============================================ || || 21st 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editorial - Events *** I was unable to make the AGM this year but hear that there was a very good turn out and an excellent team of officers and exec committee members was elected. I am told that Chris Manning's Presidential Address “Mammal Review, Atlas Update: A century of recording, progress and opportunities.” was very well received. Thanks to all who turned out to make the meeting such a success. We continue to get news of some interesting events to which all are very welcome. May I draw your attention to the Birdwatching Cruises organised by South Lincs RSPB group and the May lecture by Professor Mark Seward on “Joseph Banks, James Edward Smith and the Linnean Society.” for the Sir Joseph Banks Society. Can I remind readers not to send in any reports which might lead to egg collector raids? Occasional sightings of interesting birds like Buzzards are fine if you are a bit general in your location information, as they can be seen widely across the county. But if you have the least suspicion that a nesting site may be involved, please do NOT send the record to the Bulletin, send it directly to the Bird Recorder instead. Roger p.s. had two incoming requests for the Bulletin mysteriously delete themselves yesterday on my server. If you hear anyone complaining at the lack of reswponse, please ask them to try again. *** 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 *** BATS *** Annette Faulkner writes: Look out for the first bats this week. They are coming out of hibernation now, and we had our first casualty last weekend, found the day of the LNU AGM, a very underweight female pipistrelle found on a patio at Weston Hills, which sadly died. Then on Tuesday 16th we had a call from Cartlon le Moorland: a bat had collided with a car radiator grille. It was taken into care by one of our Lincoln team. On Monday I went out with my detector. Nothing. On Tuesday a brief signal over the Welland in Spalding, which could have been a Daubenton's. On Wednesday the wind changed, the night time temperature was well away from freezing and the first common pipistrelles were out. We had another underweight casualty in yesterday from the Boston area, a male pipistrelle who is responding to treatment and should be releasable in a week or two. Bats don't all emerge simultanously, and some will stay in hibernation for a week or two yet, partcularly if it turns colder again. It would be most interesting to hear of sightings from other parts of the county. *** BTO *** I see the BTO are pushing their surveys and member reruitment. This excellent organisation deserves support. . See: http://www.bto.org/ Tawny owl video diary: http://www.bto.org/home/tawnys/tawny-diary.htm *** Calling Badger Group, Calling Badger Group *** I have a badger record I would like to forward, but I have had no reply to my request for contact information. If the Lincs Badger Group is not defunct, please get in touch ASAP with new contact details. Thank you. Roger *** Nest Box Project *** David Clarke writes: My local nestbox group Boxlife: www.myspace.com/box_life has obtained a license from Railway Paths Ltd to place nestboxes along a stretch of disused railway line near Colsterworth. We have had help from from Railway Paths sister company Sustrans: www.sustrans.org.uk/ They have supplied two rangers to help with the work. Stage one is now complete with 12 nestboxes up and ready for this breeding season 5 with a 25mm hole 5 with a 32mm hole, one open fronted and one tunnel box for tawny owls. Another partner in the project is online magazine, Your Country: www.your-country.co.uk As the project progresses their readers will be updated with any success and photographs. During the autumn of this year a further 12 boxes will be added including a kestrel box. There are also plans this year to place boxes along a Sustrans cycle track near to Woolsthorpe-by- Belvoir with the same progress monitoring. *** 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: 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 *** South Lincs RSPB Events *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: 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. *** 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.” [I am waiting to hear details of charges etc.] *** Back Copies of "Biologist" *** I am having a bit of a clear out. I have some back copies of "Biologist" that I would like to recycle. Anyone interested? Roger ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 16/3/10 LINCS Rough-legged Buzzard. E.of Grantham, 10.30am by minor rd btw Haceby & A52. 17/3/10 LINCS 15+ Lapland Bunting. Frampton Marsh RSPB, 1pm + 10+ Snow Buntings + 10+ Twite. 