============================================= || || 5th April 2015 || || 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 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 1100 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who would like to receive the Bulletin please send them this webpage link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Past 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. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: 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 ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** Don't miss Easter Weekend Springwatch Special. See> http://www.yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk/news/2015/03/18/easterwatch-heads-yorkshire-nature-triangle Also see: http://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves-list Thanks for all the support. It is great to see the MailChimp 'opens' total clock up as you read your Bulletins. Our weekly totals of clicks on links are more than double the percentage that similar organisations report. To keep the Bulletin interesting we need contributions from readers, not just reports, but your questions, news, events, useful courses, meetings, activities and quirky items for ".....and finally....". I could not cope if over 1000 readers emailed me every week, but it is great when people take to trouble to say that they found something helpful/interesting. Suggestions for useful links are always welcome. So are mentions of typos. Please keep your reports coming in. Roger p.s. Don't forget to look at "12 ....and finally......" and click on any of the links that catch your eye. *** LNU Events - full list in section 11 - guests are welcome *** To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php 2015 [NOT 2016!] Field Meetings. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, April 26, 2015 Little Haw Wood - (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) Southwest of Castle Bytham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Find that Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following website to help you find grid references. Really straightforward to use. Have a go. http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm *** Interested? Like to know more? *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) 2015 Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union June 6th: Entomological Techniques Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about entomological techniques such as sweep netting, following identification keys and dealing with specimens? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. July 4th: Grasses Workshop Interested in Plants but would like to know more in particular about Grasses? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. August 1st: Bug Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Bugs? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. September 19th: Spider Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? Come along and find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. *** Reminder - Ray Halstead - Recorder - Fungi *** Request: No records or queries for now, please. *** Any Oil Beetles Yet? Eyes Down - Let's Find Some! *** Charlie Barnes writes: If you would be interested in looking for oil beetles in your area you can either get in touch for more information or just take a camera with you when out walking and snap anything that's big and black! To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetlers charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Mermaid's Purses - request for records. *** Dave Miller writes: If anyone is visiting the coast could they please look out for mermaid's purses. Take a picture and send to me, with location, at: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk If you do this regularly, Dave can send you an identification sheet from the Shark Trust. *** Scunthorpe Museum Society 13th April *** Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section, Scunthorpe Museum Society. Our last indoor meeting before the members only summer field visits is on Monday, 13th April, 7.15pm start, when STEVE MEARS, Regional Manager for the Forestry Commission (GB South), will give a presentation entitled "TREE PESTS AND DISEASES" Steve, who has worked for the Forestry Commission for many years,will be covering current problems with Ash, Oak and Horse Chestnut trees as well as many other problems and some yet to come. We meet in St Bernadette's Parish Centre (DN16 2RS) opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshment is provided at the mid-talk break for a small charge. There is ample free parking in the Church grounds. For more details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival launch Saturday 16th May *** To find out more about this 16 day Festival and download the brochure go to: http://www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 6th April 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a 'Herbal Walk' around Bradley Woods near Grimsby with local Medicinal Herbalist Emma Warrener. Please use parking area in the woods and meet Emma there at 2pm. All are welcome and this is a free event, but donations for the Trust will be welcomed. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. For further information contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** The Canadian Rockies *** Maureen Staples writes: We invite you to join us on 9.4.2015 for a presentation by Ian Newton on The Canadian Rockies to be held at The Robert Hardy Building, Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln. RSPB members and students £3.00. Non members £4.00. Free car parking. *** South Lincs RSPB *** Members and non-members welcome. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Programme of events and booking of Wash Trips. