============================================= || || 2nd April 2017 || || 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 over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who might like to receive the Bulletin please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin or send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009 are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html 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: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** Bird Recording. Lots of us started recording by making bird lists, and it is good to see that process continuing in the LNU Bulletin. The hope is that everyone will transfer their skills in observing and recording birds to other lesser-known groups. It will be good if more reports in the Bulletin start to include non-bird records. Thank you for all the contributions this week - very helpful indeed. If you scan down the Bulletin you will find events and activities and an increasing number of spring-related reports. I hope there will be something to interest everyone, including the selection of topical news stories and information. Note: action on the Owl camera; a talk at Scunthorpe Museum by Professor Sir John Lawton; plus requests for information: Oil Beetles; Spring Bees and 'The Grannom'. There is also a request from Natural England for representations on an England Coast Path. Here are a few links, chosen with specific readers in mind: For sky-watchers: 'New' wave-like cloud finally wins official recognition http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39351843 For mammalogists: "Fake science used to justify badger culls' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39418554 For Star-gazers: Planet Nine: Astronomers want help from amateur stargazers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-39401667 More topical links below in "...and finally..." It would be good to have more plant records coming in to the Bulletin. As spring advances, keep an eye out for Amphibians and Reptiles. A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here and in Communiqué. http://www.lnu.org/ Thank you to all who have sent in reports and other useful contributions. If you have events or activities that need a 'plug', please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" *** Bob Sheppard writes on 23/3/2017: The male has visited every day this week so far and today he has spent the whole day on camera. He has cast several fresh pellets. This is promising for the forth- coming breeding season as the female will shred some pellets to make a soft bed for her eggs. So far this year we have had viewers from 19 countries including such far flung places as New Zealand, Russia, Venezuela, Latvia and Canada. More: Male and Female seen together in box on 25th March. Female is ringed so could be last year's bird. Editor adds: I saw the pair in the box on 29th March. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** April Night Sky - page will "mutate" shortly. *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events and "Whisby Workshops 2017 " are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://www.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. Next meeting: Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** TWO Weather Forecast - for your postcode *** http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** A Caddis to look for - The Grannom - reminder - any luck yet? *** Brachycentrus subnubilus - a caddis known as The Grannom. https://www.ispotnature.org/species-dictionaries/uksi/Brachycentrus subnubilus Richard Chadd says: It has a characteristic pattern of yellowish spots on a grey background & flight period is March to June. It's also day-flying so no need to mess about with moth traps. We have plenty of larval records, but some adult sightings may fill-in the gaps in Lincolnshire distribution. *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of Scunthorpe Museum Society. For our last 2017 winter/spring indoor meeting on Monday, 10th April, before the spring/summer break for field visits, the eminent British ecologist and current Vice President of the RSPB, Professor Sir John Lawton, FRS, visits to give his talk "Birds and Climate Change". Professor Lawton was knighted in 2005 for his contributions to ecological science. He has played a major part in promoting UK-wide wildlife conservation. The 'Lawton Review' of the resilience and adequacy of England's wildlife sites, reported in the publication "Making Space for Nature", continues to inform policy. Population dynamics and biodiversity of birds and insects have been his main focus and recently he has been particularly interested in impacts of environmental change on ecosystems worldwide, being outspoken about global warming. ALL ARE WELCOME to our meetings, 7.15pm start in the St Bernadette's Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, Entrance to the Church's large free car park is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are available at the mid-talk break for a small charge. Contact Keith Scarrott on 01724762098 for further details. *** Butterfly Conservation *** Richard Davidson writes: Here's the details of the next Butterfly Conservation work day at Chambers Farm Wood on Sunday. Butterfly Conservation Work Day Sunday 2nd of April Chambers Farm Wood, between Wragby and Bardney. 