============================================= || || 9th 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 anyone 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.... *** This week I shall begin migrating to a new broadband provider. Please be aware there may be teething problems. My enterprise email gos in 3 week's time, so from now on please use: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk This would be a good time to log in to Mailchimp and "update your subscription preferences", adding basic name details, so that in time I can send individual rather than bulk mailings. You will also see how to update your own email address should you need to change one day. A spring walk in Southrey Wood offered the wonderful sight of Wood Anemones in flower and the first hints of bluebells to come. It is time to get into your local woodlands. See: Philip Byerley Johnson's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0r5OSHXmpA Here's a clip about Rigsby Wood to whet your appetite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3fG8ObVCBE As warmer weather begins you may observe bats becoming active. You may not be able to identify these, but even a general report is of value and can lead to an secure ID later. Accurate location details are important. For downed bats or 'cat captures' contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on: 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com For other spring wildlife crises, refer to the helpful webpage on the LWT website: Care of Sick or Injured Animals. Very useful. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals Here are a few links suggested by a readers: EU wildlife laws should be celebrated "and retained" not treated as red tape https://theconversation.com/eu-wildlife-laws-should-be-celebrated-and-retained-not-treated-as-red-tape-75407 Flickers of movement where no plane flies https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/03/country-diary-pied-wagtails-manchester-airport Amphibian icons of prodigious procreation https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/04/prodigious-procreation-frogs-toads-country-diary Like love, violets gladden the heart https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/05/like-love-violets-gladden-heart-wenlock-edge More topical links below in "...and finally..." 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 publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" *** The pair of Barn Owls is using the box during the day in the lead up to laying and incubation - hopefully. The female was unsuccessful last year, failing on two brood attempts and, sadly, eating all her eggs. You can't fault her for effort, but perhaps inexperiance was a factor. The stress of going through a seemingly endless second incubation is hard to imagine. She spent a lot of time hunting grubs and flies that hatched from the pile of pellets and mummified prey. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 Bob Sheppard has sent an excellent webcam link - an Osprey on the nest. Could there be a greater contrast to the inside of a Barn Owl box? https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ *** April Night Sky *** Heads up for the April Lyrid meteor shower 21st/23rd. 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 *** 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. *** 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 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 - make Charlie's day. *** 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 If you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Wash Bird Watching Cruises 2017 - reports welcome if you go on one. *** 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 Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 10th April 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust  hold their AGM at 7pm and this will be followed at 7.30pm with a illustrated presentation about Tetney Blow Wells Nature Reserve by warden Clifford Jukes. This will take place at Grimsby Town Hall. Admission £2. Trust goods stall, raffle and tea & coffee available. On Monday 17th April 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on an Easter Monday walk around Bradley and Dixon Woods with Mick Binnion. Meet in the car parking area at 2pm. Grid ref. TA245058. Please wear suitable outdoor clothes and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. *** 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 " * ". 