19/3/10 LINCS 6 Lapland Bunting. Frampton Marsh RSPB, + Wheatear, 4 Eurasian WfGeese, 25 Barnacle Geese, 38 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. Signs of Spring: Anne Goodall writes: Spring: saw the first two primrose flowers (tiny little things, definitely looking a bit frost-bitten) on 14/03/2010, close to Chambers Wood Centre, on the edge of the road past Great Scrubbs Wood. The orchid ride through the centre of Great Scrubbs is usually the first place for them, since this has a regular coppice rotation, but this band of woodland along the road to the car park was also coppiced last year for the dormice, so should be good for flowers this spring. *** WHISBY *** Whisby 7-14/3 Phil Porter writes: Whisby WeBS; 174 Coot 41 Gadwall 24 Goldeneye 78 Greylag Goose 6 Little Grebe 9 Oystercatcher 12 Shoveler 9 Teal 102 Tufted Duck 38 Wigeon Other Records Up to 7 Bullfinch 2 Fieldfares 1-2 Goldcrest Up to 10 Goldfinch 1 Grey Wagtail 1 Kingfisher 1 Mediterranean Gull (fully adult) 1 Mediterranean Gull (sub adult) both at Grebe Lake intermittantly. Nuthatch reported at Coot Lake but very unusual here, any further info gratefully received An artificial Sand Martin Cliff is being built at Thorpe Lake; should be ready by the end of March. *** 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. ARNOLD'S MEADOW Arnolds Meadow N R Spalding K J Seaton 17-03-2010 At the reserve early a number of Redwing on the meadow 30 or more feeding. We have only had a small number seen this winter so they must be on their way back to summer breeding areas. Great Spotted Woodpecker drilling hole in the old telegraph pole with the Kestrel box on it and also drumming on a metal light cover in the old scrap yard further down the drove. Snowdrops still putting on a good show and also Butterbur starting to appear. BOSTON 14/03/2010 Roy and Kath Pearson We regularly put out bread and other scraps onto the lawn which attracts gulls. Last week, the usual Black-headed and much less numerous, though regular Common Gulls, were joined for the first time by a single Lesser Black- backed Gull. Today we had two Lesser Blacks, which actually landed and fed on the bread for a few moments, rather than grabbing the food and taking-off immediately. Also in the garden today we noticed our first Small Tortoiseshell butterfly of the year. BELMOUNT PLANTATION SK9438. 14/03/2010 David Clarke. Blackbird 12 Black Headed Gull 7 Blue Tit 17 Buzzard 2 Carrion Crow 6 Chaffinch 18 Great Tit 13 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 Green Woodpecker 3 Goldfinch 9 Jackdaw 48 Jay 3 Long Tailed Tit 6 Magpie 2 Moorhen 1 Nuthatch 1 Pheasant 2 Red Kite 1 Robin 7 Rook 22 Willow Tit 4 Wood Pigeon 52 Wren 5. Mammals. Grey Squirrel 4. BOSTON 14/03/10 Mick Todd First sighting of frogs and newts in my garden pond, though suspected their presence for week or so. They are normally late breeding in my pond but it looks like they will be even later this year. CARLTON LE MOORLAND 12/3/2010 Jeremy Hutchinson Little Egret 1 Goldfinch 2 DEEPING LAKES Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve TF187 083 David Vandome 16 March 2010 Marsh Harrier 19 March 2010 first Sand Martins seen Redwing still present plants in flower Coltsfoot Daisy Common Whitlowgrass LINCOLN Jacquie Harrison 12/03/10 First moving 5 spot ladybird of the year on a camellia bud. No flowers on our various camellias yet - they must be over 2 months later opening than the last couple of years (very sheltered urban garden). MESSINGHAM Messingham Pits Jacquie Harrison 11/03/10 There were still 20 plus redwing around the approach to the reserve and two pink feet geese on the pits. The pochards overall still split into males and females on different waters but otherwise the waterfowl were noisily hoping that the sun meant spring is finally here. SLEAFORD Jacquie Harrison 20/03/10 Very dark first butterfly in car park - can red admirals be very dark underneath? PINCHBECK 16.03.2010 John Redshaw Two Small Tortoiseshells in the garden this afternoon Two pairs Chaffinches remaining from up to four pairs during winter months. Bumble Bees on the move. Must be getting warmer. RIPPINGALE 11 March 2010 Ian Misselbrook Frogs finally arrive in my garden ponds. This is the latest I've recorded in 23 years. Also in the garden all week 1 Tree Sparrow. SEMPRINGHAM area 14/03/10 Mick Todd 3 buzzards flying against breeze one later seen sitting on telegraph pole probably one of the three. This is the second occasion in a week that I've seen three buzzards together has anybody else noticed groups of buzzards together? 