============================================= || || 6th March 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 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.... *** Winter 2015/16 was a record breaking season for the UK. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2016/winter-statistics It is AGM time, when members play a vital part in the decision-making and management of their organisations. Both the LNU and Lincolnshire Bird Club have AGMs in March, and both have very interesting speakers lined up, Mark Schofield (LWT) and Mark Thomas (RSPB). Please come along and give your support and encouragement. More information below. LNU Books. The LNU is disposing of copies of its older titles to members. Copies of the following will be available at the LNU AGM at Whisby Nature Park on Saturday March 5th: The Geology of Lincolnshire by H H Swinnerton and P E Kent 1981; Atlas of the Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians of Lincolnshire and South Humberside by Maurice Johnson 1982; The Butterflies and Larger Moths of Lincolnshire and South Humberside by J Duddinngton and R Johnsons 1983; Lincolnshire Soils by Allan Straw 1969 This issue has a good range of Wildlife events and activities on offer including a "Toad Crossing Patrol", Oil Beetle Hunt, Chalk Streams Project volunteer days and a call for Lincoln Freshwater Watch Volunteers. There is a question about veteran Yew Trees, a reminder about Bats in trouble, and 'The Plastic Challenge'. The first LNU field meeting of the year at Potterhanworth Wood SSSI is a joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group)on Saturday, April 23, 2016, details below. Note: As this is a private woodland, no exploring before the set time please, and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. A complete list of 2016 LNU Field Meetings can be found below in section 11. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for March can be found on the link below: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Please keep your reports and news coming and please tell others about the Bulletin. If you find a contribution especially interesting or useful, please let us know. [The 'forward to a friend' link is at the end of the Bulletin. Please do try it.] Roger p.s. Wildlife in Trouble? For a really useful LWT list of local contacts, see: Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals *** LNU Events - list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** Section 11 now incluced 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. Saturday, March 05, 2016 AGM & Presidential Address AGM, Followed by the Presidential Address by Mark Schofield, “Better Connected - Can our road networks serve as super- highways for wildlife?” 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 *** The Lincolnshire Bird Club AGM *** The Lincolnshire Bird Club cordially invites you to The Admiral Rodney, Horncastle at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 22nd 2016 for a talk by Mark Thomas (RSPB) He will be talking on: "The Life of a Bird Detective" Mark Thomas works for the RSPB Investigations team and assists the statutory agencies to investigate crimes against wild birds in the UK. The talk is FREE to everyone and will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (members only) *** Toad Crossing Patrol volunteers wanted - Burton Pedwardine *** Martin Thompson writes: Toad migration on White Cross Lane, Burton Pedwardine, is under way two and a half weeks earlier than the last two years. It has stopped at the moment due to the very cold weather. Last year we saw 4500 toads crossing the lane. If you would like volunteer please contact Martin on 07763103846. *** Any Frogspawn Yet? *** Froglife's Frequently Asked Questions about frogspawn can be found here: http://www.froglife.org/info-advice/spawn-tadpoles-larvae/ Amphibian and Reptile reports may be sent to: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 Or you can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Ashley adds: Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. *** Oldest Yew Tree in Lincolnshire? *** Alison Brownlow writes: I have been asked "where is the oldest yew tree in Lincolnshire"? Does anyone have an answer? Editor offers the following website where some "notable" Lincolnshire Yewtrees are shown: http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/news/yew-data http://www.ancient-yew.org/gazetteer.php *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2016 