============================================= || || 24th April 2016 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 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 link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins since Feb 2009 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, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. 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.... *** I did not expect a blizzard last Saturday morning. It was very impressive, though the snow did not settle here. Perhaps I should have expected this, as we had planned to take Coningsby Wildlife Watch looking for reptiles and amphibians on the Sunday. We were, in fact, lucky with the weather. St George's Day is when we remember to look out for St George's Mushrooms. No surprise there - though I have had an earlier reports of these being found this year. See: http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/calocybe-gambosa-st-george%E2%80%99s-mushroom You may also spot other spring species if you are lucky. The Morels. See: http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/morchella-esculenta-common-morel "Morel mushrooms ...are found in the wild by people who walk 15 miles through the woods to get 10 of them and then never tell the location to a soul, not even on their death beds to a priest." [Garrison Keillor] http://www.yavanika.org/classes/reader/keillor.pdf There are reports of Cuckoos from Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe. Reports please. Go, Stanley! See: http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking I wonder if you saw the news story about a baby orangutan meeting its mum for the first time after her c-section? http://www.itv.com/goodmorningbritain/news/watch-a-baby-orangutan-be-reunited-with-his-mother http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/36052032 The BBC has a useful webpage on the EU referendum which you may find helpful when thinking through the different points of view. If anyone finds a good page dealing with the environmental angle, please tell me about it. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/eu_referendum [Reminder: If any link in the Bulletin does not work, please look at the URL. See if an extra http:// has crept in. If it has, delete the error in the URL and try it again. This problem seems to affect 'long URL addresses'.] Thank you for all your contributions. Please keep them coming. Roger *** Interesting Birds about *** Ring Ouzel https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/r/ringouzel/ Garganey https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/g/garganey/ *** LNU EVENTS- list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** Section 11 now includes the LNU Field Meetings for 2016. To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://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. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Saturday, April 23, 2016 Potterhanworth Wood SSSI Joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group) (A private woodland site with access courtesy of F.G Battle & Sons Ltd) Southeast of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF07306621 which is a hard-standing area next to a barn. Follow minor road east from Potterhanworth through wood and then take track immediately on right where road bends. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. The South Lincs Flora Group intend to be recording in the general area on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland. Leader (LNU): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Leader (BSBI): Sarah Lambert sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com *** Space Stuff *** In pictures: Stargazing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-36024751 Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for April can be found on the link below: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Expect a couple of Meteor Showers in late April/early May, the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids. See: http://popastro.com/meteor/reference/meteorshowers/index.php There is a transit of Mercury coming up on May 9th, so check out safe ways to observe this. You should never attempt to look at the Sun without safe Solar- viewing equipment or by 'projection'. Solar viewers can be ordered on Amazon. https://britastro.org/transit2016 http://www.nakedeyeplanets.com/mercury-transit-2016.htm *** Opportunity in Romania for Small Mammal Scientist *** Georgie Scott writes: We are currently recruiting a small mammal scientist to collect data on the status of small mammal populations within the Tarnava Mare region of Transylvania. This position will ideally between 8 weeks during mid-June to mid-August. The position will involve various different surveys including using traps to assess the diversity, distribution and abundance of different species. Applicants should have experience of working in the field with a biological undergraduate degree level or higher or equivalent experience. Experience of conducting similar work with small mammals would be ideal, but most important is a desire to learn and enthusiasm for conducting field work in remote locations. In return, successful applicants receive full accommodation and food onsite, current and future research opportunities, networking and skills development, flight bursaries for more experienced