============================================= || || 29th March 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.... *** 'Spring forward, Fall back' This Sunday. 29th, we switch over to British Summer Time. You may have heard the suggestion to test your smoke alarms on the same day. A good idea. We had a very successful view of last Friday's eclipse, although at the start it looked as if cloud might spoil the event. However the progress of the eclipse was clear for most of the time. See: Breathtaking' solar eclipse witnessed by millions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31965456 WWF's Earth Hour takes place on Saturday 28 March at 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Sign up/find out more on: http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/ The 2015 Lincolnshire Environmental Awards deadline for applications is 31st March. There is still time to get an application together. http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Charlie Barnes is keen for us to continue hunting for Oil Beetles. See his note below. For photos, see: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao Thanks for all the support. 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. Suggestions are welcome. *** 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 *** Message from France *** Clare Brady writes: Had reports from France. Swallows and cuckoos on their way! Editor adds: Don't be fooled by Collared Doves pretending to be cuckoos! For the BTO Cuckoo Tracking story, see: http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking *** Clean those bird tables and feeders! *** Julia Smith sent these in. Dirty bird tables 'killing finches' http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3012050/Fifth-finches-past-decade-thought-died-disease-feeders.html http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/feeding/hygiene *** Forgotten what a Hen Harrier "ringtail" is? *** http://hawkandowl.org/species/birds-of-prey-a-z/hen-harrier/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/h/henharrier/ *** 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/ One in ten wild bees face extinction in Europe http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31963056 Flower-friendly farms 'boost bee populations' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32022546 *** 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 28th March *** Lesley Robinson writes: Spring Indoor Meeting 28th March 2015 At: Chambers Farm Wood Education Centre, near Wragby (grid reference: TF148738) Time: 2pm for 2:30pm Speaker: Martin Davies "Butterflies of the Mediterranean Area" Hot and cold drinks available with biscuits. 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. *** ‘Refloating the Ark’ conference 17-18 June 2015 *** Charlie Barnes sent in the following: ‘Refloating the Ark’ is a two-day meeting (17-18 June 2015) exploring how museums with natural history collections can maximise their contribution towards environmental sustainability, by engaging effectively with the public and the scientific research community, including biological recorders. The meeting is aimed at museum workers, environmental educators, conservationists, scientific researchers, students, amateur naturalists, funders and the biological recording community. The meeting is very reasonably priced, at £25 for one day and £40 for both days, including lunch and refreshments. Please do come along, and spread the word! https://naturemanchester.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/refloating-the-ark-detailed-conference-programme/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 19/3 water Pipit, Twite, Frampton Marsh 20/3 Spotted Redshank on realignment, 50 Twite, Donna Nook Great White Egret, Little Stint, Water Pipit, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 2 Hen Harriers, both ringtails, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier ringtail flew south at Pye's Hall, Donna Nook 3 White Wagtails, Marston sewage treatment works Black Redstart fem in garden, Bourne 21/3 Short-eared Owl, Cut End, south of Fishtoft Red-crested Pochard drk, Messingham Sand Quarry Osprey flew over Saxilby 22/3 c256 Whooper Swans flew north over Dunston Hen Harrier ringtail, c 12 Twite, Donna Nook Hen Harrier ringtail, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe c135 Whooper Swans north of Bourne, flew NW over Morton 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Spotted Redshank, 30+ Twite, Water Pipit, 240+ Whooper Swans flew north over Frampton Marsh Great Northern Diver, Cut End, SE of Boston at River Witham mouth 23/3 Common Scoter, Thurlby Gravel Pits Shag offshore, Hen Harrier riongtail, Jack Snipe, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sabndpiper, Short-eared Owl, rampton Marsh 24/3 Black Redstart, in quarry, Greetwell hollow Osprey NNE of Grantham ar Belton flew over Jerico Big Wood Rock Pipit, Marston sewage works Whimbrel, Donna Nook 25/3 White Wagtail, Donna Nook White Wagtail, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park Spotted Redshank, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Twite, Frampton Marsh. 