============================================ || || 6th March 2011 || || 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 Bardney 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 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Bulletin is being read by 935 people 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 *** For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, 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 12, 2011 Annual General Meeting followed by the Presidential Address by Ken Rowland [Mainly for members, though others may attend but not speak or vote.] See section 11 for full programme. *** Editor asks *** Please do not forget to put the Year in the date of your reports! If recorders are copying your records they need to be sure the information is complete. It is amazing how time flies, and date information can become confused if it is not made very clear at the time of submission. I do try to add this, but please remember if you can, especially if submitting several reports for different locations. Each of these needs to be complete enough to stand alone. See section 7. Thanks. Roger *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards are coming up, so if you have a project to submit, now is the time to think about it. The deadline for applications is: 30 April 2011 See: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ An on-line application form is available on: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/how-to-enter.php Bulletin readers will all be connected to likely projects. A good number of entries is always very encouraging to the organisers, so how about having a go? *** Free to a Good Home! *** Rodge Brownlow writes: I have about 200 spiral guards that have been used once, taken off hedging plants but could be used on small trees. Whist they are a little dirty they are not brittle and could easily be used again. Will deliver the lot locally but small lots must be collected, all free. Rodge Brownlow Sturton by Stow westwoods@xlninternet.co.uk *** V.H.D. Outbreak *** Mick Binnion 27/02/11 Viral Haemorrhagic Disease has broken out in Scotland decimating the wild rabbit population. The disease is sweeping south and has reached Darlington. It could kill up to 90%. It kills within 3 days, usually 24 hours. The spread is assisted by wind, vehicle tyres, human footwear, hay, bird and insect feet. Although rabbits are a nuisance to some they have a role to play in maintaining some specific habitats and are an important food source for such as Buzzard. *** Donna Nook Managed Re-alignment Public Inquiry *** Rachel Shaw writes: Last year, Environment Agency plans for managed realignment at Donna Nook were rejected by East Lindsey District Council.  The Agency has appealed and there will be a public inquiry later this year. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust strongly supports the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy – a package of measures which provide protection to people and property but not at the expense of wildlife. Coastal squeeze means that inter-tidal habitats along the estuary are shrinking as sea level rises and hard defences for Cleethorpes, Grimsby and Immingham are maintained.  There may have been an increase in saltmarsh in recent years, but this has been at the expense of mud flats.  If replacement of inter- tidal habitat within the southern part of the outer estuary does not happen soon there will be legal challenges under the European Habitats Directive. Donna Nook, being adjacent to a nature reserve, is a good site for realignment and has already been acquired by the Environment Agency.  Seeking a new site would take a long time and would undoubtedly be more expensive. All representations sent to ELDC last year will be forwarded to the Secretary of State.  However, if you did not respond at the time, or wish to reinforce your original position, there is an opportunity to comment directly to the Planning Inspectorate.  This can be done on line via: www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs Click on ‘comment on an appeal’ then ‘search for a case’ Insert case reference – 2143399 Click on ‘case reference’ and then ‘comment on this case’ Comments must be received by Tuesday 8 March 2011.  There was considerable opposition to the original proposal so there is value in demonstrating that this view is not held by all.  A simple comment on the website will show that there is local support for ensuring that the future of the internationally important wildlife of the outer Humber is not jeopardised. For background information about why the Wildlife Trust support the scheme see our press release from December 2009: http://lincstrust.org.uk/news/press-release.php?article=392 *** BTO 'Birding in Lincs & Notts' Conference *** Andrew Chick writes: The upcoming BTO 'Birding in Lincs & Notts' Conference will take place on April 16, 2011 at Riseholme College Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN2 2LG. The first BTO conference in the area, this exciting event will combine talks and updates from national BTO surveys such as Bird Atlas 2007-11 and the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) as well as fascinating