============================================= || || 30th 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. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin or send this link to contacts who might like to 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... *** Heads up for St Mark's Flies. We saw a pair mating last week. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/st-marks-fly Your suggestions for topical links are very welcome. Here are a few links for this week: Road verges 'last refuge' for plants - conservation charity http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39670191 Council report makes flood recommendations after coastal flooding http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-39703075 Lincolnshire coastal sand-shifting work under way http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39691550 Inquiry begins into £100m Boston Barrier flood scheme http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39645266 Missing WW2 Lancaster mascot Mr Fox returned anonymously http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39691556 The village that made itself hedgehog friendly http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39678329 Great Dunmow postbox out of action while birds nest inside http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-39636507 More topical links below in "...and finally..." A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification 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 to my new address. If you can keep to our established layout, staying as clear and straightforward as possible, that will help me a lot - e.g. .txt documents rather than anything too involved. [bold, tabs, etc.] Thanks. If you have events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is that participants will go away better equipped to develop their interest. On most courses there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time n the field. The workshops for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. 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. *** April Night Sky - will transmogrify into May information *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" and SWT Osprey-webcam *** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ *** 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/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams *** Will Bartle writes: 3 Month Graduate placement The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project are currently advertising a voluntary 3 month graduate placement starting in June thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The role will involve assisting the staff to organise a week-long festival of family events in August and is an ideal opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of conservation. Deadline for applications is Sunday 14th May. Full details can be found on the environmentjobs website: http://www.environmentjob.co.uk/adverts/63386-lincolnshire-chalk-streams-graduate-volunteer Poetry Competition The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project are running a poetry competition for all ages thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. If you're feeling inspired by the wonderfully rare chalk streams found in Lincolnshire why not enter, you could win £250!! Deadline is Friday 14th July. Full terms and conditions, and instructions on how to enter are on the website. http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/poetrycompetition2017 *** Grimsby RSPB Group *** Martin Francis writes: For more information, contact (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ George Rutter writes: Rigsby Wood Open Day Sunday 30th April - 10:00am - 4:00pm Annual open day in this beautiful bluebell woodland on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds Refreshments, plant hunt and games organised. Located near Alford Grid reference TF 421762 *** 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 Sunday 30th April 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a guided walk around Tetney  Blow Wells with the wardens. Please meet outside Tetney Parish Church in Church Lane, Tetney at 2pm. Anglian Water have very recently put down a raised board walk to avoid most of the muddy conditions however you are still advised to wear walking boots and suitable outdoor clothing. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Clifford Juke 01472 814887. On Saturday 6th May 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on an early morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car parking area at 6.30 am. (Grid ref TA306067) Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume 07814840682. *** Louth LWT *** Louth Area Group LWT Ray Woodcock writes: The next meeting of the Louth Group will be on Friday 28 April 2017 at the Methodist Church Hall, Nichol Hill, Louth. It will be an evening of Members’ photographs and the Annual General Meeting with a raffle and refreshments. There is no charge on this occasion – so please buy a load of raffle tickets. Contact Ray on lag2104rww@aol.com to find out more about the activities of this group. *** 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 " * ". 