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 HIGH TOYNTON TF298699 Robert Walker 14/3/15 Brown Hare 1 roadkill, side of A158 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. Gorse record Walesby TF 135 925 Recorder Jackie Freeman Extensive area of mature gorse on side of hill adjoining the bridleway from Walesby to Normanby. Unimproved grassland These bushes are now 85% in flower. Gorse locations c/o Wendy Handford Off A46 near Nettleton, Girl Guide camping ground, TF 097 991. Margaret Roach 26.3.15 Sides of sandy track. 30 plants, all now with abundant flowers. *** 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. BRACEBY TF015353 M. Ellis 20/03/15 Sparrow hawk sweeps through the back garden near the birdfeeders at great speed every afternoon, occasionally perches on trellis Other birds seen:- Wren Tree creeper Great tits Blue tits Coal tits Pied wagtail House sparrows Tree sparrows Dunnocks Chaffinches Blackbirds Jackdaws Rooks from rookery nearby Tawny owl evident from pellets under ridge of garage roof CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 20.3.15 The eclipse was magnificent, complete with uncanny light, fall in temperature and sudden wind. Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Bank vole under feeder 23 and 26.3.15 Woodmice 2 in greenhouse 21.3.15 Chiffchaff 22.3.15 Mallards m and f crossing lawn 24.3.15 Moorhen on lawn 20.3.15 Tawny owl calling 20.3.15 Red-legged partridges 2 23.3.15 Bumblebee unidentified sp 22.3.15 Garden ants in porch 24.3.15 Caistor bypass verge TA 121 013 WH Blackthorn first flowers 25.3.15 Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 B Jacob Canada geese pairing up Toads active in woodland CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909580 Jeremy Hutchinson Report dated 21 March 2015 Until a few days ago there was no sign of frogs in our garden pond in Carlton le Moorland. Typically in the 23 years or so since the pond was made the frogs have begun to arrive in early March, and spent several weeks croaking and splashing about before laying spawn at about the end of the third week in March. Last year the time between their appearance and seeing spawn was much shorter, this year I first saw any number of frogs on 18th March, by 20th we had spawn! Weather conditions have been relatively benign, why should this be? CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson Carlton le Moorland 490674, 358304 15/3/2015 Chiffchaff singing. CROWLE MOOR S. Hiner, M. Blissett, B. Senior, J. Canning & M. Walker 22/03/15 Chaffinch x 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker x 2 Great Tit x 2 Tree Sparrow x 7 DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve Date: 22/03/2015 Time: 0900 to 1230 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, cool Birds: Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Collared Dove Common Gull Coot Cormorant Dunnock Egyptian Goose Garden Warbler (heard then seen by another observer) Goldeneye Goosander Great-crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull House Sparrow Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Mallard Mistle Thrush Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pheasant Pink-footed Goose Pochard Redshank Red Kite Reed Bunting Robin Rook Shelduck Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren HEALING TA214106 Garden R Julier 7th Mar 2015 B. terrestris x1 B. hypnorum x1 Frogs in pond. 14th Mar 2015 B. terrestris x3 B. hypnorum x6 Anthophora plumipes x1m Vespa x1 Eristalsis x1 - I tried to catch it, but gave up after a second close call with the pond. Frogs started spawning. HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Sunday 22 March Spotted a tree creeper in my garden while sitting in my greenhouse. It visited three nearby trees and I was pleased to be able to see one so close (about ten feet away). I think this is a first for my garden. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 13/3/15 First batch of frogspawn in pond and by the 21/3/15 we had 17 lots, also by this latter date we saw the first Bumblebee of the season in the garden, unfortunately, species unknown. 