============================================= || || 16th 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Editor writes... *** IMPORTANT NOTICE I have completed migration to a new broadband provider and ask you all to please stop using my old enterprise address and instead start to use my yahoo address: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk for reports etc. We will see how that goes before I make any other changes. If at any stage your Bulletin fails to arrive please let me know. I will continue to post text copies on http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html so you can read these if all else fails! Spring brings my annual grouse about cultivated daffodils flowering on the county's road verges. Lincolnshire's road verges are often natural nature reserves; rich in native animals and plants; worth enjoying and deserving protection. Can people really believe that planting garden daffodil varieties in the wild is a good thing to do? Seemingly many do. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/roadside-nature-reserves Lincolnshire Police have asked us to be on the lookout this weekend for Illegal Raves - nature reserves are often targets for this activity. If you notice any odd "preparatory" activity, please report it: gates or fences opened or removed, padlocks or chains being cut, odd road markings [paint?], ribbons on gates or fences, unexpected numbers of vehicles at unusual times. https://www.lincs.police.uk/report-online/ Here are a few links suggested by a readers: Woodland Trust's Big Bluebell Watch https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ Rimac Nature Reserve Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hj45qv4nPw An adder stirs, a brawny cable charged by the sun https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/07/an-adder-stirs-a-brawny-cable-charged-by-the-sun Bloomageddon: seven clever ways bluebells win the woodland turf war https://theconversation.com/bloomageddon-seven-clever-ways-bluebells-win-the-woodland-turf-war-74086 The bee-fly is a true sprite of spring https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/12/bee-fly-true-sprite-spring Rapid rise of clothes moths threatens historic fabrics http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39504494 More topical links below in "...and finally..." A full list of LNU Recorders is on this link and in Communiqué. They will receive records directly if you do not wish to use the Bulletin, for example, with rare or at-risk species. They will also advise on species identication within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://www.lnu.org/ Thank you to everyone who has sent in reports and other 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" and SWT Osprey-webcam *** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 Also: SWT Osprey webcam 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 *** 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 *** 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 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. On Saturday 22nd April 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them in Weelsby Woods for a very early morning  walk to listen to the dawn chorus with Ray Hume. Meet in the car parking area at 4.30am. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume - 07814840682. *** 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 " * ". 6/4 4 Waxwings near Stixwould by River Witham* 2 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier male, Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier male, Epworth Little Gull on lake, RAF Woodhall Spa Common Scoter drk, Toft Newton reservoir Cattle Egret, Deeping Lakes 7/4 Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh 2 Short-eared Owls, Willow tree Fen* Short-eared Owl, Woodlark near Pye's Hall, Donna Nook Cattle Egret, fem Long-tailed Duck, Deeping Lakes Common Scoter drk, Toft Newton reservoir 8/4 Hen Harrier male at south end, Donna Nook Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Garganey drk on main pit, viewable from riverbank, Bardney 9/4 Black Brant ad with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Short-eared Owl, ringtail Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Iceland Gull juv, Manby Flashes 2 Ring Ouzels on Gooseman's Field, Hobby flew south over Weelsby Avenue, Grimsby 10/4 Scaup drk on wet grassland, Frampton Marsh 2 Garganey, Elm House farm, Saltfleetby St Clement 2 Spotted Redshanks, ringtail Hen Harrier, Little Stint on south scrape, Little Gull, Short-eared Owl still on saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh 11/4 Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point 1+ Ring Ouzel, Gooseman's Field, Weelsby Woods, Grimsby