Don't forget British Summer Time starts on Easter Sunday! ============================================= || || 27th 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, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** You might find the following article of interest. The plight of the Ash tree has been a matter of concern to us for some time. See: Ash tree set for extinction in Europe http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35876621 Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for March can be found on the link below and it should transmogrify itself into the April Night Sky in due course: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Looking ahead, expect a couple of Meteor Showers in late April/early May, the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids. See: http://popastro.com/meteor/reference/meteorshowers/index.php There is a transit of Mercury coming up on May 9th, so check out safe ways to observe this. You should never attempt to look at the Sun without safe Solar- viewing equipment or by 'projection'. Solar viewers can be ordered on Amazon. https://britastro.org/transit2016 http://www.nakedeyeplanets.com/mercury-transit-2016.htm I shall be 'going walkabout' in April, so the next Bulletin will be on 17th April, when things should be back to our usual routine. If you can consolidate your reports to simplify editing tasks when I get going again, I'd be grateful. Note: If any link in the Bulletin does not work, please look at the URL. See if an extra http:// has crept in. Delete the error in the URL and try again. This problem seems to affect 'long URL addresses'. [You could use this quiet period to promote the Bulletin to a friend or two. We hover at about 1100 readers but have never yet hit 1111! The 'forward to a friend' link is at the end of the Bulletin. Please do try it.] Roger *** LNU EVENTS- list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** Section 11 now includes the LNU Field Meetings for 2016. To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Saturday, April 23, 2016 Potterhanworth Wood SSSI Joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group) (A private woodland site with access courtesy of F.G Battle & Sons Ltd) Southeast of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF07306621 which is a hard-standing area next to a barn. Follow minor road east from Potterhanworth through wood and then take track immediately on right where road bends. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. The South Lincs Flora Group intend to be recording in the general area on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland. Leader (LNU): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Leader (BSBI): Sarah Lambert sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com *** Bee Fly Prompt *** Editor writes: I usually give readers a reminder about Bee Flies in the second week of April. I will remind you of these splendid insects now, so you can be ready for them. See: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/dark-edged-bee-fly http://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources-rx/files/bee-fly-identification-129900.pdf http://www.brc.ac.uk/soldierflies-and-allies/bee-flies *** Mrs Smith's Cottage - Good News *** Funding boost for Mrs Smith's Victorian cottage museum http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35889757 *** Wildflowers from Kew *** Register now for your free Grow Wild seed packet. Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Grow Wild is the national UK wide outreach initiative of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://wildflowers.growwildseeds.com/#introduction Mark Schofield says: I have checked out the species list for the 'England and Wales Mix' that is being offered. It would be suitable for gardens and growing and aftercare instructions are provided on the website. The project appears to be a good way to introduce many people to wildflowers in their gardens but not the best way to introduce wildflowers to the countryside. I would recommended it should be usedfor small plots in gardens or on allotments. Editor adds: The General advice given in each Bulletin is: 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 *** 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 *** SCUNTHORPE MUSEUM SOCIETY *** Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Our last indoor meeting for this 2015/2016 "season" is on Monday,11th April, starting at 7.15pm as usual. At this meeting Dr Kate Slocombe, who is based at the University of York, will give a talk entitled "Evolution of Language: what do chimpanzees have to say?" Dr Slocombe has done extensive research on chimpanzee communication, working with both wild and captive populations. She will talk about the fascinating topic of animal communication, the evolution of human language and what it is like to study chimpanzees in the jungle. This promises to be an exceptional talk. ALL ARE WELCOME. We meet at St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS. (Many apologies for the incorrect post code given for the previous meeting.) There is ample free parking in the church car park, the gates being opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. There is no entry charge for the meeting but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. For further information please contact Keth 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 *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT On Monday 28th March 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a guided walk around Bradley and Dixon Woods off Bradley Road just south of Grimsby. Grid Ref. TA245058. Meet leader Mick Binnion in the car parking area not far from the entrance at 2pm. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** 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 *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** RSPB *** Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ South Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....." There should be something for everyone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 17/3 Turtle Dove in garden, Goxhill 18/3 Wholly unconfirmed [sic] report of 30 Waxwings SSW of Sleaford flew north over Newton Red-breasted Merganser drk on River Witham between Kirkstead Bridge and Tattershall Bridge, south of Woodhall Spa Lapland Bunting, Firecrest, 2 Water Pipits, Woodlark over, Gibraltar Point 19/3 Scaup drk, Pale-bellied Brent Gooce, Freiston Shore 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe, Toft Newton reservoir Scaup fem, Thorpe Lake, Whisby Nature Park 20/3 6 White-fronted Geese, Huttoft Pits Hen Harrier ringtail from Wash Viewpoint, Short-eared Owl. Water Pipit, Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Firecrest in beach car park, Gibraltar Point 21/3 Short-eared Owl south of Kirkstead Bridge, Woodhall Spa 22/3 Firecrest in bushes before Pye's Hall, Donna Nook 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. ROADKILLS A16 NORTH THORESBY TF 285985 23.03.2016 Peter Crick Badger - small A16 LUDBOROUGH BYPASS TF 301950 23.03.2016 Peter Crick Badger - medium size *** 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) 21/03/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson A pair of Buzzards flew south-west (over Wyberton) at lunchtime today. BOSTON(South by A16) 23/03/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Two firsts for the year in the garden today were Chiffchaff and Lesser Black-backed Gull. BRADLEY WOODS (Grid Reference TA2405) 20/03/2016 Jon Drakes Species noted whilst walking around the wood were: Dunnock Blue Tit Great Tit Robin Chaffinch Nuthatch Coal Tit Blackbird CASTLE CARLTON/AUTHORPE TF 397834 C Byatt 22 March 2016 Reed Bunting - M (dead). DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 2/03/16 Time: 1350 - 1650 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny periods, cold Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coot Cormorant Goldcrest Goldeneye Goosander Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Lesser Blac-backed Gull Little Egret Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pochard Red Kite Robin Starling Treecreeper Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren GRANTHAM SK 918356 20-23 March 2016 Marion Ellis Seen from our window Crows Collared dove (1) Wood pigeons Blue tits Great tits Robin (1) By the River Witham Wren Moor hen Many mallards Flying Above Buzzard HOBSON WAY - STALLINGBOROUGH (Grid Reference TA2113) 17/03/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst at work were the following species: Buzzard Mistle Thrush Magpie Woodpigeon Great Tit Blue Tit Chaffinch House Sparrow Peacock Butterfly HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 14/3/2016 Starlings 2 (1 with feather for nest in hole in old apple tree) 18/3/2016 Long tailed tits 2 Song thrush 1 19/3/2016 Blue tits 2 (1 crashed into the lounge window. It was really knocked out and I put it in a box in the sun and covered it with newspaper. Wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do but after 5 minutes, I checked and it was upright and so I took the paper away. After a couple more minutes, thankfully it flew off.) Bumblebee 1 (white tailed on flowering may) Self heal in flower 20/3/2016 Blue tits 2 Buzzard 1 (TF515767 - a regular site when I walk along this road early in the morning) Kestrels 2 (TF520765 - absolutely amazed to see 2 at the same time - one on the ground and the other flying quite acrobatically above the one on the ground. I assume this was a mating display but haven't found any information on this.) Goldfinch 1 (eating broadleaf dock seeds) 22/3/2016 Bumblebees 2 (white tailed) Great tits 2 Ladybirds 7-spot 2 Long tailed tits 2 Whooper swans 4 (flew overhead, calling, as I was in the garden) Wrens 2 23/3/2016 Blue tits 2 Collared dove 1 Dunnocks 2 Goldfinch 1 (on teasel) Starlings 2 KEELBY (Grid Reference TA1610) 19/03/2016 Jon Drakes The following species were recorded whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Birdwatch in our back garden: Blackbird 2 Collared Dove 3 Greenfinch 3 House Sparrow 20 Jackdaw 1 Robin 2 Blue Tit 1 Dunnock 5 Chaffinch 2 Goldfinch 2 Wren 1 Starling 1 White-tailed Bumble Bee 1 KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK 847 757 Alison Brownlow 14.03.2016 Buff-tailed Bumblebee queen 17.03.2016 White-tailed Bumblebee queen MOOR FARM, WOODHALL SPA 20th March 2016 Garry Steele and Coningsby Wildlife Watch group. Grey Heron Mallard Buzzard Sparrowhawk Kestrel Pheasant Woodcock Black-headed Gull Stock Dove Woodpigeon Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming) Pied Wagtail Wren Dunnock Robin Blackbird Song Thrush Mistle Thrush Goldcrest Long-tailed Tit Coal Tit Blue Tit Great Tit Treecreeper Jay Magpie Jackdaw Carrion Crow Starling Chaffinch Goldfinch Linnet Lesser Redpoll Bullfinch We also saw Common Lizard, Grey Squirrel, Fox scats, Rabbit tracks and signs, Mole hills, Common Frog, horsehoof fungus and Larch in flower. Common Lizard http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/common-lizard Hoof fungus: https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/species-explorer/fungi/hoof-fungus Larch in flower: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/common-non-native-trees/larch/ WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 21/3/2016 Song thrush on newly mown lawn. 14 hunting Blackbirds. 8+ Greenfinches, 12+ Chaffinches, Several Robins holding territories - at least 6. Long-tailed tits probably nesting. Much wren activity. House sparrows 12, Tree sparrows 8-12, Dunnocks 4, Blue Tits 6-8, Great tits 6-8, Pied wagtails 2, Goldfinches 20+, Jackdaws probably nesting, Collared Dove 2, Wood Pigeon 20+ roosting, Green Woodpecker heard, GS Woodpecker 2, Kestrel 2, Tawny Owl x2 heard, Sparrowhawk, Pheasant x 8. Buzzard x2 heard. 