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. Meet in the first car park. Tools provided but bring gloves and refreshments (including packed lunch if staying all day). Wear suitable clothes and work boots or wellies. Cutting down ride side vegetation, to manage it for the benefit of butterflies, particularly Brown Hairstreaks. Contact - Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or 078 144 14285, for further information or directions. Or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** Grimsby RSPB Group *** Martin Francis writes: The next meeting of the is at 7.30pm on Monday 17th April, Easter Monday, at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Terry Whalin, well-known and very experienced local birder, will give us an illustrated talk about his recent trip to India. There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £3, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to RSPB Titchwell Marsh, stopping off at Hunstanton Beach, on Sunday 23rd April leaving Millman's Coach Depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. Booking is essential All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB for either event. For more information, contact (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 *** England Coast Path representations *** Proposals published for Lincolnshire’s first stretch of England Coast Path • The 16.1 mile route stretches from Skegness to Mablethorpe. • Objections or representations are invited Natural England has today (24th March) published its formal proposals to improve public access along Lincolnshire’s coastline. There is now a period of eight weeks for legal interests and members of the public to make objections or representations that the Secretary of State must take into account when considering whether to approve the route. If approved, this route will become part of the England Coast Path – the 2700 mile long distance walking route and England’s newest National Trail currently being developed around the entire English coast by Natural England. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/access/coastalaccess/default.aspx The proposed route runs between Skegness and Mablethorpe, allowing walkers to explore the coast between these two famous holiday resorts. Passing through the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, walkers can stop at the Sound Tower at Chapel Point and enjoy gazing at the sky in Anderby Creek’s Cloud Bar, learning about clouds. There are wide views across farmland and wildlife habitat along the way with sand dunes and wide beaches – you might hear a bittern booming from the reeds on the scatter of nature reserves approaching Sutton on Sea. The trail follows promenades, sandy beach, footpaths and permissive ways, giving visitors the chance to explore the coastal countryside between the holiday towns. The proposals recommend new and improved sections of coast path but enabling these to ‘roll back’ if erosion or landslips occur in the future, using a simpler and more cost- effective process. If approved, this will resolve the well-known and long-standing difficulties with maintaining a continuous walking route along this eroding coast. Rob Menzies, Natural England’s Area Manager for the East Midlands Area said; “The England Coast Path is an important and exciting initiative giving everyone better access than ever before to our wonderful Coast. It is important therefore that we get the views of those affected particularly landowners as well as key organisations along the route. Their input has been essential in shaping these proposals and we thank them for their time and comments so far. Over the next eight weeks, we are inviting all organisations, farmers, local residents, visitors and businesses to have their say. It’s important that all responses are taken into account and we look forward to hearing people’s views.” Anyone can make representations to Natural England about the report during the eight week period. Owners and occupiers of affected land can make objections about the report on specified grounds, which will be considered by a Planning Inspector before the Secretary of State makes a final decision. All representations and objections must be received by Natural England no later than 5 p.m. on 19th May 2017. Copies of the report can be viewed in local libraries, council offices and tourist information centres. The full report and all the forms and guidance on how to make a representation or objection within the next eight weeks are also available on the GOV.UK website. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/england-coast-path-skegness-to-mablethorpe *** 2017 events brochures for the Limewoods and the Coastal Country Park *** Information from Debbie Braund: Lincolnshire Limewoods What's On 2017 The new brochure details events across the Limewoods area and includes guided walks and practical woodland management events. It can be downloaded from https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/ or a copy can be sent by calling the County Council on 01522 552808 Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park What's On 2017 Stretching along the coast between Chapel St Leonards and Sandilands and inland as far as Mumby and Hogsthorpe the Coastal Country Park has miles of stunning sandy beaches and wildlife packed nature reserves. The 2017 What's On brochure highlights events taking place across the area and includes guided walks, sea dipping and art & craft activities. It can be downloaded from https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coastalcountrypark/events or a copy can be sent by calling the County Council on 01522 552808 *** Oil Beetles - reminder - Records Please *** Charlie