============================================= || || 13th 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.... *** For the first time for several years, I think, we have a Flood Alert here. It is always a disturbing warning and you need to think about what to do if the situation deteriorates - simple things like charging your phone. The Environment Agency's website has lots on information and advice, plus a free flood warning service for areas at risk. It is a good idea to look at this website before you need to deal with a real threat of flooding. See: http://apps.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood/31618.aspx 25 members attended the AGM last Saturday, which dealt with the LNU business efficiently and concluded with an excellent presidential address by Mark Schofield. Thank you to all who supported and contributed to the meeting. Event organisers please note: I shall be having one of my walkabouts in April, so I shall be aiming to send out a Bulletin on Wednesday 30th March to cover the weeks of 3rd and 10th of April. The Bulletin for 17th April should be back to a more usual routine. If you have any events or similar time-bound information you would like to go out on 30th March, please get it to me early that week. 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 *** LINCOLNSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS - 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/ *** 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. 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 *** 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) *** Natural History Books For Sale *** David Wright sent me the following: "I am planning to sell my private collection of books which include the old NATURAL HISTORY AND BOTANY items as listed below. Should you feel they may be of possible interest to any members of your society, then please feel free to circulate them and my contact details, either by e-mail now, or in your next newsletter. In the latter case I can hold them for up to 6 months upon request. A photograph of each is available to enquirers. "Although the books are priced at some 15% below the lowest current commercial figures,I can offer a further reduction of 10% on the stated prices to society members or institutions. Postage and insurance are extra at cost and payment is only required on receipt." Editor adds: I have posted a text version of David Wright's list on a webpage. See: http://www.rogerparsons.info/davidwright.txt *** ANCIENT YEW IN LINCOLNSHIRE *** Jane Ostler wrote on 4/3/16: Surprised to find only 5 'notable' sites on the Woodland Trust register. I have recorded and dated trees in the county, but yew trees do not conform to the rule of thumb which uses girth measurements - so records may not include estimates of age. They may pre-date the churchyards in which they are found but many estates records catalogue their trees. Examples of trees that I would think are more than notable are the Six Hills Yews on the site of the Gilbertine Priory and the oldest continuously managed yew hedge in Britain at Ascoughfee Hall, Spalding. Both are featured in the Tree Awareness Group's book "Forty Special Trees of Lincolnshire" Many of our country house gardens have very old yew - Little Ponton Hall, Doddington Hall I have both visited recently. If no one has done so already it would be good to put something together on yews in Lincolnshire and put us on the map so to speak. Editor adds: Also see A Welsh Princess in Lincolnshire - the Six Hill Yew Tree http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4803630 Easton Walled Gardens Yew Tunnel https://miladysboudoir.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/sweet-pea-week-at-easton-walled-garden-lincolnshire/yew-tunnel/ Maurice Johnson's gardens at Ayscoughfee Hall http://nau.nps.co.uk/ayscoughfee/pages/strategy.html *** 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? *** 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. *** LADYBIRD PLAGUE THIS YEAR? *** Could the ladybird plague of 1976 happen again? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35603972 Also see: http://www.ladybird-survey.org/ http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ *** OIL BEETLE SURVEY - volunteeers needed - contact Charlie Barnes *** 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 *** LINCOLNSHIRE CHALK STREAMS PROJECT *** William Bartle writes: Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project We've got our 2nd practical volunteer days coming up: 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# *** 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 *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 12th March 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Weelsby Woods, Grimsby. Meet leader Ray Hume in the car park at 9am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information contact Ray Hume 01472 320878. On Monday 14th March 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting where speaker Mary Porter will give an illustrated talk - " A Year in the Life of Lincolnshire Wildlife Watch." This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2, all are welcome. Trust goods stall & raffle. Tea & coffee available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 505858. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk March 17th: British Native Ferns by Neil Timm A local expert looks at the variety of ferns found in Britain and their ecology. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops 2016 *** 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 *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Econet Call for Papers: Raptors Uplands and Peatland *** http://www.ukeconet.org/raptors.html UKEconet is the international portal of the Biodiversity and Landscape History Research Institute (BALHRI), working in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University and the South Yorkshire Biodiversity Research Group (SYBRG). The website includes a Waxcaps training guide and a review of Ian Rotherham's book "The Lost Fens". http://www.ukeconet.org/ *** 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 3/3 Hen Harrier Ringtail near Conisholme wind farm, Covenham Reservoir White Stork, flew over A15 3 miles north of Bourne 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese with Dark-bellied Brent Geese and hybrid Black Brant x Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Gibraltar Point Shorelark, from Buck Beck car park and leisure centre, Snow Bunting, Cleethorpes Garganey, Willow Tree Fen 4/3 3 Spotted Redshanks, Scaup 1w drk, Frampton Marsh Shorelark, from Buck Beck car park, Cleethorpes 5/3 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Snow Bunting near Buck Beck car park, Cleethorpes Kittiwake ad, Boultham Mere Twite, Marston sewage works Water Pipit, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Gibraltar Point Scaup f, Thorpe Lake, Whisby Nature Park Garganey, Willow Tree Fen 6/3 Richard's Pipit between Appleby and Broughton 7/3 Water Pipit on Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point Little Ringed Plover, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 8/3 8 Snow Buntings, Jack Snipe, Cleethorpes 2 Black Brants with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, North Cotes Slavonian Grebe, Toft Newton Reservoir Garganey drk, Willow Tree Fen Caspian Gull,on beach south of Crook Bank, Saltfleetby Scaup f, Thorpe Lake, Whisby Nature Park 2 Hen Harriers, Pale-bellied Brent Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, North Cotes airfield Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier, 22 Twite, Tetney 9/3 Mealy Redpoll with Lesser Redpolls, Marston Glaucous Gull ad flew NE over Riverhead, Louth 10/3 2 Hen Harriers, both ringtails, from Wash Viewpoint, Gibraltar Point. Great White Egret, Willow Tree Fen Slavonian Grebe, Toft Newton 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. NOCTON and surrounding area Jerry Gunner writes: I thought the bramblings had gone but then on Wednesday March 2nd 2016 there was a male sticking his head in a peanut feeder (the lid has been prised off by squirrels) and feeding there for about half an hour. Another slightly unusual sighting on a peanut feeder was a single greenfinch. We used to have loads of them but they’re fairly scarce now. There are several wrens in the garden looking very chipper in their spring plumage. I’ve found three blackbird nests on the go but there are undoubtedly many more; a dunnock seems to be building in the woodpile. On Monday there were as many as 100 redwings at one time on the trees down the driveway. They seemed to be passing through and there were undoubtedly many more. They alighted in the upper branches and stayed there for a while before moving on. This went on for about an hour. We seem to have three grey squirrels helping themselves to the bird food. Regular spaniel launches deter them for a short while but they soon come back when she is safely back behind doors. The best way to keep them away for longer seems to be to chase them from tree to tree down the driveway. I have put a dedicated squirrel feeder with peanuts in it about 15 yards away from the other feeders. This seems to keep them away from the feeders nearer the house – until they empty it. On the evening before we were due to have snow, I