deadline - 31st March *** The closing date for entries is 31st March 2016. It is an easy application process. For more information, see: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Reminder: Volunteers wanted for oil beetle survey *** Charlie Barnes writes: Last year a second population of oil beetles were found in Lincolnshire, on the sea banks of the Wash. Their presence on the banks suggests a relatively recent population and poses the question of how widely distributed they are in the area. To ascertain this I'm looking for volunteers to assist in an oil beetle hunt. Survey routes have been drawn up on public footpaths on the banks surrounding the Wash, ranging in length from 2 to 8 miles. Based on records from the only other Lincolnshire site, surveys will be best carried out in March and April. No previous experience is needed! Oil beetles are large, conspicuous and easy to recognize, and if there is any doubt a photo confirms the identification. There are some excellent photos and information on the Sherwood population in neighbouring Nottinghamshire at http://www.eakringbirds.com/eakringbirds4/meloeproscarabaeus.htm If you're interested in taking part - or regularly walk along the sea banks - get in touch for further details: charlie@cucaera.co.uk Charlie Barnes Lincolnshire recorder for beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** The Plastic Challenge. Could you do it? *** Giving up single use plastics, whilst raising money to fight plastic litter. A day, a week, a month - how long can you last? 1st - 30th June 2016 Wherever you are! Be part of the community @mcsuk and#plasticchallenge We have a vision of a world where plastics don't end up in our seas and on our beaches, where they persist and impact our marine life. https://www.mcsuk.org/plasticchallenge/? *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** William Bartle writes: We've got 2 practical volunteer days coming up: Wednesday 9th March - 10am - 3pm - Owmby - Working on Owmby beck, clearing bankside vegetation to allow light into the stream. Thursday 24th March - 10am - 3pm - Brigsley - Working on a previous project on the Waithe beck, helping to maintain flow. Please contact: william.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01507 609740 for more information There's also information on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams/events# *** Lincoln Freshwater Watch Volunteers needed - Can You Help? *** Marie Taylor writes: This is an opportunity to become those “eyes and ears” on the ground helping to protect and improve the water landscape of Lincoln as part of a worldwide project called Freshwater Watch, where you have an opportunity to submit your results into an online database. https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.org/ What we need: · 15 volunteer groups based in Lincoln that have a connection to/or an interest in water quality to become better pollution incident reporters. · This support to be a part of the volunteer groups use or activities on or near the water. (e.g Canoe clubs, CRT boat operatives, walking clubs, boating groups, etc). If you interested or are aware of any groups that would be interested in this exciting addition to their use of the waterways in Lincoln please contact Marie. She would like to have this in place before the end of March. Marie Taylor Project Officer Lincolnshire Rivers Trust Email: marie.taylor@lincsrivers.org.uk Phone: 07895423983 [Please Note I only work on a part time basis (Mon-Weds). ] Website: http://lincsrivers.co.uk/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society *** The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Monday, 14th March, is the date of the next meeting, starting at 7.15pm as usual. Allan and Susan Parker of ASPphoto Images of Nature will be giving us their illustrated talk "Shetlands Revisited". As well as birds and their habitats, the talk will include other wildlife and also scenery of the Shetlands. The talk will take place in the St. Bernadette's Parish Hall on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN12 2RS. (Opposite the Priory Hotel.) ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. There is a large free car park in the Church grounds. For more information ring Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098 or visit the website 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 Barton Group meetings: Wednesday 16th March "Life on the Verge" A talk by Aiden Neary, Roadsides Reserves Warden. Meet at Ness End Farm, Far Ings for a 7:30pm start For details contact; Adrian White (01724 732152) All welcome, Trust membership not needed Sunday 20th March Brough Haven and Welton Water A half-day walk around this area Warm clothing, waterproofs and strong footwear recommended Meet at Ness End Farm, Far Ings for a 9am start For details contact; Adrian White (01724 732152) Car share available, non-members welcome *** 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 *** 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. *** Reminder: Hedgehog Street petition *** Hedgehog Street writes: 'The hedgehog is currently listed on schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Adding it to schedule 5 will confer more protection to hedgehog habitat. The most direct benefit of this will probably be that developers will have to consider hedgehogs when they build. We need 100 thousand signatures by August 11th to ensure this is discussed in Parliament. Thank you.' https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/121264 *** Bat Reminder *** Annette Faulkner writes: Could I ask readers to keep their eyes open and let me know of any bats they see flying, either during the day or at dusk, between now and mid March (when they emerge from hibernation)? If you find a grounded one please phone 01775 766286 as soon as you have securely boxed up the bat (wear gloves or use a cloth to scoop it up), and we will take it into care. Also see: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge *** A YWT member sent in the following YWT message: We are delighted to invite you to join us on Saturday 17 September 2016 to take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge. To secure your place on this fantastic adventure visit www.ywt.org.uk/3peaks With a registration fee of just £25 all we ask is that you fundraise a minimum of £175 to help us protect and conserve Yorkshire’s wild places and wildlife. *** Guardian Wildlife Identification Quiz *** I hope all readers will score 12/12! http://www.theguardian.com/environment/quiz/2010/may/18/wildlife-identification-skills ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 26/2 Shorelark west of Buck Beck car park, Cleethorpes 2 Water Pipits, Gibraltar Point Slavonian Grebe near River Witham mouth, Scaup 1w drk, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 75 Twite at realignment, Donna Nook Scaup f, Thorpe Lake, Whisby Nature Park 27/2 2 Short-eared Owls, South Common, Lincoln 80 Twite, Hen Harrier, 2 Water Pipits, Black Brant ad with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Tetney Marshes Pale-bellied Brent Goose, North Cotes Airfield Scaup 1w drk, Little Stint from old car park, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe, Toft Newton Reservoir 2 Garganey. 1+ drk, Willow Tree Fen Rough-legged Buzzard reported [late] between East and West Keal 28/2 Scaup 1w drk, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Water Pipit, Donna Nook Bittern [late] Whisby Nature Park 29/2 c8 Snow Buntings, by coastguard building, Mablethorpe 2 Velvet Scoters south of Crook Bank, 12 Snow Buntings, Saltfleetby Shorelark, Cleethorpes Garganey drk, Willow Tree Fen Probable Glaucous Gull on Novartis Sports Field, Pywipe, near Grimsby 1/3 Garganey drk, Willow Tree Fen Twite in field 200 yards east of Great Gonerby Spotted Redshank, male Hen Harrier, Frempton Marsh 2/3 Short-eared Owl flew over A46, Market Rasen Shorelark, Cleethorpes 2 Common Cranes flew WSW over Willingham by Stow Garganey drk, Willow Tree Fen Scaup f, Thorpe Lake, Whisby Nature Park 3/3 Hen Harrier Ringtail near Conisholme wind farm, Covenham Reservoir 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. Roger died on this day in 2009 at the age of 61. He was a great supporter of the Bulletin, contributing information for many years. He will be fondly remembered by many readers. http://www.family-announcements.co.uk/localworld/view/1001337/roger-goy ROADKILLS A16 Partney TF409689 Silvia Fowler 02.03.2016 Badger, road kill *** 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) 02/03/2016 Kath Pearson Four Siskins in garden today. Up to a total of seven feeding on alder cones on spare land behind the garden. BOSTON (South by A16) February 2016 Kath Pearson During February, I was able to do a BTO Garden Birdwatch count on all 29 days. There were 22 species recorded, the commonest being Woodpigeon. The figures below give the number of days a species was