candidates, and of course the opportunity to contribute towards long-term conservation efforts. If you would like to apply for the position of Small Mammal Scientist, please fill in our online application form at www.opwall.com/jobs and send a CV or resume to Georgie Scott at georgie.scott@opwall.com Georgie Scott - Fundraising Coordinator and Romania Country Manager Operation Wallacea +44 1790 763194 www.opwall.com http://www.facebook.com/opwall www.youtube.com/opwall Operation Wallacea is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, PE23 4EX *** SCUNTHORPE MUSEUM SOCIETY *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 23rd April 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them when they listen to the beautiful dawn chorus in Weelsby Woods, Grimsby with Ray Hume. Meet Ray at 4.30am in car park within the woods. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information contact Ray - 01472 320878. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops 2016 *** in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union See section 11 below for details. All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 12:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** RSPB *** Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ South Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....." There should be something for everyone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird 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/ 16/4 Firecrest near Sykes Farm, Spotted Redshank on Croft Marsh Gibraltar Point 15/4 Great Northern Diver, Far Ings, flew to Humber 3 Hen Harriers, 1m, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 16/4 Great White Egret by Rover Welland, south of Spalding Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Turtle Dove, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Glaucous Gull, Grimsby Docks 17/4 Garganey Drake, Grainthorpe Hen Harrier ringtail, North Cotes Point 2 Short-eared Owls, Tree Pipit, Donna Nook Garganey, Spotted Redshank, Turtle Dove male singing, Great White Egret flew north over approach road, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Garganey, Covenham Reservoir Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank Cattle Egret reported, Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe 18/4 Glaucous Gull, Grimsby Docks Hen Harrier male, Bonby Carrs Redstart male by toad pools, Saltfleetby Garganey, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Redstart, Short-eared Owl, Little Stint, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel in hedge by Low Mill Lane, Fosdyke 19/4 Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owls, Donna Nook Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank by River Welland Glaucous gull, Grimsby Docks Ring Ouzel, Humberston Fitties Osprey, Chapel St Leonards, flew north at Wolla Bank 6+ While Wagtails, Whimbrel, Trent Port Wetlands north of Marton Black Redstart near cattle trough, Frampton Marsh 2 Garganey [[1 drk], Freiston Shore Firecrest male singing near feeding station, Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel, Gooseman's fields, Grimsby Black Redstart fem/1w m, 2 White Wagtails, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Hybrid male Blue-headed Wagtail x Yellow Wagtail in ploughed field by Wyndham Garden Hotel, Marston Short-eared Owl north over Ruskington 20/4 Blue-headed Wagtail plus hybrid male Blue-headed Wagtail x Yellow Wagtail, Marston 19 White Wagtails at Trent Port Wetlands, WSW of Marton Hybrid male Blue-headed Wagtail x Yellow Wagtail, near barn, Turtle Dove in tree at corner of hedge, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 2 Short-eared Owls on realignment, Donna Nook 2 Short-eared Owls, Saltfleetby Red-necked Grebe, east of sailing pit, Barton-upon-Humber 21/4 Hen Harrier ringtail, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper on grassland south of old car park, Frampton Marsh 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. Rare 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. THEDDLETHORPE BEACH/NATURE RESERVE Clare Brady 21/4/2016 Cuckoo calling and seen on top of sea buckthorn. First I have heard for a couple of years now. ROADKILL Nr KELSTERN AIRFIELD 03.04.2016 Peter Crick Hare *** 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 BOSTON (South by A16) March 2016 Kath Pearson I was able to do the BTO Garden Birdwatch on 30 days in March. Twenty-seven bird species were recorded in the garden and are listed below. The first number represents the number of days the species was recorded in the garden in March (max 30) and the figure in brackets the highest number of that species present at any one time in the month. Blue Tit 30 (3), Woodpigeon 30 (9), Long-tailed Tit 26 (3), Great Tit 29 (3), Blackbird 30 (4), Collared Dove 30 (4), Robin 30 (2), Starling 24 (8), House Sparrow 27 (4), Dunnock 29 (3), Goldfinch 26 (3), Wren 17 (2), Chaffinch 22 (3), Magpie 12 (2), Siskin 1 (4), Coal Tit 3 (1), Black-headed Gull 4 (6), Common Gull 2 (1), Herring Gull 3 (2), Rook 1 (2), Sparrowhawk 4 (1), Greenfinch 15 (4), Goldcrest 5 (1), Jackdaw 2 (2), Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 (2), Chiffchaff 2 (1), Pheasant 1 (1). 08/04/2016 Female Blackcap on bird feeders in garden. 