insights into local RSPB Reserves, all you need to know about nesting and nest boxes, birds of prey in the area and what you might find in a ringers' mist net. This event represents a great way of meeting your local BTO Regional Representative, BTO staff from our headquarters in Thetford and BTO members and volunteers. There will also be stalls and displays from local bird clubs and conservation organisations and a first class raffle – how can you afford not to come! Conference tickets are great value, at only £14.00 per person which includes tea, coffee & biscuits and a buffet lunch so book soon to avoid disappointment! For more information and to book a place, please follow the link below: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/Articles/BTO_in_Lincs_&_Notts_Conference.pdf *** Identifying Hoverflies - have you registered yet? *** Information from Ian Macalpine-Leny Whisby Education Centre in conjunction with Roger Morris are holding an Introduction to Hoverflies event on 26th and 27th March 2011 and 24th September 2011 (3 day course). Roger Morris describes the course as follows:- An Introduction to Hoverfly Identification This course is designed to give the novice sufficient confidence to tackle these attractive and interesting flies. By the end of the second day most pupils can be expected to understand the critical parts of the keys that often cause trouble. The programme comprises a mixture of formal and informal sessions. Identification sessions use preserved material provided by the course tutors. Course literature has been designed to compliment the keys in Stubbs & Falk's British Hoverflies. A second session in September is scheduled to provide an opportunity for pupils to refresh their knowledge and have specimens confirmed. It will also give an opportunity to look at more challenging genera that often cause difficulties. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 14th March 2011 you are invited to join us for an illustrated talk on "Fossils - What are they and Where to find them" presented by expert speaker David Robinson Hon secretary of LWT who is sure will enthrall us knowledge of geology. This will be held in the banqueting room of Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission £2. There will be Trust goods stall, raffle and refreshments. All are welcome to join us. For further information contact Jenny Redpath Grimsby 502858 *** Grantham Area Group of the LWT *** Barkston & Syston Village Hall 7.30 p.m. Fri 11th March Nature Reserves in NE Leicestershire & Rutland Fri 8th April Churchyard Nature Reserves God's Acre Project at St. Swithun's Long Bennington Gordon Scott *** Alkborough Flats Event *** Sarah Killick writes: Please Note - Booking is essential for all events, call 01724 721269 to book your place. 20th March - 9.30am & 11.30 am Minibus tours Join the site staff on a drive around the Flats visiting different parts of the site including the breach. Find out how the site has developed since it was breached and what our plans are. Cost: £2 12th April - 10am Family fun on the farm A brilliant morning out for all the family. See the newly born spring lambs, cows and calves. Learn what farm life is all about! Please wear suitable clothing and wellies. Cost: £2/child *** Wash Cruises *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB group have released details of their 2011 Wash Birdwatching Cruises programme. Each Cruise lasts about 4/5 hours and after boarding the boat at Sluice Bridge, Boston the trip follows the river Witham into the Wash, along the river Welland with views over the saltmarsh bordering the RSPB reserve before returning to Boston. During 2010 over 100 bird species were seen and seals are also seen on most cruises. There are 15 cruises starting 13th April and continuing until 22nd October. RSPB members £14 (children under 16 £8) and non-members £16-50 (£9). Further details on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk or call 07531495521. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. 26/2 Spotted Redshank, Covenham Resr Rough-legged Buzzard, South Ferriby 16 Waxwings, Bottesford, Black Beauty pub Red-necked Grebe, Westwoodside 14 Waxwings, Scunthorpe, Messingham Road 27/2 60+ Waxwings, Scunthorpe, Willoughby Road 60+ Waxwings, Bottesford, Bollingbrook Road 2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain pits 28/2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain pits 9 Waxwing, Bracebridge Heath, Grantham Road. 31 Waxwings, Healing, Radcliffe Road 1/3 45+ 31 Waxwings, Healing, Radcliffe Road 15 Waxwings, Grantham, over Belton Golf Club 8+ waxwings, Lincoln, Monks road Red-necked Grebe, Westwoodside 60 waxwings, Scunthorpw, Wortley Hotel 2/3 Smew, Kirkby on Bain pits 3/3 Caspian Gull, 2 Long-tailed duck, Barton upon Humber 3 Smew, Kirkby on Bain pits 4/3 Rough-legged Buzzard, w of South Ferriby Rough-legged Buzzard, s of North Somercotes 2 Scaup. Frampton Marsh Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point 3 Smew, Kirkby on Bain pits 5 Short-eared owls, Worlaby Carrs Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. GOLDFINCHES Denis Jones writes I was interested in 20 Feb newsletter item from John Laws about attracting