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 26/3 Spotted Redshank, Pale-Bellied Brent Goose, Twite, Frampton Marsh 27/3 Spotted Redshank, Short-eared Owl, Twite, Frampton Marsh Great Grey Shrike between Skellingthorpe and Fossdyke north of cycle path. Possible Tundra Peregrine, form calidus, near Donna Nook 28/3 Great Grey Shrike between Skellingthorpe and Fossdyke north of cycle path. 29/3 Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point 11 Twite at south end, Donna Nook Scaup drk on lagoon, Freiston Shore 31/3 Knot, Kirkby on Bain pits Water Pipit on reservoir shore, Frampton Marsh Common Scoter fem, 18 Kittiwakes, Garthorpe on River Trent 1/4 Water Pipit, Whisby Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, Jack Snipe, Frampton Marsh drk Scaup, Freiston Shore Water Pipit, 2 Firecrests in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Iceland Gull flew north over Sea View, Saltfleet 2/3 Glaucous Gull imm, Whitton Sands 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, Water Pipit, Spotted Redchank, Frampton Marsh 2 Water Pipits, 142 Twite, Donna Nook 3 Firecrests, Gibraltar Point Note: I am adapting my 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. Bird Alert website: Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Strongly recommended. [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. ROAD KILLS GORSE LOCATIONS: please give full information on each individual Gorse record: the location [with grid ref], your name, the date, and any habitat notes of interest. The stage of flowering is a key observation, from plants with no flowers through the range to plants in full flowering. *** 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 experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 27.3.15 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Fox takes dead Woodpigeon 31.3.15 Trailcam Mole m caught in mole-trap 30.3.15 Woodmouse dead under garden trough 30.1.15 Bullfinches 2 on pear tree 1.4.15 Chiffchaff calling daily Collared doves nesting in Leylandii hedge 27.3.15 Mallards 2 on stream 1.4.15 Red-legged partridges 2 under feeder 29 and 31.3.15 Buff-tailed bumblebee on Stinking hellebore 27.3.15 Pollen beetle 28.3.15 First flowers Cowslip 2.4.15 Green alkanet 27.3.15 Ivy-leaved speedwell 27.3.15 Marsh marigold 27.3.15 A46 summit near Caistor TA 130 015 W Overy Buzzard 27.3.15 A46 junction with A1103 TF 099 919 W Overy Red kite 23.3.15 Hundon Manor Farm ponds TA 112 026 P Robinson 29.3.15 Mallards 4 Moorhens 2 Mute swans 2 nest-building Tufted duck Wold View waste land TA 120 013 WH House sparrows in conifer 10s 28.3.15 Coltsfoot, first flowers 28.3.15 CHAPEL SIX MARSHES 1st April 2015 Dave Miller Blue Tit 1 Chiffchaff 1 Coot 1 Cormorant 1 Great tit 2 Greylag Goose 2 Mallard 1 Moorhen 1 Reed Bunting 3 Starling 3 Woodpigeon 20 HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. WETLAND RESERVE TF 341595 Garry Steele Maximum counts and noteworthy ornithological sightings, March 2015 Little Egret - 1 Wigeon - 6 Teal - 15 Mallard - 62 Lapwing - 2 pairs in territory Curlew - 169 (new site maximum) Black-headed Gull - c60 Stock Dove - 4 Fieldfare - 13 Rook - 49 nests in Rookery Carrion Crow - 7 HUTTOFT MARSH 1st April 2015 Dave Miller Greylag goose 1 Little Egret 1 Mallard 4 Snipe 1 Peacock 1 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) Date 27/3/2015 Bees 2 Small tortoiseshell butterfly 1 Date 29/3/2015 Collared dove 1 Date 31/3/2015 Blackbird 1 Chaffinch 1 Pheasant 1 Date 1/4/2015 Blackbirds 2 Dunnock 1 Great tit 1 Robins 2 Date 2/4/2015 Blackbirds 3 Dunnock 1 Great spotted woodpecker (7pm trying to dislodge old apple tree) Great tits 2 Dunnock 1 Pheasant 1 Robins 2 Date 3/4/2015 Blackbirds 2 (both male) Pheasant 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 26.03.2015 Kestrel 27.03.2015 House Sparrow (f) carrying nesting material Ca. 100 Starlings over pasture for about an hour, presumably on migration. Seemed like 2 groups at first, then they joined up. 2 Blackbirds in song – is spring here at last? 29.03.2015 10 clumps of frog spawn in pond - out of the blue over the last 2 days; only heard one frog the other day, but haven't actually seen any! 30.03.2015 2-Spot Ladybird 02.04.2015 Chiffchaff calling Frog croaking in pond March Rainfall only 15 mm, the lowest since 2011 (5 mm). SLEAFORD w/e 3/4/15 Richard Dawson Lollycocks field: a few cowslips out and loads showing in bud Hazel coppices in full leaf A young adult Heron has moved in Blackthorn blossom still a picture pussy willow downstream from Cogglesford Mill also aistor High Street ( a mile shy of A158 Horncastle road) Barn Owl hunting (17:50 ON 2/4/15) TORTOISESHELL WOOD SK9619 Jane Ostler 2nd April 2015 A short visit to see the Wood Anemones. This is one of the best places locally to see these beautiful woodland flowers. They have not flowered quite as early as in some years. On 8th March the first leaves were only just through. It was good to see how an area where coppicing was first tried unsuccessfully over forty years ago, has after further attempts, invasion by brambles and much protection of regenerating hazel, now has a classic ancient woodland flora. Primroses, dog's mercury and early dog violet were also in flower with the leaves of other woodland plants like wild arum, pignut, bugle, wild garlic and early purple orchid coming through. This is also one of the areas where the scarce herb paris grows. The first cowsliip was out in the neigbouring meadows. Birds included the greater spotted woodpecker, the green woodpecker and a song thrush, but few passerines were noted. A single pair of toads were in the pond, the female not having released eggs. WAINFLEET FLATS 27th March 2015 Dave Miller Brent Goose 1 juvenile Crow 2 Cormorant 1 Curlew 4 Herring Gull 1 Linnet 28 Little Egret 1 Magpie 1 Mallard 2 Meadow Pipit 20 Redshank 28 Reed Bunting 2 Shelduck 1 Skylark 10 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons Fem Sparrowhawk on hunt in garden 16.00hrs Reed bunting under bird feeder Hurnbridge Road TF 21216543 30/3/2015 Barn owl sheltering from wind on dyke bank 09.00 hrs Barn owl in same area, battling with high winds while hunting, 16.45hrs. 31/3 and 1/4 - juv Kestrel on prey [pigeon] in garden. 