20/4 9 Common Cranes over Mill Hill, Gibraltar Point* 21/4 Scaup, Little gull, Short-eared Owl, hybrid Blue-headed wagtail x Yellow WagtaIl, Frampton Marsh Firecrest male at Aylmer Avenue, 2 Garganey 1 drk on Mere, Gibraltar Point Bar-tailed Godwit, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Cattle Egret south of B1166 level crossing, Long-tailed Duck, Deeping Lakes 4 Ring Ouzels 2 males in horse field behind Weelsby Woods, Grimsby Glaucous Gull juv flew west over Saltfleet St Peter 22/4 Firecrest in sea buckthorn south of Quad 3 lookout, Donna Nook Scaup, Little gull, Short-eared Owl, hybrid Blue-headed wagtail x Yellow WagtaIl, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck, sailing pit, Barton-upon-Humber Garganey south of B1166 level crossing, Deeping Lakes 2 Garganey 1 drk, Anderby Marsh 23/4 Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's sands, Osprey flew west over, Gibraltar Point 2 Scaup on reservoir, 25 Whimbrel, 2 Little Gulls, Turtle Dove, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper*. Curlew Sandpiper near bottom car park*, Frampton Marsh Cattle Egret,2 Garganey 1 drk, Scaup, Deeping Lakes Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Snow Bunting flew over Tetney Marshes Osprey, Fiskerton Fen 2 Garganey 1 drk, Anderby Marsh Glaucous gull, Louth* 24/4 2 Garganey 1 drk, 2 Arctic Terns, Deeping Lakes 4 Sanderlings, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Short-eared Owl over Fenland Lagoon, White Stork over The Wash, Gibraltar Point Iceland Gull juv over Saltfleet St Peter Garganey, Whisby Nature Park Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, LittleGull, Scaup, Frampton Marsh 25/4 Garganey, Scaup, Deeping Lakes Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Scaup 1 drk, Turtle Dove, White Wagtail, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl over Old saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point 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. NOCTON Jerry Gunner writes: Monday April 24, 1600. We took the dogs up and down the causeway that runs parallel to the road from Potterhanworth Booths and Bardney. Several reed warblers singing in the reeds and bushes at the side of the road. No reed buntings seen. A huge field to the south of the road was being worked on by three very slow tractors each of which was towing a piece of machinery. They seemed to be working to produce a very fine tilth. Whatever they were doing it was attracting wagtails. The first one I saw was a grey then later lots, a score or more, of yellows. They were all feeding avidly though the yellows were mostly stationary. Also seen was what I assume was a meadow pipit. It wasn’t behaving like one though, moving slowly across the ground whilst feeding whereas I’d expect it to be frenetic. There were a lot of swallows and some martins skimming low across the fields. There are some lapwings in the field to the north of the road that already has a crop in it. I imagine they are nesting as they have been there for a while. Tuesday April 25 we had two fairly unusual visitors. The first was one of our stoats hunting for rabbits – I don’t think it had any luck, certainly not while I was watching. Second, and an animal that is always in evidence but very rarely seen was a mole I found on a paved footpath. I think it’s only the second time I’ve seen a live one above ground and the other had no choice because it would have drowned if it had stayed underground. This one was moved to a safer place. The afternoon walk took the same route as yesterday’s, Potterhanworth woods out and back. The same three tractors were planting potatoes and making the ridges and furrows. There were many more pied wagtails than yesterday, heavily outnumbering the yellow which were in the first instance all together on the far side of the field. We neither saw nor heard reed warblers or buntings. We did see a pair of wheatears which I’ve very rarely seen. They were beautiful. Also noted were two meadow pipits and lots of black-headed gulls following the tractors – there were none yesterday. Swallows and martins were much less in evidence with only a couple of each passing over. Back by the woods I saw my first whitethroat of the summer. ROADKILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Road from Baumber to Bardney [Henry Lane?] TF176702 approx Badger Kill - large adult 20/4/2017 *** 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 