Goldfinches in his garden having never seen them in the area until putting out Nyger seeds. Unlike John I knew they were in my area before I used to put out Nyger Seeds. I live in Lincoln at the entrance to a close which has a large green area in the centre with 4 Horse Chestnut and 2 Silver Birch Trees that over- look my back garden. Goldfinches and Greenfinches regularly were heard and seen in the trees but very rarely entered the garden. I always had large numbers of Sparrows along with Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Dunnocks and Robins in the garden but on retirement 2 years ago decided I wanted to try and increase numbers and variety of birds to my garden. I have an old apple tree which was ideal for hanging feeders and has a great view from my Conservatory so I put up 3 feeders of mixed seed, 2 Nyger Seed feeders, 2 Sunflower feeders, 1 peanut feeder plus holders for fatballs and fat cake. Within days a greater variety and numbers of birds arrived. Througout every day I now have upto 10 Goldfinches, many Greenfinches the record at any one time being 25, Blue Tits, Gt Tits and Chaffinches and very large numbers of Sparrows. The additional bonuses have been 2 occasions when Redpolls have been around for upto 6 weeks in fact 3 have just returned this morning, I have 2 Long Tail Tits currently visiting and flocks that appear from time to time. 2 Bullfinches were seen daily for 6 weeks last summer. A pair of Coal Tits winter in my garden.Regular flocks of Starlings. Other less frequent visitors have inc Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Siskin, Blackcap. The food bill is well worth the enjoyment of watching the birds, particularly when there has been poor weather preventing me from getting out and the poorer the weather the greater the increase in birds to the feeders. *** 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. ANDERBY CREEK Mon 28th Feb 2011 Dave Miller Teal 5 ARNOLDS MEADOW Nature Reserve K J Seaton 27-02-2011 First of the flowers showing on Coltsfoot, Butterbur & Primrose. Also a good showing of Snowdrops. Lots of Muntjac tracks in mud around reserve. BRANSTON, VALLEY ESTATE 1/3/2011 Janis Wright 2 red legged partridges seen feeding under the bird table, picking up what the goldfinches dropped. Seen later roosting on the fence. BUCK BECK~Waltham 02/03/11 Mick Binnion Water Shrew. Pleased to see this elusive mammal, in a private section of the beck. HUTTOFT Huttoft Pits Mon 28th Feb 2011 Dave Miller Whooper Swan 16 Greylag Goose 1 Wigeon 45 Mallard 3 Tufted Duck 6 Moorhen 1 Coot 8 LACEBY BECK 27/02/11 Mick Binnion Toads - first pair have turned up at a favoured pond. Butterbur-flowering crowns just breaking the surface (late). Angelica and Meadowsweet showing first leaf in sheltered wet wood. LINCOLN Doddington park M.Scott. 28 Feb 2011 At last frog spawn in my pond. It was there the morning of the 26 Feb and again to-day 28th feb, have looked it up in my garden log, and they are a month earlier. Let's hope I see some young frogs in the summer. LINCOLN (ALLENBY ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE) TF000 716 Brian Hedley 4 March 2011 Common Whitlow-grass in flower Siskin 50 flying NW plus another 10 in alder tree Sparrowhawk 1 LINCOLN John Farmer My back garden 4/2/11 1 Treecreeper 1 Siskin 2 Bullfinch 1m ,1f collecting moss 2 Muntjac 1male, with a female this time. Also at Chambers Farm on the 1st whilst watching the birds on the feeders, including Lesser Redpoll and Siskin, a Sparrowhawk flew in and took a Goldfinch off the niger seeds did a u-turn and was gone in a flash. MARTIN FEN 125600 Noel Herbert 3rd March 2011 Driving along B1191 from Woodhall Spa as we approached Martin about 4.55pm saw Barn Owl soaring low over field and coming to rest on fence post next to road. SCOPWICK 092582 Same day about 5.05pm just after crossing over Scopwick railway crossing saw another barn owl swooping low over a field. NORTH CARLTON SK939 785 Brian Hedley 2 March 2011 Roe deer 2 Lapwings 4 displaying Grey partridge 2 NORTH HYKEHAM Jenny Holmes Wednesday 23rd February 2011 North Hykeham garden pond Our 1st frog spawn, several lots Our 1st lambs off A57 toward Worksop Spring has sprung (lovely) SEACROFT Seacroft Marsh SSSI Sun 20th Feb, Mon 21st Feb and Thurs 3rd March 2011 Dave Miller & Jon Haines Canada Goose 6 (20/2), 3 (21/2) Cormorant 1 (21/2) Sanderling 7 (21/2) Little Egret 1 (20/2) Hen Harrier 1 male (20/2) Merlin 1 (20/2) Sanderling 7 (21/2) Curlew 32 (17 flying S) (20/2), 23 flying S (21/2) & 1 (3/3) Redshank 14 (20/2), 8 (21/2) & 9 (3/3) Black-headed Gull 210 (21/2) & 563 (3/3) Common Gull 23 (21/2) & 4 (3/3) Herring Gull 130 (21/2) & 203 (3/3) Great Black-backed Gull 5 (21/2) Woodpigeon 19 (21/2) & 2 (3/3) Barn Owl 1 (20/2) Magpie 4 (21/2) & 8 (3/3) Carrion Crow 6 (21/2) & 12 (3/3) Wren 1 (21/2) Blackbird 1 (21/2) Meadow Pipit 1 (20/2), 6 (21/2) & 2 (3/3) Rock Pipit 2 (20/2), 4 (21/2) & 1 (3/3) Chaffinch 2 (20/2), 1 (21/2) & 1 (3/3) Linnet 25 (20/2) Reed Bunting 16 (20/2), 6 (21/2) & 2 (3/3) Common Seal 1 (21/2) Muntjac 1 (21/2) Fox 1 (21/2) Rabbit 1 (3/3) SLOOTHBY George Rutter 25/02/2011 TF47v Bat species (probably pipistrelle) seen flying round the farm at dusk, first I've seen this year. TRENT PORT (MARTON) SK834 813 Brian Hedley 2 March 2011 Brown hare 1 Teal 11 Snipe 4 Wigeon 1 Reed bunting 2 (in song) WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 27/2/2011 Stock dove 1/3 Marsh harrier in area. Brown hare in area. 3/3/11 and 4/3/11 Tawny owls calling in morning. 