove 4 common gull 6 coot 100+ cormorant curlew 13 dunnock 19 gadwall 8 goldfinch 11 GC grebe 6 great tit 6 greenfinch 4 grey heron greylag goose 73 herring gull 3 house sparrow 32 lapwing 6 little grebe 4 long tailed tit 6 magpie 10 mallard 23 marsh harrier 1M +1F moorhen 30+ mute swan 4 pheasant pied wagtail 2 pochard 22 redshank 2 reed bunting 6 robin 12 shelduck 33 shoveler 8 snipe 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 10 tawny owl 2 teal 24 tree sparrow 12 tufted duck 26 water rail 3 wigeon 19 willow tit 2 woodcock 2 wood pigeon 7 wren 11 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ No reports yet. This area really could do with some coverage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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, March 13, 2010 Annual General Meeting & Presidential Address Mammal review, atlas update. A century of recording, progress and opportunities 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 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. Meet up at entrance track to site at SE8432 0629. A few cars could park carefully alongside narrow track here but best if most use recreation field car park back in village at approx SE 8407 0652 off Chapel Lane in East Butterwick. 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. None this week. 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. alicehiley bill.anderson *** 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 *** Famous April Fools *** Remeber the Spaghetti harvest? http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/index ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/