Species list for April 2017 Black-headed Gull - 12 Starling in range 2-32 Nest. Blackbird 4 Robin 2+ Song thrush in churchyard Dunnock 4 Wren 1+ and nest House Sparrow - 8-10 Goldfinch 4+ on niger feeder Bullfinch - not seen this month Chaffinch 2+ Pied Wagtail 2 Barn Owl? - caught on trailcam Jackdaws 2-12 Magpie Woodpigeon 2-12 Collared Dove 3+ Buzzard calling in area 23/4 Small tortoiseshell Inside the Old Museum The Green, Bardney TF119694 22/4/2017 queen of Common wasp, Vespula vulgaris Determined by Davind Sheppard from photo. http://www.bwars.com/index.php?q=wasp/vespidae/vespinae/vespula-vulgaris BURTON PEDWADINE Burton Pedwardine TF085 427 Martin Thompson Cuckoo heard 6:30am 24th April Toad patrol finished with over 4,000 toads assisted on road crossing . CANADA FARM, DOGDYKE R & A Parsons TF2353 22/4/2017 5+ Brown Hare 2 Muntjac reported at same time Buzzard calling Pair of St Mark's Fly mating CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909580 Jeremy Hutchinson 23rd April 2017 Butterflies: Orange Tip, Brimstone, Holly Blue Went out at dusk to have a closer look at a Little Owl, also saw a Barn Owl and 3 Hares . On return home I found a pair of Hedgehogs wandering around our garden, the first for some time. Not a bad 20 minutes! 24th April 19.45 Half-grown Leveret running flat-out having been disturbed by a dog walker. On a general note, since Thursday 20th April there have been numerous Linnets in the area generally, many more than usual: has anyone else noticed this elsewhere? HORKSTOW Seen in or from my garden in the past week (16 - 23 April 2017) Jenny Haynes Red Admiral (16 April) Brimstone (16 April) Two Fallow Deer (17 April) Two Swallows (18 April) Small White (22 April) Orange Tip (23 April) Birds in my garden: Blue tit Great Tit Blackbird Goldfinch Chaffinch Greenfinch Tree Sparrow Dunnock Robin Wren Pied Wagtail Wood Pigeon Gt Spotted Woodpecker Birds from my garden: Buzzard Jackdaw Rook Kestrel Magpie KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK847 757 Rodger Brownlow 21/042017 St. Mark's flies 23/04/2017 Cuckoo calling at 8.00 this morning. KIRTON MARSH 25/04/2017 Roy and Kath Pearson Yellow Wagtail on the farmland. LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 29/04/2017 Jayne Knight 16/04 Orange Tip butterfly in front garden 24/04 Pholcus phalangioides spider traversing sitting room wall carrying egg sac 26/04 Two fledgling Dunnocks around the garden, being fed by a parent bird Fledgling Wood Pigeon also in garden LOUTH Grid ref TF 332884 Peter White Last year we had 2 eggs in our tawny owl box but neither hatched. Just had a check as owls are active and there are 4 eggs so hoping for more luck. We are in a town setting off Brackenborough Road in Louth SOUTHERY WOOD R & A Parsons 23/4/2017 Speckled Wood 4 Brimstones Bluebells in full flower Wood Anemones going over now Lesser Celandine Red Campion Wild Arum Dogs Mercury TATTERSHALL THORPE 25.04.17 at 07.00 M&R Pocklington 5 swallows on the telegraph wire.Treat to watch while eating breakfast. The sand martins have been back skimming the lakes for the past week. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 14/04/17 Swallow x 1 SK813999 16/04/17 nest box check Box 12 Stock Dove 1 egg Box 19 Stock Dove 2 eggs 18/04/17 Rabbit x 1 SE804001 20/04/17 Blackbird x 4 Blackcap x 1 Black-headed Gull x 50+ following tractor in fields north of Thurnholmes Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 2 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 7 Owston Ferry Warping Drain (very late) Goldfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Lapwing x 3 Magpie x 2 Mallard x 6 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Moorhen x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Mute Swan x 6 (2 pairs + 2 last years young birds) Owston Ferry Warping Drain Oystercatcher x 2 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 high over Thurnholmes Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 2 Tufted Duck x 3pr Owston Ferry Warping Drain Willow Warbler x 2 Wood Pigeon x 5 Yellowhammer x 1 25/04/17 Yellow wagtail x 4 in newly drilled potato fields, north of Thurnholmes Red Campion just coming in to flower WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 16 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 3 Blue Tit 2 Chaffinch 5 Chiff Chaff 1 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 3 Dunnock 2 Goldfinch 6 Great Tit 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Greenfinch 4 House Sparrow 5 Jackdaw 1 Long Tailed Tit 2 Pheasant 2 Robin 2 Sparrowhawk 1 Stock Dove 1 Wood Pigeon 2 Wren 1 Grey Squirrel 1 Bank Vole 1 Wood Mouse 2 Hedgehog 1 Orange Tip and a small blue unidentified butterfly 15/04 First Blue Tit egg in nest box 16/04 (last year 24/04) We released 3 hedgehogs (from rescue centre) into the