5/3 Flocks of Fieldfares and Starlings moving around fen. Classic starling flocking and roosting. WILLOWTREE FEN NR, GUTHRAM 4.3.2011 John Redshaw Today the flooded fields attracted 350 Lapwings, 160 Golden Plovers, 42 Redshanks and a single Snipe. On the stubble of the arable weed/flower field there were 400 Fieldfares and 250 Starlings. Raptors were represented by single Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and a Red Kite. WOLLA BANK Wolla Bank Pits Dave Miller Mon 28th Feb 2011 Mute Swan 2 Little Egret 1 Woodcock 1 live & 1 dead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/index.php Katherine Bocock 23/02/2011 Long-eared Owl 24/02/2011 Brambling 7 Goldeneye 6 Pintail 1 Rock Pipit 7 25/02/2011 Hen Harrier 26/02/2011 Brent Goose 300 Siskin 2 27/02/2011 Barn Owl 1 Brambling 4 Brent Goose 550 Hen Harrier 1 Merlin 1 Peregrine 1 Short-eared Owl 1 Woodcock 1 01/03/2011 Barn Owl Black Brant Corn Bunting 15 Dunlin 1100 Eider 40 Hen Harrier Knot 3500 Merlin 2 Oystercatcher 220 Redshank 110 Red-throated Diver 4 Sanderling 100 Treecreeper Turnstone 20 Woodcock 2 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker. No report yet. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore John Badley January 2011. RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp RSPB Frampton Marsh European white-fronted Geese continued to show all month, with a peak of 28 (15th), but a Black Brant was seen on only one date (29th). Whooper Swans were regular, with up to 21, along with up to nine Bewick's Swans. A Yellow-legged Gull was unseasonal on 23rd. A wintering Spotted Redshank was seen on several dates, but up to six Ruff were regular. Four Waxwings were seen from 14th- 16th and a Water Pipit on 24th. Lapland Buntings and Twite peaked at 24 (19th) and 110 (23rd) respectively. RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp The year started off nicely with two Waxwings (1st), when there was also a Pale-bellied Brent Goose. A good count of 75 Common Scoter was made (23rd) and single Velvet Scoter, plus three Red- throated Divers were on the sea (28th). Raptors included up to two Marsh Harriers, Hen Harrier, two Peregrines, Merlin, Barn Owl and rarest of all a Little Owl (5th). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 05.02.11 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bearded tit 2 bittern 2 blackbird 20+ black headed gull 20+ blue tit 10 bullfinch carrion crow 4 chaffinch 8 collared dove 2 common gull 20+ coot 60+ cormorant 2 curlew 3 dunnock 6 gadwall 4 goldeneye 6 greenfinch 2 GC grebe 2 great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 50+ herring gull house sparrow 15 linnet little grebe long tailed tit 4 magpie 6 mallard 20 marsh harrier M & F moorhen 13 mute swan 4 pheasant 2 pochard 4 redshank reed bunting 2 robin 12 shelduck 0 shoveler 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 12 tufted duck 14 water rail 2 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 8 wren 8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific 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 bridle way only) Adrian Royle's website for photos of species from the Limewoods. http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Anne Goodall writes pn 5/3/2011: This week: redwing singing Minting Park - they often do, this time of year, good chance to learn the song; stoat ca 70% ermine, Great Scrubbs; lesser spotted woodpecker calling and drumming, Little Scrubbs. 'Pussy Willows' along all the rides and streamsides are showing silver, and bullfinches are very conspicuous at the moment. Following deliberations0 by the MAG, all 3 meadows have had active management. Look out for our little steers who are grazing Big Meadow! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. [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 Bulletin 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: Ian Macalpine-Leny macalpine@doddington.demon.co.uk *** Contacts List *** PC Nigel LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer - Community Safety Police HQ Deepdale Lane Nettleham Lincs LN57PH Tel 01522 558684 e-mail: nigel.lound@lincs.pnn.police.uk or Nige LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer County Police Station Sea Lane Ingoldmells Lincs PE24 44XX Tel: 01522 558684 e-mail: nigelound@btinternet.com *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** 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 *** 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 *** Mammal records can reported to Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** New Met Office Service *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail 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 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 Please note my new addresses for plant gall id etc:- 46 Sibthorp Street Lincoln LN5 7SH gclayton54@o2.co.uk 