think it was Tuesday, it was very warm when I went to close up the chickens for night. A song thrush was singing its heart out in one of the yew trees and it was difficult to credit the yellow weather warning for he following day. To cap it all at least one pipistrelle was flickering around the back lawn. [TF052644] Rarest sighting of the week was a honey buzzard progressing from east to west over Branston towards RAF Waddington on Wednesday morning. Not a thing I see every day! Regular buzzards are very common and I counted no fewer than six circling at medium level yesterday when I was walking the dogs along the Carr Dyke. As I look out of the TV room window on this dreich Thursday morning (10.3.16) I can see on the trees and bushes surrounding the lawn two greenfinches, two blue-tits, several goldfinches, a cole tit and a single male brambling. On the ground are a lot more goldfinches and chaffinches eating fallen nyger seed accompanied by three wood pigeons, two stock and two collared doves and a scattering of dunnocks. About normal but no wrens heard or seen and no redpolls although they were here yesterday. Disconcertingly probably the rarest bird noted in the garden this week, notwithstanding the redpolls and bramblings that excited me so much, was a single tree sparrow on Sunday morning. I can't remember the last time we had one in the garden - they're certainly not frequent visitors. Tuesday was a special day. I was looking out of the utility room window and noticed a stoat running up and down the deep furrows in the recently ploughed field. I kept my eye on it for a minute or two and thought I might have time to get my camera. By the time I came back I saw the little killer coming towards the house from the field with a young rabbit in his mouth. What I thought was random running up and down was apparently a hunt! The stoat eventually ran off away from the house towards a rabbit warren in the garden. Lucky catch for me and the stoat. For rabbit, not so much. I've seen stoats in the garden quite a few times over the years, including on one occasion when the stoat itself was being stalked by a pair of jackdaws. First time I've got an 'action' shot of one though. When I took the dogs out Tuesday lunchtime I saw two little egrets together at Wasps Nest, I don't remember seeing two together for a long time. ROADKILLS A18 Between Laceby and Keelby (Grid Reference TA1907) 5/3/2016 Jon Drakes Badger - large adult. Looked to have been hit by a motor vehicle A15 near Elsham Wold (Grid Reference TA0414) 6/3/2016 Jon Drakes Badger - large adult. Looked to have been hit by a motor vehicle Minor road between Raithby and Hallington TF305850 Silvia Fowler 04.03.2016 Badger (blond-ginger colouring, fairly small, perhaps a young adult) dead on verge; no obvious injuries. This is exactly the spot where 3-4 years ago I once came across a live badger at dusk. *** 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 Brenda Lane TF 344440 2 March 2015 Frog frenzy around garden pond during shower of rain. More than 20, mostly males around a single female. First spawn 6 March. Sunny but very cold. CLEETHORPES BOATING LAKE (Grid Reference TA3107) 5/3/2016 Jon Drakes Species noted during a brief visit were : Mallard Black-Headed Gull Pochard Coot Moorhen Greylag Goose Hybrid Goose Magpie Blackbird Mute Swan Feral Pigeon Herring Gull Tufted Duck Woodpigeon Carrion Crow Curlew Little Egret Starling GRANTHAM SK918356 M. Ellis 04/03/16 Corner St. Catherine's Rd/Dudley Rd Red Kite flying above Blue tits 2 Blackbirds (daily) Great tit Robin Grey squirrel Woodpigeons (daily) HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden 5/3/16 Robert Walker Frogs are now active in the pond with the first 3 clumps of frogspawn appearing. (earlier than last year when first spawn appeared on the 13th.) HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid Reference TA3304) 5/3/2016 Jon Drakes A brief visit found the following species around the salt marsh pools and on the foreshore: Mute Swan Mallard Black-Headed Gull Herring Gull Little Grebe 4 Shoveller Oystercatcher Shelduck Cormorant Carrion Crow Starling Curlew Little Egret 1 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden unless advised otherwise) 3/3/2016 Starling 1 5/3/2016 Chaffinches 2 Great tits 2 Pheasants 3 (males, all walking around together) Wood pigeons 15 6/3/2016 Chaffinch 1 Magpie 1 Rabbit 1 Starling 1 7/3/2016 Collared dove 1 Magpies 2 (collecting twigs) Wood pigeons 13 8/3/2016 Rabbit 1 (think he's the culprit eating a new tree) Wren 1 9/3/2016 Dunnock 1 Wren 1 KEELBY (Grid Reference TA1610) 5/3/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Birdwatch in our back