garden on 08/04 and have seen at least 1 on most nights WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 23 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 3 Blackcap 2 Blue Tit 2 Carrion Crow 1 Chaffinch 3 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldfinch 4 Great Tit 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Greenfinch 3 House Sparrow 2 Jackdaw 4 Long Tailed Tit 2 Pheasant 4 Robin 3 Stock Dove 1 Tree Sparrow 1 Wood Pigeon 4 Wren1 Grey Squirrel 2 Bank Vole 2 Wood Mouse 2 Common Shrew 1 Hedgehog 2 Common toad 1 Large red damselfly 22 April Wasps nest in one of the bird boxes Cuckoo heard 23 April (I don’t recall hearing any at all last year) After laying 8 eggs this week, the female blue tit came into the box with a head injury on Sunday evening and died 5am Monday. Very sad. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler April 21st -25th 2017 PLANTS IN FLOWER Sweet Violet, both white and mauve forms on Old Post Lane, Hairy Violet dominated on Nature Trail. Lesser Celandine has been prolific on verges this year and are now followed by Cowslips. Water Avens, Kingcups and Lady's Smock on Water Lane. Wood Forgetmenot, Wood Avens Wild Arum, Yellow Archangel and Bluebells are remnants of wooded areas before the ironstone mining. Field Woodrush and Germander Speedwell are new arriva13 Jackdaws regularly congregate in Walnut tree and one is on the verges. Hornbeam, Poplars Blackthorn, Wild Cherry, Ash, Norway Spruce have flowered.Elder hawthorn and oak have flower buds. By the 25th the only tree species not in leaf are walnut, sweet chestnut and ash. INSECTS Butterflies which appeared in March , Brimstone, Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma continued to fly on warmer April days when they were joined by Small White, Speckled Wood and Orange Tips. No Large or Green Veined Whites have been reported. The first Bee Fly on April 2nd, followed by its associate the Tawny Mining Bee on April 3rd when one group of Harlequin Ladybirds emerged from hibernation. On April 7th the first female flower flies joined the males feeding on the comfrey. The population of this species has grown considerably since I first noted it a decade ago. The Common Carder Bee also seems numerous this year. Common wasps were on the Euphorbia flowers at the beginning of the month when the Hawthorn Shield bug was on the hedge. The Lesser Stag Beetle (Dorcus parallelipedus) was found together with well grown larvae in the rotting stump of a recently felled beech tree. BIRDS Nesting birds on the Nature Trail included Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Yellow Hammers, Long-tailed Tits, Tawny Owl and Greenfinch. Robins, Blackbirds , housesparrows all taken by a male sparrowhawk and collared doves by a female. The first swallow was seen on April 15th. They are now back at their nesting sites. No cuckoos yet heard but chichaff and blackcap.13 Jackdaws regularly congregate in Walnut tree and one got into a living room by way of a chimney. Rooks are feeding young. OTHER VERTEBRATES Frog tadpoles developing back legs ( and the small invertebrate life hatched out in time for them to feed on.) Grass Snake sunning in a garden. More adult toads seen than in recent years. Stoat crossing Old Post Lane.  Weasel on Roadside Nature Reserve.Hares in fields and a Leverett seen. Muntjak seen with young. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 19th -- 26thApril 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nigel Lound, Cliff Morrison & Rob Lidstone-Scott General Notes and Weather Observations Changeable weather seems to sum up April so far, with some days experiencing all four seasons in a single day! Flowers now include cuckoo flower and bugle Information about the colour ringed oystercatcher yellow flag EA // yellow ring observed on the 2nd April along the tide line near Saltfleet Haven has been sent to the observers Peter & Janet Roworth by the ringer Jim Wilson who said …” "The bird was ringed as a pullus on 13.7.2015 at Spengerleira, Ramberg, Flakstad, Lofoten Islands. 68 04 39N 13 13 46E. I mainly mark adults and have only marked 14 pullus or juvenile. 4 of these have been sighted in E England and one in Germany, so I obviously must try and mark more pulli this year! I do not mark pulli until they are at least 2 weeks old.This is thefirst sighting. It may come back here in the end, but they possibly spend 2-3 years on the wintering grounds during their first years”. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 19th Cuckoo and willow warbler near Sea View plus brimstone on the wing 20th There was a green hairstreak at the south end and good numbers of whitethroats, lesser whitethroats and a few of chiffchaff, willow warbler and sedge warbler. A couple of yellow wagtails flew over. 3 green hairstreak on the wing at Sea View. 21st On Friday, 12 whimbrel flew out to roost off Brickyard Lane; there was a buzzard and kestrel. We have little, barn and tawny owls calling. Also an orange tip here and a cuckoo, which is now on territory. At least 18 whimbrel on the saltmarsh which may be the same birds from previous observations or other birds moving through, single common whitethroat near Paradise. A drake pintail and a green sandpiper were on Joe House’s field. A grasshopper warbler was in song south of Crook Bank and a whimbrel flew south. A cinnabar moth was on the wing. 22nd Single cuckoo over Sea View, 2 tree sparrows, whimbrel 15+ on saltmarsh and marsh harrier hunting nearby. Cinnabar moths on the wing at Sea View. 23rd Butterflies on a transect 23 rd small white 1 , green veined white 4,orange tip 7, peacock 4,speckled wood 1, green hairstreak 1. Birds seen Brickyard to Sea view: 23rd/24th include c 25 whitethroat, 7 lesser whitethroat, 8 blackcap, 18 willow warbler, 9 chiffchaffs, 2 sedge warbler, 1 reed warbler , 2 cuckoo, 1 green woodpecker, 11 yellow hammers, c 70 linnets, ring ouzel 1. Freshly hatched St Mark’s fly active between Sea View and Rimac. Whimbrel numbers now reaching 61 birds on the saltmarsh plus sedge warbler and common whitethroat vocal between Sea View and Paradise. Fine spells of weather during the day encouraged the following butterflies to be on the wing: peacock 4, small white 6, large white 3, holly blue 2; orange tip 8+ and green hairstreak 2 all at Sea View. 24th Two oystercatchers and 2 avocets on Paradise lagoon A drake pintail and a green sandpiper were again on Joe House’s field. South of Crook Bank was a ring ouzel, a cuckoo and a male wheatear. A sandwich tern flew south and 15 common scoter were on the sea. Around Paradise were a male wheatear, 2 avocet and an egyptian goose. 25th On Tuesday there were 2 little ringed plover on the beach, along with 2 white wagtails and a wheatear. On the evening tide, there 38 ringed plover and20 sanderling On short sward vegetation of saltmarsh between Rimac and N of Sea View at least 53 whimbrel associated with woodpigeon, a single bar-tailed godwit and 2 little egrets, plus a marsh harrier hunting nearby. 26th Two oystercatchers and 2 avocets on Paradise lagoon again, buzzard seen flying over Sea View. At sea a sooty shearwater flew north and a glaucous gull south. 6 wheatear, 2 white wagtail and a black-tailed godwit were around the Haven. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) Location: Little Scrubs Wood and Little Scrubs Meadow, Chambers Farm Woods Grid ref: TF1474 Recorders: Steven & Elizabeth Heathcote Date: 23/4/17 Ajuga reptans (Bugle) Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone) Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bitter-cress) Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) Cardamine pratensis (Cuckooflower) Carex flacca (Glaucous Sedge) Ficaria verna (Lesser Celandine) Geum rivale (Water Avens) Glechoma hederacea (Ground-ivy) Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebell) Malus domestica (Apple) Potentilla erecta (Tormentil) Potentilla sterilis (Barren Strawberry) Primula ×polyantha (False Oxlip) Primula veris (Cowslip) Primula vulgaris (Primrose) Stellaria holostea (Greater Stitchwort) Valeriana dioica (Marsh Valerian) Veronica montana (Wood Speedwell) Viola riviniana (Common Dog-violet) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Julie.Massey - soft bounce - This system does not accept mail with this content 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.....: 'World's oldest fungus' raises evolution questions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39656089 RAF Typhoon fighter planes at Coningsby take off for Romania http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39695355 Lincolnshire Christmas cards arrive 16 months later on Saturday http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39642933 Aurora photographers find new night sky lights and call them Steve http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39686055 Primitive human 'lived much more recently' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39710315 Plastic-eating caterpillar could munch waste, scientists say http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39694553 First coal-free day in Britain since Industrial Revolution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39675418 Climate change causes 'river piracy' in Canada's Yukon http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39634290 March for Science rallies worldwide to protest against political interference http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-39679629 Scientists mobilise against 'fear of facts' in age of Trump http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-39459593 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/