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 Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Bird Club Grantham Peregrine Project *** The Lincs Bird Club is pleased to announce the return of the Grantham Peregrine Webcam. Images from the tower at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham can be seen at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/pegcam.html while details of daily activity can be found at http://pegcam.blogspot.com. Birds have already been seen in the nesting tray, so fingers crossed that they breed again successfully in 2011. Details of last year's successful breeding attempt can be download at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/Articles/2010_Peregrine_Blog.pdf *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, 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, charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.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 *** Interesting Weather radar website *** Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.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 Bardney Limewoods www.limewoods.co.uk limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's moths: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v499/jsylvester/Moths%20in%20my%20garden%202010/ Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: I've put all my decent photos of common butterflies on the Grimsby website: See http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ *** 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 sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, 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 12, 2011 Annual General Meeting AGM, followed by the Presidential Address by Ken Rowland April 17, 2011 Wilsford Heath Quarry SSSI (Private site) South of Ancaster 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small on-site car park at SK985 413. Gate to site to be unlocked by land owner. Habitats: Woodland. Scrub, Calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 15, 2011 Priory Farm, Orford (Sir Richard Sutton Settled Estates) NW of Binbrook. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in yard of Priory Farm at TF194 945. Habitats: Waithe Beck, marsh, ponds, arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 19, 2011 Great Eau - Theddlethorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at TF454857 Healey Land, park on side of Road - note cattle may be grazing. Habitats: River, Marsh, Ditches. Leader: Chris Manning 07752 353303 chris@lincsdeer.info Sunday, July 03, 2011 South Farm, Thurlby. SW of Lincoln. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in yard of South Farm at SK907 614. Habitats: River Witham, ponds, grassland and arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, July 16, 2011 Hatfield/Thorne Moor NNR Joint Meeting withYorkshire Naturalists' Union Botanical Survey Habitats: Moorland and Heath Contact Ian McDonald at iannutwell@talktalk.net if interested Saturday, August 13, 2011 Alkborough Flats (North Lincs Council and Environment Agency) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in car park at SE879 221. Take lane on left just pass church (if coming from south) and continue downhill. Evening moth/bat session starting at 8.30pm Habitats should be Saltmarsh, marsh, lagoons, ditches, pasture. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Colin Smith (evening) 07595 414318 Saturday, September 24, 2011 Riseholme College, N of Lincoln, off A15 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in car park next to Conference Hall at SK981 756 Evening moth/bat session starting at 7pm. Includes an opportunity to investigate the LNU Collection and encourage students to use them. Habitats: Parkland, woodland, lake. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com (afternoon) and Colin Smith (evening) 07595 414318 Sunday, October 23, 2011 Fungus Foray, Callan's Lane Wood (Forestry Commission site) Kirkby Underwood. North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at car park TF061 270 Habitats: Mixed Woodland Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....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. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Recent mailfails: 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. Roger *** Honeybees Bumblebee Competition *** The Bumblebee Conservation Trust states: ..there is some debate over whether the honeybee is native to the UK. BBCT think that the honeybee is probably native to the UK. The bulk of the UK honeybee population is, however, domesticated. It is unclear how common or widespread the honeybee would be without the help of beekeepers. ..... that there is a growing body of evidence pointing to detrimental competition between honey bees and bumblebees. In areas where rare (UKBAP) bumblebees occur BBCT suggest that the introduction of new hives should be avoided.See: hFor the policy statement see: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B--RSpF8T8vkOWIxZWQ5ODktODY1Mi00MDFiLThiYjgtYmNlZDYxNzRjNjgy&hl=en_GB&authkey=CIP8s9kO Or email me and I will send you a copy of the document. rparsons@enterprise.net ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/