1/3 Small tortoiseshell butterfly 2/4/2015 Hares - pairs seen at two locations along Hurnbridge Road. 2 Buzzards in area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs and S Lincs Highlights including RSPB Wash Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Lincolnshire bird sightings January 2014 RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley [Assisted by Colin Jennings] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See: Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve - good video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONdZsUndzAY Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR - good video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nhlOWJHqRc SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. NNR Week ending ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News See: Murmuration of Starlings over the Humber Bridge - great video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62lVQKIGieE See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) The Limewoods are notable for the few reports we receive for the Bulletin, so you can help by sending in sightings if you visit. Two good links are: Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in 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 re-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. Species Names in full.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following website to help you find grid references. http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** Contacts List *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Website: http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. 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. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website. A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). I will be organising a few field meetings to hunt for spiders and other arachnids in due course, but if any LNU members wish to get in touch in the meantime then please contact me on my e-mail address: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 Ashley Butterfield, LNU Reptile and Amphibian Recorder, adds: The recordpool is a joint ARGUK and ARC Trust project that aims to collect herpetofauna data from the uk that might not otherwise be recorded and make it available for conservation purposes. As such you will have access to your own records at full resolution and other records at a lower resolution. You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember that common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK angela.digges@clara.co.uk with any specific questions. *** Report Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** 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 *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** How to Identify Spring Bees *** Sent in by Julia Smith Discover Wildlife http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/see-it/how-identify-spring-bees Also see: BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** 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 *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.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 badger reports. USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. 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/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** To learn more about the project or to find out how to get involved, please visit http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ *** Coastal Grazing Marshes *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project has produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 www.lincswolds.org.uk http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Ruth Craig ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk 01507 609740 For help with chalk stream management, volunteering opportunities and educational activities on the chalk stream please visit the website http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership is working to promote enhancement and re-creation of an iconic fenland landscape and its wildlife within our highly productive and important farmlands. To learn more about the partnership please visit our website at http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ or contact the project officer at slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** Hartsholme Country Park *** To learn more about the park or to get in involved at the park please visit http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/hartsholmecp contact Park Rangers at hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk *** RSPB Contact Details *** RSPB Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** Tornado and Storm Research Organisation *** http://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/ Hedgehog Street survey http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ For 2014 survey, see: http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html Lincsbirders - Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group Some great photos. http://www.lincsbirders.org/ Bardney Limewoods - the Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** Grow-your-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ Readers websites and videos - superb work well worth browsing through. If anyone else is putting work like this on the web, please let us know. Joan Gunson's Moths recorded 2013: http:www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Les Binns: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoheathen/sets/ Leslie Hebden http://www.flickr.com/photos/13718295@N07/ Youtube videos by Colin Green. Little Scrubbs Meadow in July 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqCJLrTQmg&feature=relmfu Greetwell Hollow in May 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmzLFrbjFU&feature=plcp Rimac in June 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=plcp Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - January 2014 - excellent video by David Robinson http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ The Wonderful Witham - Lincolnshire Rivers Trust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fp9bKSwaBE#t=969 University of Lincoln plus Siren FM - "Nightingales" made possible by Grahame Hopwood at Whisby http://www.sirenonline.co.uk/archives/8926 BBC Radio 4 Tweet of the day: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s6xyk *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** New Botanical Group in South Lincs Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! If anybody would like to join us, please get in touch with me at sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com 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 Hartsholme Country Park: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.