20/3/15 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Again, first sighting of the season HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) 19/3/2015 Wren 1 20/2/2015 Collared dove 1 22/2/2015 Bumble bee 1 Chaffinch 2 (pair) Great spotted woodpecker 1 Long tailed tits 2 Small tortoiseshell butterfly 1 Starlings 2 23/3/2015 Bluetit 1 Chaffinch 2 Greenfinch 4 Heron 1 (flying over garden) Starlings 3 24/3/2015 Chaffinch 2 Great tit 1 Thrush 1 (high in tree - don't know if song or mistlethrush) Wasp 1 (very dozy under compost bag) 25/3/2015 Collared dove 1 Dunnock 1 (being chased around bird bath by robin) Great spotted woodpecker 1 Woodpigeons 11 (roosting) 26/3/2015 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Magpie 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 16.03.2015 Surprised how little growth has been made in the two weeks while I was abroad, presumably due to the cold and dry weather (only 2mm in rain gauge) Common Dog Violet and Lesser Celandine in flower Rats still digging up my tulip bulbs Song Thrush in song Collared Doves appear to be building a nest in hedgerow The single Common Gull still appears to feed on worms in pasture, but not as regularly as in the preceding 3 months; completely absent from approx. 20th March. 18.03.2015 Brown Hare Sparrowhawk Buzzard (TF317851) 19.03.2015 Wren 20.03.2015 The first sunny day this week and, yes, we did see the partial eclipse of the sun! Several Buff-tailed Bumblebees and Wasp queens Buzzard 22.03.2015 Buff-tailed Bumblebees and 1 x Red-tailed Bumblebee Frog croaking (first this year) Whirligig beetles and a Water boatman reappearing in pond Chiffchaff calling (first this year, 9 days later than 2014) (not heard on subsequent days) First proper Blackbird song this year, but still irregular 3 x Skylark (TF320840 area) 23.03.2015 Harlequin Ladybird on window (released); 7-Spot Ladybird among leaf litter in garden Very few Lacewings emerging from house, indeed far fewer came in than in previous autumns 10-12 Starlings over pasture RIPPINGALE Ian Misselbrook 20th March 2015 Rippingale – observers garden Chiffchaff (singing) Brimstone Butterfly 5 Common Frogs, but no spawn yet At least 3 Smooth Newts 2 Long-tailed Tits hanging on the glass and tapping on the windmill. They have been doing this every day for about a week now. 23rd March Rippingale –garden Male Reed Bunting on the bird table Long-tailed Tits still tapping on the window. STAPLEFORD WOODS Near Stapleford Woods, SK858579 Jeremy Hutchinson 18/3/2015, 17.40 Grazing in a field on the edge of the woods (actually about 50m in Notts) were what I thought from the far distance to be a couple of escaped horses. When closer it became apparent that they were a Red Deer stag and hind, both a good size. Roe and Muntjac aren't unusual around there, but this was only the second time that I have seen Red Deer. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 14th - 24th March Tawny Owl calling from 10.30pm - 11.55pm each night 14/03/15 Blackbird x 2 Coot x 4 Goldfinch x 2 Great Crested Grebe x 1 Heron x 1 SK797976 Kestrel x 2 Lapwing x 2 Little Owl x 2 calling 11.50pm Magpie x 2 Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Oystercatcher x 1 SK797976 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 2 Skylark x 1 Tree Sparrow x 7 17/03/15 Blue Tit x 2 Great Tit x 1 Stock Dove x 1 sat on nest in open fronted nest box (same as used for 4+ broods last year) 19/03/15 Goosander x 1pr Oystercatcher x 2 20/03/15 Grey Partridge x 2 Skylark x 2 Tree Sparrow x 5 Yellowhammer x 1 Bumble Bee spp. x 1 SK814993 25/03/15 Chiffchaff x 2 SE804002 Gadwall x 2 SK804992 WALESBY Walesby village TF 135 925 Recorder - Jackie Freeman 15/3/15 - my garden Weasel under bird feeders Buff tailed bumblebee on pulmonaria In flower - red deadnettle, chickweed, lesser celandine, dog violet. 15/3/15 - around village In flower - dog violets, dog's mercury, lesser celandine Primroses in flower since mid. Jan. Abundant wild garlic leaves 7/3/15 Male Brimstone - recorder Hugh Stickland WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 20/3/2015 7 Greylag Geese near drain in area. Also: Little Egret, 3 Herons and a Common Buzzard. 4 pairs of Lapwings off Hurnbridge Road. 3 Yellowhammer in hedge on Hurnbridge Road. New probable badger sett noted. Details sent to recorder. 21/3 and 22/3/2105 Male Chaffinch with exceptionally conspicuous white flash, extending upwards to the rump and downwards, less obviously, to the flanks. There was a second bird of somewhat lesser whiteness, but still much whiter than a regular Chaffinch. I did wonder if it might be subspecies F. c. gengleri I have some not-very-good trail camera clips. 22/3/2015 Hurnbridge Road TF216535 Barn owl perched on Electricity pole "antenna", 22.00hrs approx. Reed bunting under feeder - 10.30hrs Black beetle in house. 