Little Stint, Short-eared Owl, Scaup, Frampton Marsh 12/4 Ring Ouzel, Bank End, North Somercotes Ring Ouzel in East Dunes near Mill Hill, Ring Ouzel at Aylmer Avenue, Redstart in East Dunes, Water Pipit on Fenland Lagoon, Firecrest, 2 Garganey 1 drk at Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Little Stint, 2+ Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Scaup drk, Barton-upon-Humber pits Long-tailed Duck, Cattle Egret, Deeping Lakes 13/4 Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Cattle Egret with sheep on riverbank, 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. SPRING STUFF Clare Brady writes: 10/4/2017 Two swallows spotted as I came off the Louth bypass onto the Horncastle Rd. 11/4/2017 Willow Warbler calling down old railway line. Stewton Lane, Louth. ROADKILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington 7/4/2017 TF540786 (on the approach to Huttoft Car Terrace) Hedgehog - it's sad that my first ever sighting of a hedgehog is a dead one. Short Ferry Road at approx TF110721 Road from Lincoln to Bardney R & A Parsons 13 April 2016 Dead Badger - juvenile. *** 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 6/4/2017 Wrens' nest found in garden. Ladybird found in house - ID as: 10-spot [AP] Adalia 10-punctata f bimaculata [RP agrees!] 9/4 2 Brimstones CARLTON LE MOORLAND (sitting on an overhead wire along Broughton Road some 100m from High Street junction). Fred Jacques Spotted @ approx 14.15 07/04/2017 Swallow CUT END, BOSTON Pilgrim Fathers memorial to past pumping station R. Parsons and G. Steele 10/4/2017 Swallow 2 Avocets Little Egret 500+ Brent Geese Buff Tailed Bumblebee Red-tailed Bumblebee Andrena spp GRIMSTHORPE Chris Howes Park Ranger 09/04/17 TF045204 Quarry Cottage First Common Lizard of the year in the garden   10/04/17 TF 002228 Single Swallow over Swinstead Valley 10/04/17 TF 014218 Creeton Track Single Wheatear 11/04/17 TF 038206  Pots and Pans single Wheatear flying up ditch HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 6/4/2017 Ladybird 7-spot 1 Longtailed tits 2 Peacock butterfly 1 Song thrush 1 7/4/2017 Small tortoishell 1 9/4/2017 Song thrush 1 12/4/2017 Muntjac 1 MOOR CLOSES NR SK98/43 Jane Ostler 9th April 2017 Exceptionally warm (to 20C).A walk keeping strictly to member's route, avoiding area where snipe might be nesting. We saw none in flight. PLANTS IN FLOWER (The walk down the lane between cemetery and church was interesting in that there were 20 plants in flower, most of which were annual weeds or garden escapes but were nevertheless attracting butterflies and bees also found on the Reserve.) Twenty five species found in flower. Wild Arum and Lady's Smock were the first I had seen flower this year. Also of interest were Cowslip, Marsh Marigolds and Field Woodrush. Wild Cherry and Blackthorn were fully out. Of the willows those whose catkins emerge before the leaves had fruits forming on female trees and catkins were emerging with the leaves on Crack Willow. One or two Hawthorn flowers had opened and there were flower buds on the Guelder NON-FLOWERING PLANTS Just one species of fungus in grassland, the Turf Mottlegill INSECTS Butterflies: Brimstone, Small White, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood. There were several Speckled Wood on the lane adjacent to the reserve Bees: Red tailed bees (B.lapidarius) were frequent and searching for possible nesting sites. One or two Buff-tailed bees . Other: Several Common Wasps.  Bee Fly BIRDS Jackdaws feeding in first field. Blackcap ( but no other warblers heard) 2 Green Woodpeckers. Robin, Dunnock, Chafffinch, Blackbird. MAMMALS New molehills, evidence of fox and squirrel. RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 02/04/2017 Pea Weevil 1 05/04/2017 Brown Hare 1 European Green Woodpecker 1 Reed Bunting 1 06/04/2017 Harlequin Ladybird 1 a hoverfly 1 Common Green Shieldbug 1 08/04/2017 Moths: Clouded Drab 1 Hebrew Character 7 Purple Thorn 2 Early Thorn 1 Brindled Pug 1 Powdered Quaker 1 Small Quaker 1 Red-Green Carpet 1 Brimstone Butterfly 1 Red-tailed Carder Bee 1 Buff-tailed Bumble Bee 1 SUTTON ON SEA Bill Simpson Grid Reference:- TF522805 6 April 2017 One Waxwing TORTOISESHELL WOOD NR SK963197 Jane Ostler 4th April 2017 10.30 - 12noon 13Cstill, intermittent sunshine. PLANTS IN FLOWER This is the time of year to see the Wood Anemones. They were in sheets of white, with some pink, now spread into the areas of coppiced hazel and the best I have seen them in over 30 years. Other woodland species out were Dog's Mercury (female flowers just visible, male flowers showing pollen), Goldilocks Buttercup, the first Bluebells, Early Dog Violet, Sweet Violet, Dog Violet and Barren Strawberry. A few flowers of the Three-nerved Sandwort which, in spite