2 kingfishers 2 yellowhammers. SPALDING Disused March Line TF2421 Annette Faulkner I have been working on this candidate Local Wildlife Site all winter four days a week. It's fascinating to see how things are burgeoning now the winter is releasing its grip. By 15th frogs were very active in one of the dykes. By 16th coltsfoot was out (though it hadn't been the day before). And on 18th I had my first chiffchaff of the year. No butterflies yet! THURLBY (Bourne) Churchyard TF105168 Annette Faulkner 19/3/10 Chiffchaff TIMBERLAND 12/3/2010 Timberland Fen Jeremy Hutchinson Lapwing 100+ Golden Plover 40+ Heron 3 Kingfisher 2 Redshank 1 Snipe 1 Wren - numerous Teal 50+ Tufted Duck 20+ Buzzard 2 Sparrowhawk (m) 1 Kestrel 1 Hare 4 Mistle Thrush 1 English Partridge 3 Mute Swan 5 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 A & R Parsons TF 218534 approx 17/3/10 6+ frogs in garden pond, 2 pairs in amplexus. Tawny and Barn owls calling. WOODNOOK Marion Ellis Saturday 13.03.10 Flying low over the B6403 south of the A52 near Wood Nook - one Red Kite. WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 15/03/2010 Roy and Kath Pearson Quite a good count today thanks to a small number of passerines feeding on the adjoining farmland where insects had presumably been disturbed by tractor activity. Pied Wagtail 20 Meadow Pipit 8 Grey Wagtail 1 Reed Bunting 4 Carrion Crow 8 Blackbird 1 Woodpigeon 11 Moorhen 1 Teal 4 Tufted Duck 1 Heron 1 Mallard 32 Skylark 1 Little Egret 2 Canada Goose 2 Common Gull 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 14/03/2010 Brent Goose 1000 Eider 50 Goldcrest Goldeneye 6 Grey Partridge 2 Lapwing 31 Pale-bellied Brent Goose 5 Redwing Short-eared Owl 1 Siskin 5 Sparrowhawk 4 Stonechat Woodcock 1 15/03/2010 Avocet 5 Black-tailed Godwit Brambling Corn Bunting 25 Egyptian Goose 2 Gadwell 27 Goldeneye 7 Golden Plover 450 Great Spotted Woodpecker Hen Harrier Little Egret 8 Lapwing 32 Peregrine Redwing 5 Shoveler 37 Siskin 16 Snipe 5 Teal 60 Wigeon 50 Woodcock 2 16/03/2010 Avocet 2 Crossbill 2 Green Woodpecker Marsh Harrier 1 Shoveler 53 Siskin 12 Tree Sparrow 1 18/03/2010 Brambling 6 Brent 100 Chaffinch 300 Firecrest 2 Hen Harrier Pink-footed Goose 20 Redwing 20 19/03/2010 Brambling 4 Crossbill 2 Firecrest 2 Grey Wagtail Hen Harrier 2 Merlin Siskin1 2 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 THEDDLETHORPE John Walker Several ginger tailed bumblebees and 7 spot ladybirds seen mid week. First frogs emerged after friday nights rain, no spawn found to date. Birds seen this week include 2 barn owls, 1 short eared owl, 180 common scoter, c40 twite, 4 snow buntings, 91 cormorants, 19 snipe, 185 redshank, 184 curlew. HUTTOFT PIT reserve, Birds seen included (20 03) 44 whooper swan , 1 chiffchaff. 2 pairs little grebe. 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 report yet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR  Week ending  19.03.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern blackbird 20+ black headed gull 80 blue tit 14 bullfinch canada goose 12 carrion crow 2 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 12 collared dove 4 common gull 8 coot 90+ cormorant curlew 2 dunnock 6 gadwall 2 goldeneye 2 goldfinch 4 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 40 herring gull 2 house sparrow 8 kingfisher little grebe 4 long tailed tit 6 magpie 40 mallard 25 marsh harrier 1M +1F mistle thrush 2 moorhen 25 mute swan 4 pheasant pochard 8 redshank reed bunting 6 robin 10 shelduck 12 shoveler 4 snipe 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 4 tawny owl 2 teal 8 tree sparrow 8 tufted duck 8 water rail 4 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 20 wren 8 pipistrelle  bats ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ CHAMBER'S FARM WOOD Adrian Royle 13.3.2010 The double digit temperatures brought out the first Grass Snakes of the season, only 2 so far and looking very silvery and in dire need of shedding some old skin. Not much else about but with promised milder temperatures it was only a matter of time. 14.3.2010 Back again searching for more Grass Snakes but still just a couple, possibly a third. A few insects out and about, 7 Spot Ladybirds, a Pine Ladybird, a couple of flies plus a large Bumble Bee buzzed the car park. I was expecting to find a Brimstone butterfly but not yet, probably next time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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. 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. cbennettgm decoy.farm 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 *** Interestiong Webcams *** If you come across any webcams of interest, let us have the details, please. Natural History Museum bugcams: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/kids-only/naturecams/index.html ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/