garden were: Collared Dove 3 Dunnock 3 Robin 2 House Sparrow 25 Tree Sparrow 3 Blackbird 2 Coal Tit 1 Blue Tit 1 Goldfinch 2 Wren 1 Chaffinch 2 Starling 10 Greenfinch 2 Woodpigeon 2 The first Frog Spawn of the year was also seen in the garden pond today. NOCTON TF049636 B1188 6/3/16 Robert Walker Buzzard 1 On carriageway with item of what appeared to be roadkill. Had to drive around the bird, but managed to see it move away to safety on the verge. OLD BOLINGBROKE TF348664 4/3/3/16 Robert Walker Buzzards 6 Active in the skies over Sow Dale. also Treecreeper 1 TF334644 Mill Lane also Brown Hare 1 TF335652 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 04.03.2016 Woodmouse found in tall greenhouse waste bin - released alive 05.03.2016 Songthrush in song 06.03.2016 Mixed flock of 80-100 Fieldfares and Redwing on pasture Magpie x2 Pied Wagtail First Blackbird song of the season 7-Spot Ladybird active in greenhouse (possibly brought in on some plants) 08.03.2016 Collared Dove flew into window - neck broken 10.03.2016 Blackbird singing softly a.m. Mistle Thrush carrying nesting material TORTOISESHELL WOOD SK963199 Jane Ostler 6/3/16 A half hours walk on a cold (3C) morning. Sunny. Found that, in spite of warmest winter on record, except for the primroses plants no further forward than in recent years. One bush of blackthorn with a few flowers but otherwise it was Prunus hybrids with blossom out, and flowers of hazel, dog's mercury and a solitary dandelion in neighbouring field. No violets found in flower. The only woody plant with leaves unfolded was the elder and the hawthorn buds only just fattening. An old apple tree has fallen, covered in pollution tolerant, foliose lichens. New brackets of turkey tail and hairy stereum are forming. Old fruits of King Alfred's Cakes were on ash and beside the diseased oaks which have been felled the remains of Ganoderma adspersum which were the cause. There was little evidence of birds. More contact calls than song. Wren, dunnock, coal, great and blue tits crow and just one chaffinch heard. No song thrush, nuthatch or green woodpecker as last year at this time. Moles have retreated to highest ground, under hedges and ride sides. a muntjak has eaten bark from fallen apple tree but no deer seen. No signs of amphibians in pond. This time a negative sort of report but no doubt when I go again in about a fortnight it will be all change. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 7/3/2016 Pair of kestrels active in garden. 9/3/12016 - we have a Flood Alert. Several Little Egrets and Swand in area including Scrub Hill, Hurnbridge road and Castle Dyke Bank. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/22 Week begining 5/3/16 Female sparrowhawk very active, mainly collared dove feathers left in piles onlawns. Large flock of lapwings flew over. Great spotted Woodpeckers and Bullfinches back in gardens. Flowers out in hegerows:- Sweet Violet (white and yellow forms), Blackthorn(just two bushes in flower) Prunus cerasifera and hybrids. Gorse and Daisy have been in flower since Christmas. Barren Strawberry - just one or two flowers, Lesser Celandine, Hazel, Butcher's Broom (all male flowers), Spurge laurel, Alder. FROGS Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth SK922224 lst one seen swimming in garden pond 3/3/16. This is a distinctively marked female, with leopard-like spots and , if she produces spawn will be her third breeding year. 6/3/16 Two paired up having hopped into the pond in this condition. 10/3/16 About eight frogs, mainly male can be seen amongst the vegetation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 2nd-9th March 2016: Contributors: Lizzie Lemon, Rob Scott, Nigel Lound, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison Official winter may have ended at the end of February, but the first week of March has seemed more like midwinter at times,with frequent showers and larger spells of rain. Very strong cold NE force 6 wind on 5th and some wet snow lying on ground on Monday 5th morning of a depth <25mm which soon thaw. Despite this, there are signs of spring are starting to be seen in sheltered spots with celandine and red dead nettle coming into flower. Small tortoiseshell butterfly and bumblebee seen at Sea View. 2nd March- The cormorant flock on the beach numbered about 180 out Rimac early morning before the birds began to flight out on fishing sorties all along the coast. Brief scans across the sea yielded 19 Red-throated Divers flying north.The feeding finches and buntings on the samphire beds and foredunes included over 40 twite, 26 linnets, 8 snow Buntings, 12 yellowhammers, 10 reed buntings and 12 goldfinches, along with 6 pied wagtails. 