30/3 Black Brant ad on saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh Firecrest in hedge at Sykes Farm, Bearded Tit at Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Hobby over, Marston sewage works 22 Shorelarks, Donna Nook Tundra Bean Goose, Baston gravel pits* Scaup fem, Toft Newton reservoir* 31/3 Black Redstart by visitor centre, Yellow Wagtail flew south over East Dunes, Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point 7 Shorelarks, juv Glaucous Gull, Hen Harrier, Donna Nook Green-winged Teal, Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats Garganey drk, Frampton Marsh 1/4 11 Waxwings, Alkborough Flats 2+ Yellow Wagtails, Frampton Marsh Water Pipit, East Halton, Skitter* 2/4 Black Redstart by visitor centre, Gibraltar Point Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats Scaup fem, Toft Newton reservoir 3/4 Iceland Gull juv on lagoon, Freiston Shore Black Brant adult, Ring Ouzel, White Stork flew SE over Frampton Marsh Cattle Egret in rough field by junction of car park and sheep field, Long-tailed Duck*, Deeping Lakes 2 Shorelarks, Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook 4/4 Hen Harrier ringtail, Gibraltar Point 8 Waxwings, Washingborough Road, Heighington Black Redstart, Stonebridge, Donna Nook Cattle Egret, Long-tailed Duck, Deeping Lakes 5/4 22 Twite. ringtail Hen Harrier, Donna Nook 3 Short-eared Owls, Hobby, Black Brant on middle scrape with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Fiskerton Fen Cattle Egret, Deeping Lakes 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. NETTLEHAM TF004753 Bill Ball 4.4.17 There has been a large rookery in Vicar's Wood in the centre of Nettleham for years, and of course many of the nests get blown down each winter. Storm Doris on Feb 23 completely blew away the lot, at a time when the birds would have been already building. So a month later I was relieved to see the normal complement of about 45 nests back in place, and today I counted 50. Rooks are one of the few birds which seem to thrive in areas of intensive agriculture. In recent years several much smaller rookeries have appeared around the village, although there was apparently still plenty of room in the wood. The single oak tree has 7 nests as does one sycamore, but the average for sycamore is 2 per tree. The 2 ash have 11 between them, the tree of heaven 3, the horse chestnut just one, while the beech and walnut trees have none. All these trees are of similar height. BEES BEES SK922224 Jane Ostler Garden The following are my first sightings of bees in my garden in 2017 Apis mellifera Honey bees 15/2 feeding on Crocus thomasinianus Bombus terrestris Buff tailed Bumblebee 18/2 Bombus hypnorum Tree bee 8/3 Bombus lucorum White tailed Bumblebee 8/3 Bombus pratorum Early Nesting Bumblebee 15/3 Bombus lapidariius Red-tailed Bumblebee 15/3 Bombus pascuorum Carder Bumblebee 25/3 Bombus hortorum Garden Bumblebee25/3 I may have overlooked this as I need a close look to distinguish it. Anthophora plumipes Flower Bee ( to date 1st April only males but in numbers) Osmia rufa Mason Bee 25/3 ROADKILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. BURGH LE MARSH TF491662 A158 Bypass Robert Walker 26/3/17 Badger 1 roadkill HORNCASTLE R. Parsons 31/3/2017 Adult Badger - still there 5/4/2017 AI58 opposite Wolds View - Wyvale Garden Centre East side of A158 at approx. TF248704 HORNCASTLE LANE (Grange de Lings/Hackthorn CP) SK985 783 Richard Fox 04.04.2017 Hedgehog *** 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. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 30/3/2017 Peacock butterfly - very new looking Tawny Mining Bee [Andrena fulva] - several females and burrows noted in garden, and on The Green many burrows and adults of both sexes - mating observed. Peacock butterfly 1/4 Bombus terrestris Buff tailed Bumblebee queen 10 House sparrows, 5 Goldfinches working Niger feeder, Chaffinch under. 2/4 Gray squirrel ad in garden and one trees on The Green - first sighting here. 3/4 2 Pied Wagtails hunting insect on the lawn and using the birdbath. 5/4 Live Mealworm larva Tenebrio molitor found in bedroom - from an old starling nest in roof? http://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/mealworm-beetle [I thought I'd dropped a dried mealworm - then it moved! That evening it attended an LNU Exec meeting and met Charlie Barnes.] BOSTON (South by A16) March 2017 Kathleen Pearson During March I was able to do a BTO Garden Bird Watch on all 31 days. A total of 22 species was recorded this month, with the highest daily number of species being 17 on 22nd and 27th and the lowest 8 on the 17th. Long-tailed Tits were last recorded in the garden on 20th, no doubt due to nesting elsewhere. Lesser Black-backed Gulls landed in the garden - a total of 6 taking food together on the lawn - on 13th March, when they were accompanied by a Herring Gull. One of the Lessers took a try with its bill at my fingers, a result best avoided. A Great Spotted Woodpecker occurred on 2 days, as did both a Carrion Crow and a Black-headed Gull. A female Siskin was in the garden on 28th March. Only 4 species were recorded on all 31 days - Blackbird, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Collared Dove. The full total is listed below. The first number is of days the species was recorded in March and the second in brackets, the highest total of each species recorded together. Blackbird 31(9), Goldfinch 31(10), Robin 26(2), Woodpigeon 