14/04/2016 First Swallow flying over. BOSTON. (South by A16) March 2016 Kath Pearson Additional non-avian species recorded in the garden during March's BTO Garden Birdwatch were:- White-tailed Bumblebee, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Comma and Peacock butterflies. Also frog and squirrel. BOSTON (High Street/London Road) 18/04/2016 Male Peregrine circling overhead, before moving towards the docks. COLSTERWORTH SK93/22 Jane Ostler April 12th - 21lst 2016 Vertebrates Road casualties of badger (on B6403) and fallow deer(B6403 and alongside Twyford Wood). Hedgehogs have been found in good numbers including in estate gardens which have allowed access for these wide ranging mammals to neighbours gardens. There have been almost no records of newts and none of grass snakes yet. 3 egrets are still seen regularly beside the River Witham, competing for fish with the resident herons. Red kite are coming occasionally into gardens, and sparrowhawks regularly taking collared doves, blackbirds and other passerines. There is an increase in buzzards seen circling the thermals. Redstart in one garden and up to five bullfinches in several gardens. First swallows and house martins seen on 12th April. Young blackbird being fed on lawn on l7th April. Invertebrates Butterflies - Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and a single Green Veined White. First Orange Tip on 19th April. Tree Bumble Bee, back in nest boxes. More ladybirds (7-spot) than last year. Bee flies and Yellow Dung Flies. Ichneumon wasp (Ichneumon stramentarius), Green Shield Bug. Green Lacewings. Plants Hedgerows at best with full flowering of blackthorn, cherry, Norway spruce, cherry laurel. The horse chestnuts have candles and the hawthorn flower buds ready to open. On April 10th it seemed the verges were suddenly covered in cowslip flowers. By 21st the first of the cow parsley in flower. Lesser celandine is remarkable in its abundance this year. GRIMSBY - WYBERS WOOD. TA 238092 25.03.2016 Peter Crick Brimstone x 1 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 12/4/2016 Pheasant 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Wood pigeons 18 13/4/2016 Chiffchaff 1 Great tits 2 Long tailed tits 2 Magpie 1 15/4/2016 Chiffchaff 2 16/4/2016 Blackbirds 2 (filling their beaks and must be feeding chicks) Starlings 2 (frenetic activity in and out of hole in apple tree) 17/4/2016 Bee, red tailed 1 Bluebells just opening Brown rat 1 (very large and seen in the middle of the day) Rabbit 1 18/4/2016 Sparrowhawk 1 Roe deer 1 (definitely not the usual muntjac - came in the garden at 8pm!) 19/4/2016 Greenfinch 3 (one was flitting about with feathers in her mouth for her nest) Small tortoiseshell 2 20/4/2016 Blackbird fledgling 1 White butterfly 1 - couldn't see which type KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 16/04/2016 Jon drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly garden birdwatch for the BTO were: Blackbird 2 Collared Dove 9 House Sparrow 20 Dunnock 3 Goldfinch 4 Greenfinch 2 Chaffinch 3 Starling 10 Robin 2 Great Tit 1 Tree Sparrow 1 Blue Tit 2 Woodpigeon 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 17/04/2016 Jon Drakes and Mike Wilson A walk around Roxton Woods and fields to the North of the village found the following species recorded: House Sparrow Starling Blackbird Dunnock Collared Dove Goldfinch Woodpigeon Rook Greenfinch 2 Chaffinch Robin Jackdaw Linnet 5 Canada Goose 4 Buzzard 2 Lesser Blackback Gull Carrion Crow Swallow 3 First sightings of 2016 Pheasant Chiffchaff 4 Great Tit Coal Tit Kestrel 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Magpie Yellowhammer Wren Blue Tit Moorhen 2 Pied Wagtail 2 Roe Deer - male 1 Peacock Butterfly Small Tortoise Shell Butterfly Red Tailed Bumble Bee NEW WALTHAM TA 285046 25.03.2016 Peter Crick Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly Ladybird 7 spot Queen Wasp Queen White Tailed Bumble Bee Bee fly - feeding on Primulars 08.04.2016 Bee fly 09.04.2016 Ladybird - 7 spot on greenhouse door 13.04.2016 Bee fly 16.04.2016 Small Tortoise shell 17.04.2016 Cabbage White X 2 Peacock 19.04.2016 7 Spot Ladybird x 6 MAUSOLEUM WOODS - GREAT LIMBER (Grid reference TA1309) 15/04/2016 Jon Drakes A walk around Mausoleum Woods, Great Limber found the following species present: Blue Tit Pheasant Carrion Crow Woodpigeon Blackbird Magpie Chaffinch Robin Wren Goldcrest Great Spotted Woodpecker Coal Tit Nuthatch Jay Jackdaw RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 14.04.2016 White-tailed Bumblebee Wasp queen x 2 Tawny Mining Bee 17.04.2016 Buzzard Tawny Owl calling 19.04.2016 Tree Bumblebee queen 20.04.2016 Common Newt x 2 in pond 21.04.2016 Blackbirds busy collecting worms Bullfinch (f), sadly dead due to window strike Long-tailed Tits (heard) Common Toad Comma butterfly (first of the season) RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 14/04/2016 Starlings 4 Long-tailed Tits 9 Reed Bunting 1 Siskin 8 Goldfinch 12 Greenfinch 4 Chaffinch 12 Pied Wagtail 1 House Sparrow 5 Dunnock 2 (1 ringed) Blackbird 4 Chiffchaff 1 Coal Tit 1 Great Tit 4 Blue Tit 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Collared Dove 2 Wood Pigeon 3 Jackdaw 4 Buzzard 1 Large Red Tailed Bumble Bee 1 Comma 1 Brimstone 1 7-spot Ladybird 12 Brown Hare 1 TATTERSHALL LAKES 17.04.2016 M&R Pocklington Tattershall Thorpe lakes Swallows skimming Mirror Pool THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 06/04/16 Chiffchaff x 1 singing Pied wagtail x 2 09/04/16 Chaffinch x 4 Dunnock x 1 Robin x 2 Swallow x 1 SK813999 13/04/16 Blackcap x 1 singing SK809993 Chiffchaff x 1 singing SK809993 Brown Rat x 1 Rabbit x 1 (dead) A male Lesser Redpoll, rung by Paul in Owston Ferry SE8000 on 25/03/16 was re caught at Catterick Garrison, N. Yorks SE1798 (116km NNW of ringing site) on 03/04/16. TORTOISESHELL WOOD SK963199 Jane Ostler 17th April 2016 Flowers are at best with carpets of bluebells and wood anemones, some wood sorrel and the first flowers of wild garlic coming out. On early morning visit, overcast, all three species of woodpecker heard. Lesser spotted woodpecker is a first for me here. Also nuthatch, bullfinches, blackcap, chiff chaff and willow warbler. 