Barnes writes: If you would be interested in looking for oil beetles in your area you can either get in touch for more information or just take a camera with you when out walking. To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao For detailed information on their life history see: http://www.eakringbirds.com/eakringbirds4/meloeproscarabaeus.htm We have no "hot-spots" to concentrate on - they could be just about anywhere! As a rule, oil beetles like firm bare ground so road verges, footpaths or tracks are ideal. If you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Spring Bees to look out for..... - last reminder for these sepcies *** David Sheppard writes: Bumblebees can be seen and heard on most spring days now. All of the records so far have been for Bombus terrestris (yellow and black bands and a buff tail) which is the only species with this colour pattern. Not so for the yellow & black banded species with white tails which could be any of about 4 species and should be flying now as well. Sightings of these will be logged as 'White-tailed Bumblebees' but not as any particular species. If you are sure which species you have seen, please record it using its scientific name to avoid any confusion. Bombus lapidarius (black with a red tail) should also be about by now but I have yet to see one this year. Similarly Bombus pascuorum (brown with some black patches on abdomen) will be flying soon. Be careful when recording this one because there is another pale brown bumblebee, Bombus muscorum, which is very rare in Lincolnshire and another wides- pread species, Bombus hypnorum, which has a brown thorax, black abdomen and a white tail and has a habit of flying in such a way as to hide its critical identification features. Anthophora plumipes should be active soon, so keep a look out for it on garden lung- worts and primroses. The male is like a small brown bumblebee and has extremely long hairs on its middle legs. The female is black with the hind legs partly yellow. The males tend to shadow the females, flying above and behind her. Sometimes two or three males do this at the same time, occasionally having fights between themselves. If you find a nesting colony the aggression is almost continuous. They have a much higher pitched buzz than the deep hum of the bumblebees. Finally, some small spring solitary bees should be active as soon as the blackthorn and sallows are in flower. These cannot be identified without a microscope. If you have positively identified any, please give the scientific name in your report. General BWARS gallery: http://www.bwars.com/species_list?title= *** Northamptonshire Biodiversity Record Centre’s WILDside Project *** Ryan Clark writes: WILDside is a HLF supported project covering Northamptonshire running until the end of 2018. The project’s focus is split between encouraging people to get involved with wildlife recording in Northamptonshire and helping those who gain or already have an interest in particular species groups to develop their skills and confidence, wherever they currently reside. For this purpose we are asking people to fill in this survey to help understand where to focus our efforts: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1d-hlgQnNuZTP7WCSjXoIQCYhyhptOldkf9j3pmXF3kc/edit Along the way, WILDside will also be filling in ‘gaps in the map’ for a variety of species and improving our knowledge of what occurs at some of the county’s key wildlife sites, including local wildlife sites. You don’t have to live in Northamptonshire to get involved and I’d love to hear from you if you would like to come on some of the training workshops, talks, and local wildlife surveys or get involved with the project in another way. For further information please contact ryan.clark@northantsbrc.org.uk *** Wash Bird Watching Cruises 2017 - reminder *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: Cruises run from May until October and full details, including ticket arrangements are at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk April 20th: The Work of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Paul Learoyd will reflect on the past present and future of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, on an evening when we also celebrate the birthday of the Lincoln Area Group. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". 23/3 Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Cattle Egret in horse paddock, flew south to field off Sand Pit Lane, Alkborough Flats Black-necked Grebe, Scaup, 2 Avocets, Covenham Reservoir Ring Ouzel on march east or Mere hide, 2 Bearded Tit [1 male] at Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 9 Shorelarks, imm Glaucous Gull, Donna Nook [21 reported yesterday*] Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese between old car park and sea wall, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh c 65 Waxwings flew north over Swanpool early morning Great White Egret on River Till betweein Sturton-by Stow and Ingham Road, SE of Willingham-by-Stow 24/3 Purple Sandpiper on back scrape, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Cattle Egret in horse paddock, Alkborough Flats Black-necked Grebe, Scaup, Covenham Reservoir 4 Mealy Redpolls in garden, Doddington Park 15 Shorelarks, imm Glaucous Gull, Donna Nook Long-tailed Duck, Deeping Lakes 25/3 Little Gull ad, Woodhall Spa airfield 2 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen 10 Shorelarks, 12 Twite, Glaucous Gull juv, Hen Harrier, Donna Nook Black-necked Grebe, drk Scaup, Covenham Reservoir Great White Egret flew east past Far Ings Scaup, Cleethorpes Country Park* 26/3 Glaucous Gull juv at Pye's Hall, Donna Nook Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Great White Egret on River Till, near Normanby 16 Shorelarks, 12 Twite, Donna Nook Scaup, White Wagtail, Toft Newton Reservoir 2 Short-eared Owls on saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh 27/3 Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen 3+ Short-eared Owls, male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 11 Shorelarks, juv Glaucous Gull, 14 Twite, Donna Nook Hen Harrier male from visitor centre, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point 8 Little Gulls at Middlemarsh Wetlands. 