recorded in the garden, with the highest count of a species at any one time on any one day given in brackets. Collared Dove 29 (4), Woodpigeon 29 (18), Blue Tit 29 (3), Blackbird 29 (3), Great tit 28 (3), Dunnock 27 (3), Robin 27 (2), Long-tailed Tit 26 (7), House Sparrow 22 (5), Magpie 17 (2), Wren 14 (2), Herring Gull 11 (4), Goldfinch 9 (5), Starling 8 (12), Black-headed Gull 8 (4), Goldcrest 4 (1), Chaffinch 2 (1), Common Gull 2 (1), Coal Tit 1 (1), Blackcap 1 (1), Sparrohawk 1 (1), Song Thrush 1 (1). Perhaps the most surprising thing about the list is the omission of Greenfinch. DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 29/02/16 Time: 0910 - 1210 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny. frosty, cold Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Buzzard Cananda Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coot Cormorant Fieldfare Gadwall Goldcrest Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Greenfinch Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pochard Redwing Reed Bunting Robin Rook Siskin Starling Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren Deeping High Bank: Barn Owl Black-headed Gull Carrion Crow Goldeneye Goosander Grey Heron Kestrel Mallard Moorhen Woodpigeon Mute Swan HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden unless advised otherwise) 26/2/2016 Blue tit 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Great tit 1 Magpie 1 Pheasant 1 27/2/2016 Wren ` 28/2/2016 Song thrush 1 (pulled up 2 worms in about 2 seconds!) Woodpigeons 12 Wren 1 29/2/2016 Crows 12 (in oak - all seemed to be stripping bark from branches - is this usual behaviour?) Magpies 2 Song thrush 1 1/3/2016 Collared dove 1 Pheasant 1 2/3/2016 Buzzard 1 (TF515767) KEELBY (Grid Reference TA 1610) 27/2/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in our back garden were: Collared Dove 4 Blackbird 4 Dunnock 4 Goldfinch 1 House Sparrow 20 Starling 20 Chaffinch 2 Robin 1 Greenfinch 1 Tree Sparrow 2 Siskin 2 (one male, one female) Magpie 1 Blue Tit 1 At 08:30am a skein of approximately 400 Pink-footed Geese was seen (and heard) flying in a North Westerly direction over the village. They were at a fairly high altitude and were no doubt on their journey back to their breeding grounds above the Artic Circle. KEELBY (Grid Reference TA 1610) 28/2/2016 Jon Drakes Seen in our back garden on a bright Sunday morning were: Blackbird 6 Collared Dove 15 Starling 10 Chaffinch 4 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow 30 Greenfinch 3 Tree Sparrow 2 Woodpigeon 1 Goldfinch 4 Robin 2 Wren 1 Blue Tit 1 Jackdaw 10 KEELBY (Grid Reference TA 1609) 27th & 28th February 2016 Mike Wilson and Tracey Smith Species noted in the back garden over the weekend of the 27th / 28th February were: Starling 30 Goldfinch 30 Chaffinch 40 Blackbird 10 Siskin 8 House Sparrow 6 Woodpigeon 6 Collared Dove 5 Longtail tit 5 Great Tit 2 Blue Tit 2 Greenfinch 2 Reed Bunting 2 Wren 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Dunnock 2 LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 27 Feb - 16 Song Thrush - 1 Robin - 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 27.02.2016 Long-tailed tits on fatball feeder Collared Doves mating 28.02.2016 2 Wrens in song 01.03.2016 3 Canada Geese on pasture (TF309849) 03.03.2016 Small mixed flock of 25-30 Fieldfare and Redwing feeding on pasture together with local Blackbirds, 2 Mistle thrushes and 1 Song thrush SLEAFORD Richard Dawson w/e 26/2/15 (6 walks sightings accumulated) Walking the river Slea from Cogglesford Mill to Haverholme Priory 06:15 to 08:00 Barn Owl x 2 -hunting the old River Slea in long graceful silent sweeps. One came down to ground about 40 yards ahead - the dog rushed up to investigate and was very spooked as the owl hovered six or so feet above him with talons outstretched. Oh for a camera. Kingfisher x 3 Otter Adult Otter on opposite bank - who was more surprised at this encounter me, the otter or the Patterdale terrier? Only the second time I've seen one on the Slea in 10 years walking it. Group of Little egret x6 Heron x 4 Many skylarks singing overhead on winter wheat fields Short eared owl Sparrowhawk Brown hare x2 on skyline a good variety of blackbirds, sparrows, robins, thrushes, wren, magpie and possible yellow wagtail Garden feeders: house sparrow (about 15) blackbirds x2 robin Blue tit x2 Great tit x2 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 29/2/2016 3 Brown Hares up to their usual spring antics TF2253 02/03/2016 Tawny owl calling in garden 9pm. 03/03/2016 Buzzards calling over garden. 