3rd - 78 cormorants on outer beach from Sea View. Female hen harrier observed on outer dunes from Rimac chasing and mobbing 3 brown hares. 4th - A typically quiet early March day, being neither Winter nor Spring. The only birds of any note were a male stonechat on Crook Bank track and 2 velvet scoter close in off- shore south of Crook Bank. 10 Snow Bunting were on the beach south of Crook bank and 16 Gadwall were on the Haven lagoon. A Harbour Porpoise swam slowly south offshore out from Crook Bank at 0737. Pair of mistle thrush holding territory near Sea View. 6th - The area of water in the fields at Paradise continues to attract wildfowl including, 9 tufted duck, 10 gadwall, 40 teal, 20 shoveler, 4 mallard and 1 little grebe. Some finch gatherings in the Brickyard Lane area with over 30 of each of greenfinch and chaffinch, along with a regular feeding flock of 10 goldfinches. One great spotted woodpecker flew over Sea View 7th- 67 red-throated divers and a great-crested grebe flew north over the sea in 20 minutes from 7am. These early morning flights have been a feature of the winter, where it's presumed that they are birds repositioning after drifting south during the night. The mobile snow bunting flock(s) were all together in the morning, numbering 18 birds, the males now beginning to look very "bright and white". Around 1,500 common gulls on the beach roost in the evening. A redpoll was present with the finches from the previous day in the Brickyard Lane area. 8th- 67 red-throated Diver flew north and another 15 were on the sea. 3 great-crested grebe and 2 auk sp also flew north. 43 oystercatchers, 30+ each of dunlin and sanderling and 37 Redshanks, along with over 50 curlew were on the shore at the afternoon high tide. 3 Harbour Porpoise were also seen with one going north at 0756 and then 2 together further out going south 10 minutes later. An immature Caspian Gull was on the beach south of Crook Bank and a green sandpiper was on the grass fields east of the gas plant. 3 Stonechat were still around Rimac Car park and a coal tit at SeaView. Also in the area were peregrine, merlin, marsh harrier and common buzzard. The Trust wetland field at Seaview, had 21 curlew, 168 wigeon, 46 teal, 4 shoveler and 1 heron, with another 84 curlew on field over the road. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WATERS EDGE COUNTRY PARK - BARTON UPON HUMBER (Grid Reference TA0323) 6/3/2016 Jon Drakes A walk around the country park found the following species present: Woodpigeon Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Magpie Mallard Canada Goose Tufted Duck Greylag Goose Pochard Coot Oystercatcher 2 Herring Gull Robin Goldeneye 2 Moorhen Cormorant Lesser Blackback Gull 1 Dunnock Siskin 1 Great Tit Longtail Tit Lesser Redpoll 1 A Grey Squirrel was also seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** 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. 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. Northern lights illuminate UK skies as far south as Oxfordshire http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/mar/07/northern-lights-aurora-borealis-illuminate-skies-as-far-south-as-oxfordshire Norfolk grey seal twin pups R2-D2 and C-3PO ' a world first' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-35745612 Body of seal found nearly 40 miles inland at Swavesey http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-35735248 After the rain, as the sun sets, the bullfinches come out of hiding http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/08/sussex-birds-bullfinches-habitat-loss Bats at large, unseasonably, on a mild winter afternoon http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/05/country-diary-harlech-jim-perrin-bat-winter-woodland-dusk Sexual success of liverworts has ensured their survival for millions of years http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/03/rites-ancient-plants-sexual-reproduction-liverwort-wolsingham-weardale Amber-trapped lizard fossils reveal 'lost world' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35718404 Orangutan population up but threats remain http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35708288 Poaching for ivory stabilises but elephant decline continues http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35712369 Asian bats show resistance to deadly white-nose syndrome http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35758422 Running with the hyenas of Addis Ababa http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35725229 The 20 best science images of the year? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-35744907 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/