2 miles west of Skegness Black-necked Grebe, Covenham reservoir 28/3 3 Scaup all fems, Spotted Redshank, Little Stint reported, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier from visitor centre, Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel along cycle track opposite Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point Black-necked Grebe, Covenham reservoir Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Sedge Warbler, Willow Tree Fen 5 Shorelarks, Black Redstart, Donna Nook Grey Plover, Baston & Langtoft gravel pits 2 Waxwings at Bishopsbridge, west of Market Rasen Black Redstart, Mount Pleasant Close, Marton 29/3 Great White Egret on River Till, Normanby-by-Stow Waxwing at Sykes Farm briefly, Firecrest at Sykes Farm, Osprey over Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Black-necked Grebe, Covenham reservoir 14 Shorelarks, juv Glaucous Gull, Donna Nook Little Gull on lake near golf course, RAF Woodhall Spa Iceland Gull juv, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. Please visit the RBA website for updates/fuller details. Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [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 Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. B1202 TF0565 Potterhanworth to Nocton road near Neville Wood. R&A Parsons 26/3/2017 dead juv Hedgehog. A1173 (Grid reference TA187104) 24/3/2017 Jon Drakes Badger at side of the road near to the entrance to the Stallingborough Grange Hotel. Looked to have been hit by a motor vehicle. A15 (North bound) (Grid reference TA0316) 26/3/2017 Jon Drakes Badger at side of the Northbound A15 just South of the junction with the B1206. Presumed to have been hit by a motor vehicle. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." 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. ALKBOROUGH FLATS (Grid reference SE8722) 26/3/2017 Jon Drakes with Louise Drakes, James Drakes and William Drakes Species noted whilst out for a family walk were: Avocet Barnacle Goose Bearded Tit Black Tailed Godwit Blue Tit Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chiffchaff Curlew Dunlin Great Tit Grey Heron Greylag Goose Kestrel Little Egret Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Mute Swan Pheasant Pied Wagtail Pintail Redshank Reed Bunting Robin Shelduck Skylark Snipe Teal Woodpigeon Wren Peacock Butterfly BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 24/3/2017 12+ individuals of Tawny Mining Bees [Andrena fulva females] on the Green at Bardney at TF120694 - very active in spring sunshine. http://www.bwars.com/bee/andrenidae/andrena-fulva 12 House Sparrows 28/3/2017 2+ Goldfinches 29.3 Jackdaws - 7 BARDNEY R. Parsons 28/3/2017 B1190 approx TF123690 Badger adult crossing road west to east at 21.58hrs. BOSTON (South by A16) 28/03/2017 Roy and Kath Pearson First Siskin (female) of the year on the garden feeders today. Two Goldcrests feeding in the Silver Birch. DEEPINGS Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve Dave Vandome 23/3/2017 While working in the boathouse area:- Cetti's Warbler and chiffchaff calling Red Admiral egg laying on nettles GRANTHAM St. Catherine's Road & along River Witham SK918356 25 & 26 March 2017 Wood pigeons (nesting) Crow (collecting nest materials) Goldfinches Blue Tits Great Tits Blackbirds Chaffinches (singing loudly) Squirrel Coots Mallards (on river and flying over) HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden, unless advised) 24/3/2017 Blackbirds 2 (collecting nesting material) Blue tits 2 Chaffinches 2 Song thrush 1 25/3/2017 Comma (damaged but feeding on chionodoxa/glory in the snow) Goldfinch 2 Ladybird 7-spot 1 26/3/2017 Goldfinch 2 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Pheasants 3 Yellowhammers 2 (TF523765) 27/3/2017 Chaffinches 2 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Great tits 2 29/3/2017 Chaffinches 2 Great tits 2 Song thrush 1 Lunaria annua/Honesty in flower KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 22/3/2017 Jon Drakes Grey Heron flew low over the house at first light. Hopefully it hadn't found it's breakfast in someone's garden pond! KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 25/3/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 10 Blackbird 4 Robin 2 House Sparrow 15 Sparrowhawk 1 Woodpigeon 3 Rook 1 Siskin 2 (1 male, 1 female) - first sighting in the garden this year. Dunnock 3 Starling 4 Chaffinch 3 Tree Sparrow 2 Goldfinch 1 Common Frog and Tadpoles in the garden pond Large White Butterfly - First sighting around Keelby of 2017 Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly - First sighting around Keelby of 2017 MESSINGHAM SAND QUARRY Messingham Sand Quarry 27.03.17 27 March 17 Carol Massen For report see: 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS MORKERY WOOD SK955192 Jane Ostler 22nd March 2017 Picnic area to