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 http://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. 2015 Field Meetings. Sunday, April 26, 2015 Little Haw Wood -(Courtesy of Forestry Commission) Southwest of Castle Bytham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 31, 2015 Fulsby Wood SSSI - (Private) (Courtesy of Tumby Estate) South of Horncastle 10am to 4pm. Park in Tumby saw mill car park at TF254602 (PE22 7TD) which is on north side of A155 between Coningsby and Mareham le Fen. Leader will be at car park for 10am and then again for 1pm for afternoon only attendees. Habitats: Ancient woodland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, June 05, 2015 Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) (multi-organizational Bioblitz event with evening moth sessions) South of Wragby Evening session on Friday from 9pm, then all day recording on Saturday and Sunday. Evening session on Saturday starting at 9pm. Times TBC. Use both car parks near to Wood Centre at TF147739 (LN8 5JR) Toilets available on site. Habitats: Various woodland types, pasture, scrub and ponds. Contacts: Anne Goodall 01526 398182 anne.goodall@esl-lincoln.co.uk and Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, June 06, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Sunday, June 07, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Saturday, June 27, 2015 Poplar Farm, Low Hameringham (Courtesy of Tony Smith) South of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 21.15. Use farmyard for parking at TF305662 Habitats: Various grassland types, marsh, chalk stream Leader: Mark Schofield 07825 970930 mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Saturday, July 11, 2015 Thorne (Beehives) Ltd Rand West of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF106787 (LN8 5NJ) which is off minor lane northwards off A158 (about 500m on right past Rand Farm Park entrance). Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, wildflower meadows, gardens, ponds and lakes. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, August 15, 2015 White House Farm, Branston Fen (Courtesy of Peter Lundgren) SE of Lincoln, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.30. Park in farmyard at TF085705 (LN3 5UP) which is at end of North Causeway found off the B1190 at Branston Booths. Habitats: Grassland, ditches, arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 06, 2015 Metheringham Delph East of Metheringham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Road verge parking alongside Carr Dyke near western end of the Delph at approx.TF114 620. Take minor road off B1189 between Metheringham Habitats: Grassland, river, ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 11, 2015 Fungus Foray - TBC TBC - see Wildnews Bulletin, website or contact a member of the Executive Committee for further details. Also see: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union June 6th: Entomological Techniques Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about entomological techniques such as sweep netting, following identification keys and dealing with specimens? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. July 4th: Grasses Workshop Interested in Plants but would like to know more in particular about Grasses? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. August 1st: Bug Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Bugs? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. September 19th: Spider Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? Come along and find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 text copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html If you are having difficulties with spam folders etc. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. A "hard bounce" usually results in you being automatically deleted from the mailing list. Latest Mailfails - see notes above. Bulletin bouncing from: caroil79 - soft bounce - undeliverable - Mailbox = disk quota exceeded *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Last Dambusters pilot Les Munro sells medals for £75,000 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-32033539 Roman McDonald's theory over Navenby coins find http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32016425 Dogs could be a potential probiotic http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2014/11/dogs-could-be-a-potential-probiotic River health revealed in 'shocking' figures http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32074953 House sparrow rule roost in Scotland's gardens http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-32049300 China's Ili Pika: The 'magic bunny' goes viral http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-china-blog-32079630 Instant Wild is a tool for remote wildlife monitoring and surveillance http://www.zsl.org/conservation-initiatives/conservation-technology/instant-wild OPALexplorenature - quite a few Lincolnshire clips. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCug-oUXDlgo3RO7zoTFbg9A ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/