30(10), Greenfinch 31(7), Chaffinch 28(3), Collared Dove 31(4), Blue Tit 27(2), Dunnock 16(3), Long-tailed Tit 15(3), House Sparrow 19(4), Starling 30(13), Great Tit 23(2), Goldcrest 10(2), Wren 5(1), Magpie 22(2), Great Spotted Woodpecker 2(1), Lesser Black-backed Gull 5(6), Herring Gull 5(2), Carrion Crow 2(1), Black-headed Gull 2(2), Siskin 1(1). BOSTON 01/04/2017 Roy and Kath Pearson First Chiffchaff of the year in the garden today. DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 03/04/17 Time: 1300-1600 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Mainly sunshine, breezy Birds: Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Cattle Egret Canada goose Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaf Common Gull Coot Cormorant Egyptian Goose Gadwall Goldeneye Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Green Woodpecker Greylag Goose Grey Heron Jackdaw Kestrel Kingfisher Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pintail Reed Bunting Robin Rook Shovelor Snipe Stock Dove Teal Tufted Duck Willow Warbler Woodpigeon Wren Seen by other observers same day: Common Tern House Martin Long-tailed Duck Sand Martin Swallow Yellow Wagtail Butterflies: Peacock Small Tortoiseshell Small White Mammals: Grey Squirrel HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Thursday 30 March 2017 First siting of 'my' bats this evening. Result of the warm weather, no doubt. Later than last year, I think. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 2/4/17 Hedgehog 1 This is the first sighting this year, caught on camera trap. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) Peacock butterfly 1 Pheasants 3 (female) Song thrush 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 Lesser celandine in flower 31/3/2017 Chiffchaff 1 (heard) Ladybird 7-spot 1 1/4/2017 Bombus lapidarius 1 Song thrush 1 2/4/2017 Andrena fulva Tawny mining bee 1 (I had seen this earlier but couldn't identify until seeing Roger's link last week!) Bombus lapidarius 1 Peacock butterfly 1 Stitchwort in flower 3/4/2017 Bombus lapidarius 1 (disappearing into what I think was an old mouse hole) Goldfinch 2 (on teasel) Long-tailed tits 2 5/4/2017 Ladybird 7-spot 2 (on sage plant) Whooper swans 5 (calling and flying north-east to south-west over garden) Wren 1 (collecting moss) KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 1/4/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Robin 2 Sparrowhawk 1 House Sparrow 10 Blackbird 2 Starling 12 Dunnock 4 Chaffinch 1 Collared Dove 8 Goldfinch 4 Woodpigeon 1 Tree Sparrow 4 Greenfinch 3 Rook 1 Jackdaw 4 Common Frog (adult) Common Frog (Tadpole) KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 2/4/2017 Jon Drakes An early morning walk arounf fields and woodland to the North of the village found the following species present: Blackbird Blackcap First of 2017 Blue Tit Bullfinc 3 pairs seen Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff 13 heard singing around patch. Collared Dove Dunnock Goldcrest 1 Goldfinch Great Tit Greater Spotted Woodpecker Greenfinch Grey Heron 1 Greylag Goose 1 Herring Gull House Sparrow Jackdaw Jay 1 Linnet 4 Long-tailed Tit 2 Magpie Mallard 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Moorhen 1 Nuthatch 2 Pheasant Pied Wagtail Redwing 2 Robin Song Thrush 4 Sparrowhawk 1 Starling Tree Sparrow Woodpigeon Wren 3 Yellowhammer 2 Roe Deer Grey Squirrel Common Frog (Tadpoles) KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK847 757 (garden) 02.04.2017 Alison Brownlow Bombus hypnorum Tree Bumblebee Bombus pascuorum Common Carder bee SK 847 754 (wood) Bee fly Speckled wood butterfly Kettlethorpe SK847 757 03.04.2017 Alison Brownlow First sighting this year of Orange tip and Holly Blue butterflies. KIRKBY ON BAIN 01/04/2017 Clare Brady One mink ran across the road in front of me at Kirkby on Bain, just after the gravel office on the bend. LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 08/04/2017 Jayne Knight 02/04 Goldfinch collecting huge length of spider silk from some dead flower stalks. Also, two eating seeds from last year's Lavender heads, seeking out the plant's medicinal properties, perhaps? 03/04 Noted few small mounds of soil on one of the front lawns, Yellow Meadow Ant, Lasius flavus in residence. Have lost them in the flat and the Black Ant, Lasius niger, has taken over occupation under the bird bath. No sightings of the Goldcrest for a while so assuming it has gone back to it's breeding territory. Hope to see it back next Winter! MIDDLE RASEN TF107897 Richard Fox 03.04.2017 Whilst enjoying the sunshine in rear garden: Brimstone Holly Blue 2 Pair Goldfinch nest building in boundary fir tree RAUCEBY WARREN NR TF0343 Jane Ostler 30/3/17 On a a mild but windy and overcast morning, walked the length of the reserve checking plants in flower and insects visiting them. PLANTS IN FLOWER The first of the miniatures in sandy ground were mouse ear and little mouse ear chickweed, procumbent pearlwort ( very early!), hairy