5 fallow deer in wood. WADDINGHAM TF 988963 13.04.2016 Peter Crick Brimstone x 2 WADDINGTON In my garden in Waddington High Street. Peter Wilson 12th April 2016 Robin sitting on eggs in nest box on garden wall. Waddington churchyard. 13th April 2016 Cowslips in flower. And a question about hares; in the spring last year I saw many hares in the fields around the Waddington area going over to Metheringham And Scopwick but this year I literally haven't seen one, does any one know what has happened to them? WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 17/4/2016 Small white butterfly in garden. Adult Tawny Owl on cherry tree near gate 7.3 pm. 18/4/2016 Swallow seen entering nest site building. Tawny Owl roosting in evergreen tree in garden. Song Thrush and Pied Wagtail hunting on lawn. 2 pairs of Buzzards displaying heard and seen from garden. Kestrel flew across garden. 3 as Bank Voles in compost heap. 20/4/2015 Bee Fly Housemartin hunting over garden 2 mallard drakes are occasional visitors. WRANGLE COMMON 21/04/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today produced twenty-eight species. Only two summer visitors were present - Swallow (2) and Blackcap (1), despite the surrounding dykes hosting plenty of acrocephalus warblers (especially Sedge). Buzzard (1) and Kestrel (1) were present, but only one wader was seen - a Snipe. Water birds were in reduced numbers, with both Greylag and Canada Geese now dispersing to breed. Two Shelduck, six Mallard and seven Tufted Ducks were present. Skylark (6) and Meadow Pipit (1) are breeding on the wet grassland, which is now drying rapidly. A single Roe Deer was seen and the butterflies counted were:- Peacock (1) and Brimstone (2). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/gibraltar-point See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT TF565855 Jane Ostler 20th April 2016 11a.m. - 2p.m. on a sunny day a walk from the Mill pond down to the shore. In flower Two distinctly different dandelions. Apart from the more typical Taraxacum officinale agg. the most abundant was the one of the microspecies lumped under the common name of Lesser Dandelion. Spring Beatury dominated in places with the miniatures of forget-me-not, hairy bittercress, storksbill and mouse-ear chickweed, including field mouse ear and and little mouse ear and field woodrush. There were large areas of Danish scurvy grass in dune slacks nearest the sea. Invertebrates The snails seen were mainly dark lipped banded snails but whilst examining what resembled a garden snail, I watched a shiny, black pill millipede crawl into a small depression in the ground. The grass closed over it providing a place to shelter from the drying out effect of the sun. The bees seen were the red tailed bumble bee and the ginger coloured Bombus pascuorum. There were volcano shaped nesting sites of mining bees on the beaten paths at the edge of the dunes. The dandelions are important for the butterflies. In one area Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock were feeding on them almost side by side. Bee flies were also feeding on the dandelions. On the water of the ponds whirligig beetles were living up to their name. Birds From the Mere hide black-headed gulls, coot and shelduck predominated. A swan was sorting out its nest and a little grebe kept surprising us by bobbing up in different areas after periods of fishing underwater. Amongst the sea buck- thorn and other shrubs chaffinches seemed to be singing everywhere but there was also the constant cackle of magpies. At a pool onthe shore there were several godwits and an oyster catcher flew over. However as always we had glimpses of birds we were not sure about - one we thought to be a little egret and asd always there is one which we were not familiar with and flew away before we had a good look! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 14th - 20th April 2016 Contributors: Lizzie Lemon, Rob Scott, Nigel Lound, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison 13th Cuckoo calling between Sea View and Rimac. Single peacock and brimstone on the wing. Grasshopper warbler 1, swallow 3, cuckoo 1, wheatear 2 f, whitethroat 1. 14th Between Brickyard Lane and Rimac - lesser whitethroat 3, whitethroat 2, blackcap 4, willow warbler 7, chiffchaff 5, grasshopper warbler 2, cuckoo 2, song thrush 3, all in song. Cuckoo flew south over Rimac (24mm rainfall 15/16 04) 15th A Kingfisher was seen at the Haven. Between Sea View and Churchill Lane Car Park were 2 Goldcrest, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler (Churchill Lane pond) and a Cuckoo. 6 Whimbrel flew off the saltmarsh early morning and mid-day 10 flew in from the SW over the dunes near Sea View, circled distantly and landed on the saltmarsh. Blackcap & Wheatear between Sea View and Rimac. 