11.30hrs. Determined from photo by Charlie Barnes - Pterostichus niger - ground beetle. Red-tailed bumblebee (queen) Bombus lapidarius nectaring on Erysimim "Bowles Mauve" Wallflower. 13.00hrs. 25/3 2 Buzzards in area. 6 pairs of lapwing. Yellowhammer on Hurnbridge Road. Reed Bunting. 2 Stockdoves. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 27th March 2015 Nigel Lound, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker The welcome rainfall, 3.4mm recorded on the 25th, was the most recorded in a 24 hour period since 22nd February. Temperatures for the week have remained disappointingly low, brought about by fresh winds from a northerly sector. Ground and air frosts were frequent. However the 20th was the exception when hazy but warm sunshine gave a maximum of 15.25°C. On this day several white- tailed bumblebees were about and a single red admiral was on thewing near Brickyard and brimstone at Rimac. There has been some frog activity in local ponds, common newts seen, and a report of a common toad at Rimac. The sightings of summer bird migrants remain disappointing with the first Chiffchaff heard near Churchill on the 20th and singles elsewhere later in the week. Small numbers of Redwings have been passing over most days. The recent high tides did not produce that many birds with 60 Sanderling, 21 Ringed Plover, and 30 Redshank reported; 5 Twite were feeding on the tideline on the saltmarsh near Sea View. There had been quite a good wash-out of starfish and razor shell from the tides attracting almost 400 Herring Gulls but only 3 Greater-black Backed Gulls. Paradise Pond continues to hold a good range of wildfowl and on the 20th NL reported in the area 23 Gadwall, 36 Shoveler, 6 Brent Geese, 12 Teal, 1 male Pintail, 10 Tufted Duck, and a single Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. An interesting possible Water Pipit was also observed by NL who commented "a grey and pink pipit was watched for several minutes with Meadow and Rock Pipits. Most likely a Water Pipit but not easy to separate from littoralis Rock [Pipit]. Smart bird though and looked good." Other bird sightings have included a Goldfinch flock of up to 70 birds near Brickyard, Green Woodpecker yaffling (20th) and Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming (24th), 6 Common Buzzards drifting south-west high over Rimac on the 20th which must have been a fine sight watching them tumble and talon grapple on the thermals, a single Woodcock on the 23rd near Seaview, a Short-eared Owl over the saltmarsh on the 24th, and Peregrine Falcon, 18 Snipe and a Jack Snipe near Rimac on the 27th. Common whitlowgrass is in flower in sheltered areas of short vegetation on the dunes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 20.03.15 Birds: Barn owl bearded tit 5 bittern blackbird 40 black headed gull 50 blue tit 42 bullfinch 3 canada goose 20 carrion crow 29 cetti's warbler 4 chaffinch 23 chiffchaff 3 common gull 20 coot 60 cormorant 7 curlew 21 dunnock 22 gadwall 8 goldcrest 2 goldeneye 5 goldfinch 27 GBB gull 2 GS woodpecker great tit 20 greenfinch 3 greylag goose 45 house sparrow 15 jackdaw 15 kestrel kingfisher LBB gull linnet 2 little grebe 2 long tailed tit 20 magpie 12 mallard 30 marsh harrier 2 mistle thrush 2 moorhen 9 mute swan 7 oystercatcher 2 pied wagtail 6 pochard 43 redshank 4 redwing 8 reed bunting 6 ringed plover 2 robin 20 rook 2 shelduck 21 shoveler 2 snipe 3 song thrush 2 starling 20 teal 20 tree sparrow 5 tufted duck 32 water rail 4 wigeon 10 wood pigeon 30 wren 16 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 *** 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 et. 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: caroline.amphlett - hard bounce - will not continue trying - address cleaned rachael.elizabeth - hard bounce - will not continue trying - address cleaned *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. One of Europe's rarest butterflies spotted in Norfolk http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/update/2015-03-23/one-of-europes-rarest-butterflies-spotted-in-norfolk/ Isaac Newton royal medal design discovery http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-31965063 Great British Beach Clean - the results are in! http://www.mcsuk.org/what_we_do/Clean+seas+and+beaches/Reports+and+downloads/Beachwatch+results+2014 Swansea tidal lagoon negotiations 'opening' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-31927779 Non-native plants pose 'no threat' to UK flora http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32020321 Where does my personality fit in? [Check the Lincolnshire findings] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31816926 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/