bitter- cress, , ivy-leaved and germander speedwell, field pansy (just one)and early forgetmenot. The last named looked like no more than blue full stops amongst the small leaves of many species. Amongst the grasses were more typical wayside plants. Daisy, dandelion, white deadnettle, ground ivy were all being visited byinsects. There was also lesser celandine, field woodrush, red deadnettle and sweet violet. Spring Beauty was in flower under shrubs. The garden escape, Oregan Grape, is favourite of the bumble bees, especially where it grows against a south facing wall. Of the other shrubs of goat willow, gorse, gooseberry and theabundant blackthorn, only the last named didn't seem to be attracting insects. Nor did a Prunus sp. tree. The stamens on an ash tree were just emerging. INSECTS Buff tailed bumble bees. Bombus terrestris. One queen searching for a nest site. White tailed bumble bee (B.lucorum). Red tailed bumble bee (B.lapidarius). There were at least seven all feeding on Oregan grape blossom. Tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva) 7 spot ladybird. Just one male brimstone butterfly VERTEBRATES Evidence of fox, badger, squirrel, moles and rabbit. There were scattered remains of 3 pheasants and the mystery of walnut half shells on the track. NON-FLOWERING PLANTS Fungi In grassland Yellow field cap (this is the official name, we always used to call them egg yellows, when young they look like egg yolk) Pleated inkcap (again a better older name is parasol) scurfy twiglet and the dried remains of both mosaic and meadow puffballs. Turkey tail on wood stump' Rust lichen covered the 3 trunks grown from a cut base of ash tree. Moss'. A distinct birght yellow green patch amonst the rather grey looking grass was caused by a dense growth of the moss Funaria hygrometria. Its abundant asymmetrical spore capsules were still bright green on swan-neccked stems. It is a moss known to colonise fire sites. RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman Hedgehogs: We appear to have 3, perhaps 4 hedgehogs now feeding in the garden - 2 different adults with different markings, one slightly smaller adult with no markings and 1 juvenile. All are feeding and drinking very well and on one occasion so far the adults have had a bit of a bundle over the food bowl with one rolling into a ball and being bundled out of the area! Here's hoping the weather doesn't become too cold again, making them go back into hibernation. The records below are all moths except Nicrophorus humator, which is quite a large and impressive Burying Beetle. 30/03/2017 Hebrew Character 10 Clouded Drab 5 Common Quaker 7 Agonopterix arenella 1 Agonopterix alstromeriana 1 Diurnea fagella 1 Early Thorn 4 Red Chestnut 1 Unidentified micro 1 A Burying Beetle: Nicrophorus humator 1 04/04/2017 Common Quaker 2 Clouded Drab 1 STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Species recorded during my lunch break at work : 27/3/2017 Blackbird Carrion Crow Kestrel Pied Wagtail Woodpigeon 23/3/2017 Carrion Crow Chiffchaff Herring Gull Kestrel Magpie Pied Wagtail 31/3/2017 Grey Heron Magpie Pheasant Peacock Butterfly THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK979984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 23/03/17 Great Tit x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Pied Wagtail x 2 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Tree Sparrow x 3 Skylark x 1 24/03/17 Brimstone x 1 SE904003 25/03/17 Blackbird x 1 Golden Plover x 150 over Thurnholmes Great Tit x 1 Greylag Goose x 17 over Thurnholmes Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 Sparrowhawk x 1 female, Owston Ferry Warping Drain Tree Sparrow x 4 Wood Pigeon x 4 Brimstone x 1 26/03/17 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Dunnock x 2 Golden Plover x 250 over Thurnholmes Great Tit x 2 Redpoll x 4 Robin x 2 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 6 Yellowhammer x 1 Peacock x 1 27/03/17 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 SK813995 28/03/17 Barn Owl x 1 calling 23:00hrs Heron x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain 30/03/17 Common Pipistrelle x 1 01/04/17 Blackbird x 2 Golden Plover x 17 over Thurnholmes Great Tit x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Wood Pigeon x 6 03/04/17 Common Pipistrelle x 1 05/04/17 Blackbird x 1 on nest in privet hedge in back garden Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 1 Kestrel x 1 Mallard x 1 Pied Wagtail x 2 Red-legged Partridge x 2 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Tufted Duck x 5 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 1 Brimstone x 1 Peacock x 4 WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 02 April 17 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 4 Chaffinch 5 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 1 Goldcrest 2 Goldfinch 5 Great Tit 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Greenfinch 3 House Sparrow 2 Jackdaw 3 Long Tailed Tit 