2 unidentified bumblebees on the wing! WINTERTON Alice Nunn 25/2/2016 At least a week earlier than usual I found some frogspawn in my "so called" garden pond in Winterton. I spotted it on Thur 25th Feb, though I suspect it had been laid 2 or 3 days previously. Sadly I missed the associated orgy of amplexus!! In previous years I have found it on or around 1 March. WRANGLE COMMON 28/02/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson On a walk across the wet grassland and by the lake today, birds present were Canada and Grey-lag Geese, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, two Herons, two Tufted Ducks and two Snipe. The Curlew flock numbered approx 30 birds. The recent sunshine and strong winds have dried the surface of the grassland and this probably accounts for the reduction in Snipe numbers. An interesting side-light on the decline of some species (at a local level at least), came with the ringing of a Lesser Redpoll on 24/02/2016. This was the first to be ringed here since 1988. The years 1975-1988 produced a total of 95. WRANGLE COMMON 03/03/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count for the BTO today produced 31 species. Of interest were Snipe (4), Jack Snipe (1), Curlew (c40), Buzzard (1), Kestrel (1), Jay (2), Gadwall (3), and Teal (6). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 NNR, Notes Period 25th February to 2nd March: Contributors, Nigel Lound, Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison Most resident species of birds are now in song, with plenty of Skylarks to be heard, Song and Mistle Thrushes, YellowHammer for the first time and in the early morning, many Dunnocks in the buckthorn along the length of the reserve. 250216 130 Dunlin on the beach following the morning high spring tide, where there were also 0ver 70 Twite and 25 Snow Buntings, the males of the latter species now being to look ‘bright and white’ as they develop their breeding season plumage. Over 350 Pink-footed Geese flew north and Red-throated Divers could also be seen flying north over the sea. Around 300 Curlew seen leaving beach roost early morning, returning late afternoon each day. Also, over 30 Whooper Swans and 600 Pink-footed Geese continue to use the outer beach sands at Rimac for roosting each evening. 260216 A sea watch over the morning high tide period saw 188 Red-throated Diver and 35 Great-crested Grebe relocating northwards. 5 Guillemot were around and a drake Goldeneye flew north close in. A Turnstone flew south along the tide line and 4 Ringed Plover went north. Around the Haven were a single Short-eared Owl, 28 Shoveler and 17 Gadwall. A male Brambling and 5 Bullfinch (3M and 2F) were around CLCP. A Harbour Porpoise swam slowly south close to shore at 0731. 270216 Around 60 Twite on the beach in the morning, but only 6 Snow Buntings seen. Also over 100 Dunlin and 32 Oyster catchers at high tide. About 86 Cormorants could also be seen on the beach out towards Rimac, from where they fly fishing sorties all along the coast. Again, Red-throated Divers seen flying north, where 47 counted in an hour. 290216 58 Red-throated Diver and 14 Great-crested Grebe were seen south of CB with most of the divers going north and most (13) of the grebes being on the sea. The only ducks on the sea were 2 immature/female Common Scoter and a pair of Velvet Scoter again. A male Brambling and single Goldcrest were around CB, 11 Snow Bunting were on the beach south of CB and 328 Brent Geese were on the Haven lagoon, only 6 immature birds. 32 Shoveler and 19 Gadwall between Paradise Pool and the Haven lagoon. 280 Pinkfeet went high north and there were still around 150 on Elm House Farm. A couple of Marsh Harriers were at Rimac freshwater marsh and 4 Buzzards were circling the Brickyard Lane area. A single Stonechat was seen at Rimac along with 8 Snipe on the freshwater marsh. A single Harbour Porpoise swam slowly south about 50m offshore out from CB at 0716. 010216 Over 70 Twite and 3 Snow Buntings on the beach along with 8 Pied Wagtails. The roost of Goldfinches at Brickyard Lane has built up to over 20 birds. 020316 81 Red-throated Diver, a single Black-throated Diver and an adult Gannet flew north at sea early on. A male Hen Harrier flew north over the Haven and a male Marsh Harrier flew low, north over Elm House Farm where there was a large (female) Peregrine terrorising the Wigeon there. The dunes were (not surprisingly) rather quiet, but over 40 Twite, 8 Snow Buntings, 26 Linnet, 8 Pied wagtails, 33 Sanderling and about 200 Golden Plover were on the beach. 