of its name, prefers richer soils. Ground Ivy and Lesser Celandine were being visited by insects. Blackthorn and other Prunus hybrids were in flower as were the Pears, relics of the woodman's cottage garden. Ash trees had flowers, oak buds were fattening but the Wild Service Trees showed little signs of life.In the neighbouring grass fields there were leaves, but no flowers yet, of Early Purple Orchid. Wood Anemone has spread into neighbouring grassland as has Water Avens. Cowslips were frequent here and there was Hairy Violet and Field Woodrush. INVERTEBRATES As in previous years the Tawny Mining Bee had made its volcanoes along the entrance path and by midday several of the bees were seen flying. Another small bee, as yet to be identified, was feeding on a Lesser Celandine. Buff-tailed Bumble Bees and Bee Fly were out.  A queen German Wasp was watched as it vigorously cleaned off the spiders webbing it had become entangled in. BIRDS Chiff Chaff and Blackcap, the latter singing in several places and watched high in the trees. A pair of kite circled over the small paddock which has sheep grazing at present. Chaffinch, Dunnock, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits. A Treecreeper. 3 Nuthatch all singing at the same time from three different points, one from above a nesting hole. Unfortunately no woodpeckers heard, MAMMALS Deer slots indicate 4 or 5 fallow deer. Mud mostly too churned up to follow footprints. Evidence of fox, squirrel mole and rabbit. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 5th-12th April 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth General Notes and Weather Observations The dry weather continues, with no rainfall recorded during the month and only 1.7mm since March 23rd. Daytime temperatures this week did rise to an unseasonal high of 24.5°C on the 9th but falling to 12.5°C the following day. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 5th Pair of Pied Wagtails at Sea View, Marsh Harrier and Sparrow hawk hunting over the saltmarsh 6th Female Bullfinch near Sea View, Short-eared Owl being mobbed by two Carrion Crows high over the saltmarsh and at least 5 Chiffchaffs singing between Sea View and Paradise 8th Two Pintails (?), Mallard 12, Shoveler 9, Tufted Duck 4, Teal 8 and Redshank 7 on Paradise lagoon and a single Fieldfare flew over. Sunshine encouraged a few butterflies to be on the wing around Sea View brimstone 2, orange tip 2, peacock 4 and singles of comma and small tortoiseshell 9th An extremely hot day when daytime temperatures rose to 24.5°C; butterflies on the wing around Sea View were brimstone 3+, large white 2, holly blue 1, peacock 4+ and comma 1. Short-eared Owl hunting near Paradise lagoon and single Wheatear nearby, Swallow 4 over Sea View Spring beauty and Alexanders coming into flower. 10th Wildfowl numbers decreasing at Paradise lagoon with Mallard 7, Gadwall 3, Shoveler 4, Coot 3 plus Redshank 7, Swallow 3 over and Tufted Duck 7 on the Eau. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. Wetland Reserve TF 331595 Noteworthy ornithological sightings and Monthly maximums - March 2017 Black-headed Gull - 10 Coot - 6 Cormorant - 4 Curlew - 111 Fieldfare - c35 Gadwall - 6 Greylag Goose - 97 Little Egret - 4 (new site maximum) Mallard - 28 Mandarin Duck 2 (pair – second & third site records) Mute Swan - 2 Redshank - 13 Rook - c150 (Rookery now at 72 nests) Shoveler - 3 Starling - c30 Teal - c20 Tufted Duck - 6 Wigeon - 12 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 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 Phil Hyde - 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.....: East Midlands Ambulance Service reveals bizarre 999 calls http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-39528733 Lincoln A&E unit declared 'critical' over continued doctors shortage http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39513087 Poultry in England allowed outside as anti-bird flu measures relaxed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39556926 'Surprise' discovery of Europe's first cave-dwelling fish http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39446505 England nature plan 'lacking policies' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39557565 First study finds neonic pesticides in US drinking water http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39504487 Poo sediments record Antarctic 'penguin Pompeii' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39565764 Atmosphere found around Earth-like planet GJ 1132b http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39521344 Caterpillar farms: Growing the food of the future? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39480161 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/