16th 7 Whimbrel over dunes towards saltmarsh near Sea View. Swallow 2, and 3 Whimbrel over Sea View and single peacock butterfly on wing. 17th Cattle Egret flew north over NNR at 0840 hrs. 4 species of bee, 1 species of bee fly, 2 species hoverfly, 4 peacocks and 3 small tortoishell butterflies seen Sunday afternoon in the dunes south of Brickyard Lane, also 2 swallows. 18th Ringed Plover 35, 1 Little-Ringed Plover and 20 Dunlin on saltings out from Brickyard. Also 1 White Wagtail and 6 Pied Wagtails on wet area out from Brickyard Lane. 7 Fieldfare flew north and 5 Whimbrel were around. A Redpoll sp flew north, a Peregrine went south over the beach, a Grasshopper Warbler was again reeling between Rimac and Churchill Lane and a male Redstart was present at Rimac as was a Cuckoo again. A mixed flock of hirundines over the Eau at Rimac consisted of 15 Swallow, 15 House Martin and 2 Sand Martin. 9 House Martins in one flock flying high over Sea View and Whimbrel seen with at least 43 feeding on saltmarsh near Sea View in late afternoon [male Redstart reported near Rimac by Benjamin Ward] Smart male Redstart by the ponds at Rimac in the afternoon. Pair of marsh harriers were hunting over saltmarsh east of Rimac. 19th 17 Whimbrel feeding on saltmarsh and 7 Swallows, single Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Redwing near Sea View. Wheatear, 3 at Brickyard Lane and 5 at Sea View. Whitethroat on territory at Brickyard Lane. Sedge Warbler 1 at Rimac, Swallows and Sand Martins trickling north all morning but only just double figures, Goldcrest 2 at Rimac, Siskin 1, Yellow Wagtail 1 on marsh. Herring Gull 220, Great Black-backed Gull 5, Cormorant 14,Little Egret 6, Ringed Plover 46, Dunlin 15, Sanderling 18, Oystercatcher 31, Curlew 35, Whimbrel 18, Redshank 6, Shoveler 1pr on lagoon, Tufted Duck 8 and Teal 11 on the river, Marsh Harrier 1 Peregrine flying north between Sea View and Paradise. Wheatear in field between Sea View and RImac. 20th Peregrine flying very low over freshwater march at Rimac. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/far-ings See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2014/07/07/visit-dormouse-project These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ KIRKBY MOOR nature reserve LWT - TF 225629 Sunday 17th April 2016 R. Parsons for Coningsby Wildlife Watch Group A sunny day following late snow showers on 16th! Reptiles Adder - 2, 1 large, 1 small http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/adder Common Lizard 4 adults and one 2-year-old with tail stump. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/common-lizard Slow Worms - 2 adults, one juvenile female http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/slow-worm Amphibians Several newts - some definitely Palmate http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/palmate-newt Birds Buzzard seen and heard calling Chiffchaff - many heard calling Green Woodpecker heard Chaffinch Invertebrates Pond Skaters http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/pond-skater Water boatmen http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/lesser-water-boatman Great Diving Beetles http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/great-diving-beetle Woodlouse - 2 species http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/woodlouse http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/woodlouse Ladybirds. 7-spot. Black slug. Bumblebees: Red-tailed http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/red-tailed-bumblebee White-tailed http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/white-tailed-bumblebee Buff-tailed http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/buff-tailed-bumblebee Mining bees http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/tawny-mining-bee Plants Fungi Birch bracket Horsehoof fungus Small orange species - indentified Horsetail Bog Myrtle - Myrica gale http://lwt-lag.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/bog-myrtle-myrica-gale.html Wood sage http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/wood-sage Peacock butterfly Other signs and clues: Owl pellet [probably tawny] http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/tawny-owl Fox scats Mole hills and runs. Vole holes. Rabbit droppings. Deer droppings - probably Roe http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/roe-deer Deer "runs" crossing path Muntjac deer seen http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/muntjac-deer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. 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 websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 or from the website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php 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 *** *** 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 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 Related Website: http://lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/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 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Copy and paste URLs as necessary, please. Not all are "live". *** Videos and photos - additions welcome *** Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ David sent in another fine video of a starling murmuration in January [2016] at Kirkby on Bain gravel pits - LWT's Hide Pit. https://flic.kr/p/BT6HMp 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 *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** 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 *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** 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 *** 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. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). 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 You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK with any specific questions. angela.digges@clara.co.uk *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard 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). If in doubt please contact for advice: d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** 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 ejohnredshaw@gmail.com *** 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 *** 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. 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! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** 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 *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, 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/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Mark Schofield writes: Always consider the provenance and sustainable sourcing of seed. Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. Bee-friendly gardeners should refer to their A-Z suppliers list which can be found here: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing Advice: www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** 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/contacts *** 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/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project 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 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Jonathan Gahan http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer jonathan.gahan@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/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/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ *** Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 some 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 Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , 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 sometimes withhold precise details 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. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. 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.] 2016 Field meetings Saturday, April 23, 2016 Potterhanworth Wood SSSI Joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group) (A private woodland site with access courtesy of F.G Battle & Sons Ltd) Southeast of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF07306621 which is a hard-standing area next to a barn. Follow minor road east from Potterhanworth through wood and then take track immediately on right where road bends. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. The South Lincs Flora Group intend to be recording in the general area on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland. Leader (LNU): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Leader (BSBI): Sarah Lambert sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Saturday, May 21, 2016 Wharton Wood (afternoon and evening moth/bat session) (A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates) Northeast of Gainsborough - 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at SK 8421 9192 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside it where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. Evening session from 20.30 until late. No mains available for moth traps. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest toilets are in Gainsborough town centre or in local village pubs (Blyton, Corringham or Morton). Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland, ponds, grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, June 04, 2016 BioBlitz Event - Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds All Day with evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council) Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds. 10.00 start with evening session starting at 21.00. Meeting point and parking at TA308066 in Country Park carpark which is free (nearest post code DN35 0PB). People can come and go as they wish. The Discovery Centre at Cleethorpes Boating Lake will be the data collection point, which is just over the road from the eastern end of the Country Park. NB. There is a parking charge in the Boating Lake grounds/Discovery Centre. Possibility of mains available for moth traps at Discovery Centre. Toilets and cafe available at the Discovery Centre. Habitats: Lake, dunes, shore, grassland and scrub. Leader: Rachel Graham Rachel.Graham@nelincs.gov.uk LNU Contact: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Sunday, July 17, 2016 Stanton’s Pit LWT Reserve Field meeting to Stanton's Pit LWT Reserve (joint meeting with British Dragonfly Society Southwest of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF034173 (nearest postcode PE10 0JN) which is about half-way off minor road between Little Bytham and Witham-on-the-Hill. Nearest facilities in village pubs. Habitats: Former sandpit with lake, marsh, acid grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, August 13, 2016 Tetney Blow Wells LWT Reserve With evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of LWT and Anglian Water) South of Cleethorpes 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.15. Park alongside Church Lane in Tetney village in vicinity of church or nearby. There is a footpath which leads to the reserve just to the east. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Facilities available in local village pubs in Tetney or Tetney Lock. Stiles present. Habitats: Blow wells, marsh, woodland, grassland, streams and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 04, 2016 Burkinshaw’s Covert (A private site with access courtesy of Total Lindsey Oil Refinery) North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park (by Gate No.7), Rosper Road, North Killingholme (grid ref TA16701754 and post code DN40 3DZ will get you nearby). Assemble at security gatehouse to meet Alan Jones from Humber Nature Partnership. Alan’s mobile no. is 07905 491647 if there are any problems finding the location. NB. Gate 7 is on Rosper Road, to the east of the refinery, not on Eastfield Road which is to the west. We will all need to drive to site (under escort by security staff to unlock gates) and will all need to leave at the same time (just after 16.00). May need to car share depending on numbers. Toilets available at security gatehouse. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, grassland and pond. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Site Contact: Alan Jones 07905 491647 alan.jones@humbernature.co.uk Sunday, October 09, 2016 LNU Annual Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) (Access courtesy of the Forestry Commission) North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF058299 at northern entrance track to wood (nearest post code NG34 0HE). Take minor road west from Aslackby, off the A15. Nearest public toilets are in Bourne. Habitat: Broadleaved woodland. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops *** in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 12:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. May 14th: Spiders Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? A second chance to find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. June 18th: Rushes and Sedges Workshop Interested in plants but would like to know more in particular about Rushes and Sedges? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. July 9th: Riverflies Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Riverflies? (May Flies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies) Come along and find out more with local expert Richard Chadd. July 16th Diptera (Flies) Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Flies? Come along and find out more from local experts Phil Porter and David Denman ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. If you recognise any of these part-addresses, please let the owners know. No failures this week. And finally: Lincolnshire-to-Denmark power cable plan consultation starts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36042706 East Lindsey District Council re-instates free all-day parking http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36033395 Anglo-Saxon cross fragments found in Louth rectory garden http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36070551 Peregrines at Lincoln Cathedral http://wew.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/datewithnature/148849-peregrines-at-lincoln-cathedral Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project http://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/derby-cathedral-peregrine-project Pickering leaky dams flood prevention scheme 'a success' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-36029197 RHS Britain in Bloom https://www.rhs.org.uk/communities/campaigns/britain-in-bloom/get-involved? England's only resident golden eagle 'feared dead' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-36038262 Scotland’s Wild Heart http://www.discoverwildlife.com/gallery/amazing-images-highlands-scotlands-wild-heart? Hundreds of redwings have descended on our gardens http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/15/hundreds-of-redwings-have-descended-on-our-gardens Great monarch butterfly migration mystery solved http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36046746 Bat-sound library tracks biodiversity http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36035968 Tiny birds tracked on mammoth Sahara flight http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35958741 Sumatran Rhino Spotted http://www.mygreenpod.com/articles/sumatran-rhino-spotted/ The island where nothing makes sense http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36076411 Woodman, spare that tree http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/18/woodman-spare-that-tree Attack of the holly leaf miner http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/16/attack-of-the-holly-leaf-miner Woodland springs into urgent new life http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/12/woodland-spring-birds-flowers-insects Note: If a link does now work, please look at the URL See if an extra http:// has crept in. ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/