2 Harbour Porpoise were seen swimming slowly south some 200m offshore south of CBCP. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. WETLAND RESERVE TF 331595 Garry Steele Monthly maximums and noteworthy ornithological sightings - February 2016:- Black-headed Gull - 55+ Canada Goose - 2 Common Gull - 230+ Cormorant - 1 Curlew - 105 Fieldfare - 14 Grey Heron - 1 Greylag Goose - 108 Little Egret - 2 Mallard - 75 Mute Swan - 1 Redshank - 10 Shoveler - 2 Snipe - 2 Starling - 20+ Tawny Owl - 1 Teal - 32 Tufted Duck - 3 Wigeon - 13 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ *** 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 DN32 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. dean bird - soft bounce - Mailbox quota exceeded - delivery failed; will not continue trying geoff.copley - soft bounce - Hop count exceeded - possible mail loop k.skingle - Soft Bounce - over quota - permanent fatal errors And finally: note:If a link does now work, please look at the URL See if an extra http:// has crept in. Cutting from Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree given to University of Lincoln http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35696547 Anglo-Saxon 'island' unearthed in Lincolnshire field http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35707690 River Trent Flooding - remember that lesson on Ox-bow lakes? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5PGu7qpqwc&app=desktop North Sea whale deaths: Definitive answer months away http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35658449 Give beavers permanent residence – we’d be dam stupid not to [Link failed last week due to an extra "http"! Sorry.] https://theconversation.com/give-beavers-permanent-residence-wed-be-dam-stupid-not-to-55256 Illegally collected Himalayan plant seeds sold in UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35699297 Law firm in new legal threat over UK air pollution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35689427 'Humble little fungus' is oldest known land fossil http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35698463 Latest EU Sentinel satellite debuts ocean and land images http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35708037 In search of the Anthropocene Epoch http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35692252 Tense wait for baby Slovenian 'dragons' - Olms http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35668069 Rise in the number of Monarch butterflies migrating to Mexico http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35678062 Is the Pacific too warm for Galapagos sea lions? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35663084 Fewer than a third of Britons spotted a hedgehog in their gardens last year http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/28/lack-of-sightings-drop-hedgehog-population Treecreepers at my toes, a wildcat on camera http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/27/country-diary-collier-achvaneran-highlands-feeding-birds-treecreepers-badgers-deer-wildcat A chance for sphagnum is a chance for all http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/26/chance-sphagnum Mysterious chimpanzee behaviour may be evidence of ‘sacred’ rituals https://theconversation.com/mysterious-chimpanzee-behaviour-may-be-evidence-of-sacred-rituals-55512 Ten things you never knew about the ocean’s deepest places https://theconversation.com/ten-things-you-never-knew-about-the-oceans-deepest-places-55172 A few Referendum links from readers: RSPB NI concerned that Brexit could impact on wildlife preservation http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-35652442 Brexit a threat to UK nature and wildlife, say experts http://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/brexit-a-threat-to-uk-nature-and-wildlife-say-experts/ Brexit would be damaging to UK’s environment, warn senior experts http://www.green-alliance.org.uk/page_2040.php Group including past heads of RSPB and National Trust believe EU membership has positive effect on Britain’s natural habitat http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jan/27/brexit-damage-uk-environment-rspb-national-trust ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/ p.s. Don't forget - the LNU welcomes the support of new members. See: http://www.lnu.org/join.php