22/3/2016 Buff-tailed bumblebee q. [B. terristris] http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/buff-tailed-bumblebee 23/3/3016 Red-tailed bumblebee q. [B. lapidarius] http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/red-tailed-bumblebee WRANGLE COMMON 20/03/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today yielded 32 species. It was clear that the recent strong easterly winds had dried-up a lot of the surface water on the wader grounds and only two waders were recorded - Jack Snipe and Green Sandpiper. Raptors present this morning were singles of Kestrel and Marsh Harrier (male) and a pair of Buzzards. The male Shoveler has now been joined by a female and two Mistle Thrushes are now present. The geese are now pairing-up and are scattered across the wet grassland and consequently difficult to count, but eleven Greylag and fourteen Canada Geese were counted. Mallard numbers were thirty-two and Teal three, but only two Tufted Ducks were seen. There was no sign of the pair of Chiffchaffs that we saw on 27/03. Other wildlife were a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly and a large clump of frog spawn, which has been reported. A particular interesting report we received was of an Otter that has been seen taking fish from a pond about a quarter of a mile north of the A52. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually 'goes to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Website: http://lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Copy and paste URLs as necessary, please. Not all are "live". *** Videos and photos - additions welcome *** Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ David sent in another fine video of a starling murmuration in January [2016] at Kirkby on Bain gravel pits - LWT's Hide Pit. https://flic.kr/p/BT6HMp Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK with any specific questions. angela.digges@clara.co.uk *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). If in doubt please contact for advice: d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejohnredshaw@gmail.com *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in badger reports. Botanical Group in South Lincs Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Mark Schofield writes: Always consider the provenance and sustainable sourcing of seed. Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. Bee-friendly gardeners should refer to their A-Z suppliers list which can be found here: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing Advice: www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Jonathan Gahan http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer jonathan.gahan@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ *** Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in some cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold precise details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. [Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm.] 2016 Field meetings Saturday, April 23, 2016 Potterhanworth Wood SSSI Joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group) (A private woodland site with access courtesy of F.G Battle & Sons Ltd) Southeast of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF07306621 which is a hard-standing area next to a barn. Follow minor road east from Potterhanworth through wood and then take track immediately on right where road bends. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. The South Lincs Flora Group intend to be recording in the general area on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland. Leader (LNU): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Leader (BSBI): Sarah Lambert sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Saturday, May 21, 2016 Wharton Wood (afternoon and evening moth/bat session) (A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates) Northeast of Gainsborough - 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at SK 8421 9192 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside it where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. Evening session from 20.30 until late. No mains available for moth traps. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest toilets are in Gainsborough town centre or in local village pubs (Blyton, Corringham or Morton). Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland, ponds, grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, June 04, 2016 BioBlitz Event - Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds All Day with evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council) Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds. 10.00 start with evening session starting at 21.00. Meeting point and parking at TA308066 in Country Park carpark which is free (nearest post code DN35 0PB). People can come and go as they wish. The Discovery Centre at Cleethorpes Boating Lake will be the data collection point, which is just over the road from the eastern end of the Country Park. NB. There is a parking charge in the Boating Lake grounds/Discovery Centre. Possibility of mains available for moth traps at Discovery Centre. Toilets and cafe available at the Discovery Centre. Habitats: Lake, dunes, shore, grassland and scrub. Leader: Rachel Graham Rachel.Graham@nelincs.gov.uk LNU Contact: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Sunday, July 17, 2016 Stanton’s Pit LWT Reserve Field meeting to Stanton's Pit LWT Reserve (joint meeting with British Dragonfly Society Southwest of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF034173 (nearest postcode PE10 0JN) which is about half-way off minor road between Little Bytham and Witham-on-the-Hill. Nearest facilities in village pubs. Habitats: Former sandpit with lake, marsh, acid grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, August 13, 2016 Tetney Blow Wells LWT Reserve With evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of LWT and Anglian Water) South of Cleethorpes 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.15. Park alongside Church Lane in Tetney village in vicinity of church or nearby. There is a footpath which leads to the reserve just to the east. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Facilities available in local village pubs in Tetney or Tetney Lock. Stiles present. Habitats: Blow wells, marsh, woodland, grassland, streams and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 04, 2016 Burkinshaw’s Covert (A private site with access courtesy of Total Lindsey Oil Refinery) North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park (by Gate No.7), Rosper Road, North Killingholme (grid ref TA16701754 and post code DN40 3DZ will get you nearby). Assemble at security gatehouse to meet Alan Jones from Humber Nature Partnership. Alan’s mobile no. is 07905 491647 if there are any problems finding the location. NB. Gate 7 is on Rosper Road, to the east of the refinery, not on Eastfield Road which is to the west. We will all need to drive to site (under escort by security staff to unlock gates) and will all need to leave at the same time (just after 16.00). May need to car share depending on numbers. Toilets available at security gatehouse. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, grassland and pond. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Site Contact: Alan Jones 07905 491647 alan.jones@humbernature.co.uk Sunday, October 09, 2016 LNU Annual Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) (Access courtesy of the Forestry Commission) North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF058299 at northern entrance track to wood (nearest post code NG34 0HE). Take minor road west from Aslackby, off the A15. Nearest public toilets are in Bourne. Habitat: Broadleaved woodland. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops *** in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 12:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. May 14th: Spiders Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? A second chance to find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. June 18th: Rushes and Sedges Workshop Interested in plants but would like to know more in particular about Rushes and Sedges? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. July 9th: Riverflies Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Riverflies? (May Flies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies) Come along and find out more with local expert Richard Chadd. July 16th Diptera (Flies) Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Flies? Come along and find out more from local experts Phil Porter and David Denman ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. If you recognise any of these part-addresses, please let the owners know. leigh.taylor - Mailbox not available. Delivery failed; will not continue trying. And finally: Note: If a link does now work, please look at the URL See if an extra http:// has crept in. Twyford Wood ravers admit violent disorder charges http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35842599 Dog missing for five years found 200 miles from home http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35879907 Manhunt after armed robbery at Branston Co-operative http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35860089 Ben Nevis gains a metre thanks to GPS height measurement http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35837773 Caterpillar tops Royal Horticultural Society pest poll http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35840137 Go wild to protect food security, says study http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35864136 Harlow tick disease dog 'lucky to be alive' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-35831572 How extinct humans left their mark on us http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35835126 Earliest evidence of humans in Ireland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35863186 Endangered magnolia species identified http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-35855625 ARKIVE An extensive collection of thousands of videos, images and fact-files illustrating the world's species gathered into one centralised digital library. http://www.arkive.org/ Nature's cheats: how animals and plants trick and deceive https://theconversation.com/natures-cheats-how-animals-and-plants-trick-and-deceive-55323 How we discovered that deadly 'vampire' kissing bugs love cherry tomatoes, too https://theconversation.com/how-we-discovered-that-deadly-vampire-kissing-bugs-love-cherry-tomatoes-too-56043 Welcome return of a persecuted raptor http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/15/buzzard-shooting-persecution-raptor Scars of war and wildlife in the forest http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/19/country-diary-new-forest-canadian-war-memorial-ponies-tree-damage A barely perceptible path http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/18/country-diary-south-uist-spring-wind-gales-beach-marram Beating a retreat/Small copper butterfly in 'inexorable decline' according to survey http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/22/small-copper-butterfly-decline-survey Early morning fisticuffs for March hares http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/23/country-diary-norfolk-blincoe-hares-spring-boxing ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/