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Pheasant 3 Robin 2 Song Thrush 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Stock Dove 1 Tree Creeper 1 Wood Pigeon 4 Wren 2 Grey Squirrel 1 Bank Vole 2 Wood Mouse 2 Hedgehog 1 2 bats (unidentified) 30/03 Queen Tree Bumblebee 01/04 WILLINGHAM WOODS (Bloater Hill) TF145875 Richard Fox 03.04.2017 Brimstone 2 Comma 3 WOODHALL SPA Woodhall Spa TF190628 Barry Kirk 04.04.17 Brambling in garden 1 (Between beginning January and end February up to 10 present regularly) TF189628 14.03.17 8 clumps of frog spawn in ditch alongside disused railway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 29th March - 5th April 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Gary Cooper & Rob Lidstone-Scott General Notes and Weather Observations Weather notes for March. A series of depressions moving in an easterly direction at the beginning of the month gave changeable weather with blustery showers, sunny spells and night time frosts. By the 11th a high pressure system was developing over the UK which gave a period of settled weather, dry and sunny where maximum temperatures reached an unseasonal high of 16.75°C on the 14th. Another low pressure system from the 17th displaced the high giving a brief spell of very cold days with showers influenced by strong south-easterly to south-westerly winds. A gust of 52.2mph was recorded on the 19th. Then another high replaced the low from the 23rd providing a dry spell before yet more low pressure systems controlled the weather for the remainder of the month. This included very warm south-westerly winds which gave high daily temperatures normally expected in July. The daytime maximum on the 30th was 21.25°C and that on the 31st was 18.25°C. During the month there were twelve ground frosts and two air; of note a keen ground frost of -6.5°C (air -2.25°C) was recorded on the 25th. Fog was observed on the 25th and 28th. Total rainfall for the month was 37.2 mm (1.47 inches). Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 29th Paradise lagoon pintail 2, gadwall 4, shoveler 53, mallard 2, teal 2, mute swan 7, coot 6 and a single avocet. Ground ivy and field mouse-ear in flower on the dunes and pipistrelle bats in flight around Sea View 30th Chiffchaff 5 singing birds between Sea View and Paradise; a red kite was flying over Saltfleetby at 18.00hrs 31st Tufted duck 18 amongst the usual birds on Paradise lagoon. Singles of comma, small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies on the wing at Sea View. Red Kite, buzzard, snipe and grey heron at Sea View in the afternoon 1st Single short-eared owl hunting along dune edge near Paradise lagoon and fieldfare 28 flying over dunes near Sea View 2nd Colour ringed oystercatcher yellow flag EA // yellow colour ring with a group of other oystercatchers feeding along the tide line near Saltfleet Haven 3rd One swallow over dunes near Sea View and Bblackcap singing in Paradise Wood plus goldcrest; amongst the usual wildfowl on Paradise lagoon were 21 tufted ducks. Singles of comma, small tortoiseshell, peacock, green-veined white and small white butterflies on the wing at Sea View, avocet 3 at Paradise 4th Swallow over Sea View ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHISBY NATURE PARK Whisby Nature Park SK915655 Teal, Grebe and Willow Lakes 3/4/2017 Brenda Edlington blackbird blackcap black headed gull blue tit buzzard chaffinch chiffchaff coot cormorant crow dunnock gadwall goldeneye great tit greylag goose great crested grebe heron jay little egret long tailed tit magpie mallard Mediterranean gull moorhen mute swan oystercatcher pheasant reed bunting robin shoveler teal tufted duck widgeon willow warbler wood pigeon wren brimstone comma peacock small tortoiseshell speckled wood ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk 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 073989 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. simon.wilson - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying Chris.Andrews - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying 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: Young Environmentalists - Field Studies Council http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/young-environmentalists.aspx Dolphins 'shake and toss' octopus prey, research finds http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-39487568 Evidence of ancient 'geological Brexit' revealed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39494740 World is home to '60,000 tree species' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39492977 Most of Mars' air was 'lost to space' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39459561 Breaking superstitions with a 'longtail' infestation http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-39293529 Can China's ivory trade ban save elephants? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-39440486 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/