east of car park Main purpose to count flowers of Yellow Star of Bethlehem. These flower very erratically. Comparisons can be made on the Roadside Nature Reserve and this year there are good numbers. Over the years they have spread into the picnic area, are very scattered and I found it difficult to know if I had found them all. PLANTS IN FLOWER Yellow Star of Bethleham. Toothwort, 9 flower spikes coming through on south side of main tree and one spike to north of tree. This is more flowers than at this time last year. Moschatel continues to spread. Primroses now make a fine show. Sweet Violet and Early Dog Violet. Barren Strawberry has flowered earlier this year. Lesser Celandine spreading under hedge. Coltsfoot in one disturbed area only. Dog's Mercury was in clones of male flowers. Bluebell - just one flower showing blue. Wild Arum is not in flower here yet  but a plant with Toothwort there were some strikingly spotted leaves OTHER NOTES In the cold, wet and windy conditions just one buff-tailed bee seen. MUCKTON WOOD Muckton Wood LNR 25 03 17 John Walker On a bright mild sunny morning Peter Childs and John Walker spent 90 minutes gently meandering through the rides and recorded the following: primrose( lots on main ride), wood anemone , and lesser celandine. Buff tail bumblebees An active nest of wild honeybees in the same tree as seen spring 2015 comma, brimstone and peacock butterflies Great spotted, and green woodpeckers, 2 pairs of treecreepers, 1 pair nuthatch, 3 pairs of coal tits, 2 pairs of long tail tits carrying nest material, 5 singing chiffchaffs, and overhead 4 common buzzards, also a dark edged bee fly. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 23.03.2017 1 string of Common Toad spawn in small pond 24.03.2017 Pair of Mallards on pond 25.03.2017 Brimstone - 1, Small Tortoiseshell - 1 26.03.2017 Peacock - 1 27.03.2017 Found what appeared to be a shrivelled (dead) Harlequin Ladybird in a bag in the garage; put it in a small container holding moist waste intended for the compost bin and was staggered to find it moving ca. 15 minutes later and apparently returning to its normal, rounded form. 28.03.2017 Pair of Mallards keep making a mess of my pond plants Buzzard over local area Extensive Blackthorn blossom in the local hedgerows 29.03.2017 2 Wasp queens coming out of hibernation in garage RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 24/03/2017 Bombylius major 1 7-spot Ladybird 1 Cuckoo Wasp 1 Clouded Drab 1 Hebrew Character 2 Common Quaker 1 Oak Beauty 1 25/03/2017 Harlequin Ladybird 1 26/03/2017 Kidney-spot Ladybird 1 Hebrew Character 5 Clouded Drab 1 Small Quaker 2 Common Quaker ` March Moth 1 Red-legged Partridge 2 28/03/2017 Goldcrest 1 Collared Dove 2 Wood Pigeon 3 Chaffinch 6 Goldfinch 2 Greenfinch 1 Blackbird 6 Blue Tit 4 Great Tit 2 Long-tailed Tit 4 House Sparrow 10 Wren 2 Dunnock 4 Song Thrush 1 STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife recorded whilst at work during my lunch break : 20/3/2017 Blackbird Blue Tit Carrion Crow Long-tailed Tit Goldfinch Woodpigeon 22/3/2017 Carrion Crow Dunnock Herring Gull Kestrel Magpie Teal 23/3/2017 Blackbird Magpie Mallard Pied Wagtail Robin Woodpigeon WADDINGTON. Peter Wilson 21st March 2017 1 buzzard over playing field. WADDINGTON Church yard Peter Wilson 27th March 2017 Cowslips in flower. WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 26 March17 Carol Massen Rural garden of just under a quarter of an acre. 2 log piles - one with a camera, a pond, several bird boxes - 4 with cameras and a 'small mammal box' with camera. *Numbers indicate maximum sightings of a species at any one time* Blackbird 2 Blue Tit 2 Chaffinch 4 Coal Tit 2 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldfinch 3 Great Tit 2 Greenfinch 4 House Sparrow 4 Jackdaw 4 Long Tailed Tit 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Pheasant 4 Robin 2 Sparrowhawk 1 Stock Dove 1 Wood Pigeon 3 3 buzzards circling overhead Grey Squirrel 1 Bank Vole 1 Wood Mouse 2 Hedgehog 1 (first sighting this year 26/03) Brimstone and comma butterflies WINTERTON Winterton Vicarage Alice Nunn writes: Yesterday (22nd March 2017) my very small cat brought in a very large brown rat, which was not much smaller than her. She kindly deposited it under my desk! It was very dead by the time I found it. The rat looked pretty healthy and "clean" if you know what I mean. I have been seeing bumble bees around- Buff tailed, I think for the last few days. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 22nd March - 29th March 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Gary Cooper, Rob Lidstone-Scott & John Walker General Notes and Weather Observations Blackthorn breaking into flower and a few primroses flowering under old willow and blackthorn Water levels on the NNR are low this year due to the dry autumn and early winter, currently c 15 cm below an average year, and 25 cm below peak levels. A full site survey of common frog spawning revealed a total of 549 clumps the largest cluster of 167. Common toads have also completed spawning and although several hundreds, possibly a few thousands, numbers are much lower than 25 years ago, at least 60 % less, as are f rogs with a peak of 1630 spawn clumps found 22 years ago. Bird migration is still slow, at least 8 chiffchaffs in song 1 Cettis warbler in song, c 60 linnets. Field woodrush is beginning to show in flower on the dunes. Single pipistrelle bat flying near Sea View at dusk with single pipistrelle also seen flying at Coastguard Cottages over weekend evenings. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 23rd Single goldcrest at Sea View 24th Machinery working along the track to the car park at Saltfleet Haven spooked shoveler off Paradise lagoon and 69 birds counted in the air at once. Single song thrush at Sea View. Comma butterfly on the wing at Sea View 25th Over the mild and sunny weekend of 25 /26 03 17 several buff tail bumblebees and 3 dark edge bee flies, 4 peacocks, 3 small tortoiseshells, 1 comma and 1 red admiral. 1 female and 1 male marsh harrier, 2 each of little owl and barn owl, and 2 common buzzards. Short-eared owl and marsh harrier hunting over saltmarsh out of Sea View. 26th Single comma and brimstone butterflies on the wing at Sea View 27th Great spotted woodpecker at Sea View and on Paradise lagoon gadwall 5, mallard 5, shoveler 36, coot 3, moorhen 1, little grebe 1 and mute swan 8 Goldfinch 2, blue tit 2, woodpigeon 3, chaffinch and kestrel at Sea View Buzzard sitting on fence post at Rimac 28th Singles of marsh harrier, sparrow hawk and goldcrest near Rimac. Tree sparrow at Sea View plus 2 goldcrests and a common buzzard circling high over the dunes Magpie 2, blue tit 6, woodpigeon 13, crow 4, great tit 2, goldfinch 4, blackbird 3, starling, hedge sparrow 2, robin 2, long tailed tit 6, mistle thrush and tawny owl 2, all at Sea View. Teal, moorhen, coot, mute swan and tufted duck all seen on Great Eau, Little egret seen flying over Sea View heading NE. Several bumble bees around Bert's Farm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR 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. Reports always welcome. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MESSINGHAM SAND QUARRY Messingham Sand Quarry 27.03.17 27 March 17 Carol Massen Blackbird Black Headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard (circling above) Canada Geese Chaffinch Chiff Chaff Coot Cormorant Dunnock Gadwall Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Greylag Geese Lapwing Lesser Black Back Gull Little Grebe Long Tailed Tit Mallard Mute Swan Oyster Catcher Pheasant Pochard Reed Bunting Robin Shelduck Shoveller Tufted Duck Willow Tit ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: old.museum@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.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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! You can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the LNU website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny. ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk http://lnu.org/publications.php LNU Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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 Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** E-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. 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 Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** 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 *** http://www.bwars.com/ 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 Recorder *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** 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 information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** 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/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** 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 (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ Contact: Aidan Neary, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** 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 *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire's Back Garden : Might your project qualify? *** The HLF want to encourage applications for funding from all champions of natural heritage, particularly small, local and community groups with projects that help raise awareness of the wildlife and nature to be found close to home. See: https://www.hlf.org.uk/about-us/news-features/lincolnshires-back-garden *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Contact: 01522 555780 [New Number} *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams Contact: Ruth Craig Ruth.Craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** 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 *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed 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 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. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for all nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [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. 2017 Field Meetings Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, May 27, 2017 Field meeting to Corringham Scroggs with evening bat/moth recording session A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates. Northeast of Gainsborough. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then at 20.30 again for evening session. Meet and park at SK842919 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 the track where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. NB. Parts of site quite wet. Insect repellent recommended. Additionally, as a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Gainsborough town centre. Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland (partly wet), ponds and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 25, 2017 Field Meeting to Chapel Six Marshes Part of Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. North of Chapel St.Leonards 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road north of Chapel St Leonards for about 1km and then track towards sea and parking at TF558741. NB. Nearest public toilets are at Chapel Point. Habitats: Dunes, shore, marsh, waterbodies, grassland, scrub and plantation. Partly a habitat creation area. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Thurlby Fen Slipe Thurlby Fen Slipe LWT Reserve Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Southeast of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Car parking on Baston Edge Drove (unmade track) at TF119164. Turn onto Long Drove eastwards from the A15 at Thurlby and look for the LNU sign for the car park. Possibility of evening bat walk here with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. Access restrictions may apply to the eastern half of the reserve due to the presence of sensitive wildlife. Nearest public toilets in Bourne town centre. Habitats: Borrow pits, hedgerows, wet woodland, grassland and the north bank of the River Glen. Leader: Nick Tribe 07733 073984 nick.tribe@ntlworld.com Saturday, August 05, 2017 Field Meeting to Mareham Pastures LNR with evening moth/bat recording session Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. South of Sleaford. All day Bioblitz event with evening moth/bat recording session. Joint meeting with Friends of Mareham Pastures. Meeting times: 10am, 1pm and 8.15pm at reserve car park at TF072 447 (NG34 8ST). Follow Mareham Lane south out of Sleaford and turn right towards recycling centre then turn right again into car park. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitats: Meadows and woodland over restored landfill site. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants as all overhead costs are split between the Lincoln Area Group and the LNU. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is not to turn people into experts in an afternoon, but to cascade knowledge and enthusiasm for particular subjects so that participants can go away better equipped to follow them up on their own and also to encourage interest in a broader range of subjects both entomological and botanical. On most of them there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time outside in the field following this up. The workshops lined up for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. We're very grateful to the various experts who've fronted the workshops for being willing to give up their time and share their knowledge. We couldn't do all this without them. Also to the LNU for being willing to enter into this partnership. In the future we could broaden things to include mammals, birds and many other natural history topics. The dates of the workshops for next year are now finalized. Bees (David Sheppard) on the 3rd of June, Flies/ Diptera on the 15th of July, Pond Dipping on the 22nd of July (Richard Chadd) Odonata (Nick Tribe and Richard Chadd) on the 29th of July. Contact Richard Davidson on: rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** Field Studies Council courses 2017 *** The latest programme of the FSC lists an impressive range of interesting courses in some wonderful places. Note the partner organisations. Strongly recommended. http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/natural-history.aspx LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Bryophyte Surveys *** Steven Heathcote writes: Bryophyte surveys around Lincolnshire. I have been carrying out some bryophyte surveys at a range of Lincolnshire sites as part of the British Bryological Society's Ecology Group project . See: http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/activities/brecog/brecog.html The survey involves a series of small quadrats in different bryophyte habitats. I'm visiting a wide range of sites across the county. If anyone would like to join me in 2017 then please drop me an email and I will let you know when I plan a visit. steven.heathcote@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. barrie.hunt - hard bounce - recipient rejected (mailbox locked) dave.brom - hard bounce - recipient rejected (mailbox locked) duncan.hall - recipient rejected (mailbox locked) If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Meantime text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally.....And finally: The blackbird hour, when the hedgerows thrill with song https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/27/blackbird-hedgerows-song-country-diary#comment-95573473 Earthworms are more important than pandas (if you want to save the planet) https://theconversation.com/earthworms-are-more-important-than-pandas-if-you-want-to-save-the-planet-74010 RAF starts preparing for Baltic air support mission http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39405745 Thieves target International Bomber Command Centre http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39417825 Exmoor gardens raided by 'wily old stag' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-39371060 'Largest undeveloped' oil find in UK waters http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-39406131 Major shake-up suggests dinosaurs may have 'UK origin' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39305750 Kimberley fossil tracks are Australia's 'Jurassic Park' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39405167 Space view of Earth's magnetic rocks http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39340609 Europa: Our best shot at finding alien life? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38925601 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/