============================================= || || 6th August 2017 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://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. 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... *** David Robinson OBE : 29 August 1927 - 25 July 2017 I feel certain that the majority of Bulletin readers will have known or known of David Robinson, who has died after a recent illness. Sad news. His contribution to the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union was considerable and he was a significant figure in the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, the Sir Joseph Banks Society and in county adult education, geology and "heritage" circles. Writer, scholar, teacher, historian, he was the most enthusiastic of ambassadors for Lincolnshire. He will be much missed. Tributes to his life and work may be found on: http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/david-robinson-obe/ http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/tributes-to-louth-and-horncastle-stalwart-david-robinson-obe-1-8073260 This week we have reminders of the Field Meeting at Mareham Pastures near Sleaford, the imminent departure of the Bourne Barn Owl chicks, the Perseid Meteor shower, the National Whale and Dolphin Watch Event on 5/6th August plus lots of wildlife sightings, useful links and contacts. Your suggestions and contributions are always welcome and we are happy to give a plug to any county organisation involved in ecology, natural history, conservation, geology or any such environmental subject. Here are some links from readers. If any don't work, "copy and paste" URLs. Churches chosen to try to solve 'national' bat problem [Includes Tattershall] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-40773126 Cricket's summer song making a comeback http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40587311 Secrets of the world's toughest creatures revealed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40752669 Pollination threatened by artificial light http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40803960 More topical links are below in "...and finally..." so don't forget to click. 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 for all the contributions this week. Very much appreciated. If you have any August events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" *** "Make the most of our chicks. They won’t be in view much longer." The 3 chicks are doing really well and now look wonderful. Warmest thanks to Bob Sheppard and the Len Pick Trust for enabling us to follow their lives from egg to fledging this summer. For the webcam and diary updates, see: http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** August Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Heads up for the Perseid Meteor Shower - peaks August 12th. A full moon may interfere with meteor watching, but you may be lucky. Let us know if you are. You might get a brief glimpse of a bit of the Solar Eclipse on 21st. Worth a try. Check Paul Money's "Astrospace" advice and information on these events. *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://lnu.org/ 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 Field Meeting: 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 https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/40333/mareham-pastures-local-nature-reserve/ Mareham Pastures was 2016 overall winner of the Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/node/6828 *** 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/ *** National Whale and Dolphin Watch Weekend - 5th-6th August *** Dave Miller writes: This year’s event is on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August and I am planning on holding watches from the Round-and-Round hide, Anderby Creek and Skegness Pier. This is part of a national survey of cetaceans around Britain’s shores. We have had great results in previous years including eight animals seen last year. Shifts: Saturday 5th 10am – 1pm Saturday 5th 1pm – 4pm Sunday 6th 10am – 1pm Sunday 6th 1pm – 4pm You never know, you might even see a harbour porpoise, though this cannot be guaranteed! National Whale and Dolphin Watch http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw/ *** Humber Hounds Annual Humber Bridge Walk *** Kevin Bayes writes: The annual Humber Hounds Bridge Walk will take place again this year on Sunday 3rd September, starting from Waters Edge Visitor Centre, Barton upon Humber, DN18 5JR. The walk will take about 3 hours, with a staggered start from about 10.00am. Please register your interest for the Annual Bridge Walk by going to the Humber Nature Partnership website www.humbernature.co.uk Or go direct to the Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/humber-nature-partnership-14516087267 Kevin Bayes Humber Nature Partnership *** 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: Come and meet the local members of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust at the Discovery Centre, Cleethorpes between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 5th August 2017. Gary Cooper, one of the Coastal Wardens will be there to chat between 10am and 12 noon. Wildlife photographer Paul Day will also be there in the morning with some of his pictures. A member of the ‘Watch’ leadership locally will be present from 1pm to talk about youth activities to children and parents. A Nature Walk is scheduled for 1pm in the area. Trust goods for purchase and free Trust literature will be available. There will also be a static wildlife display. Refreshments are available at the Centre. For further information ring Grimsby 502858 or 312051. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or consolidating repeated messages. 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 " * ". Note: 27/7 Pectoral Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 14 Spoonbills*, Little Stint, Gibraltar Point Common Scoter, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Wood Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Freiston Shore Wood Sandpiper, Manby Flashes 28/7 3 Spoonbills, 4 Little Stints, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Wood Sandpipers, reported Pectoral Sandpiper is a Dunlin, Frampton Marsh Marsh Sandpiper - then flew to The Wash, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore 16 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Little Stint, Spoonbill flew south, Gibraltar Point White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber Pectoral Sandpiper ad, Middlemarsh Wetlands Great White Egret on pool near car park, Donna Nook* 29/7 2,000+ Avocets, Read's Island on Humber 2 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, Freiston Shore 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, 2 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 8 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point 6 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Little Stint + Wood Sandpiper, ad dark morph Arctic Skua, on Paradise Pools, Saltfleetby 30/7 14 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 3 Spoonbills, 2 Little Stints, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, Wood Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 31/7 White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 2 Turtle Doves near Eagle 4 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 3 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh 2 Wood sandpipers on reservoir, Freiston Shore Wood Sandpiper, Woodhall Spa Airfield Montagu's or Pallid Harrier 1s m, Worlaby Carrs, Anchholme Valley Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes 1/8 10 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 3 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 2 Whinchats, 2 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 2/8 10 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 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. SWIFTS BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 1/8/2017 Regular Bardney flock in 12-15 over the Green still. TF 00911 75613 Su Colman Nettleham 1 August 2017 20:15 20+ swifts still high over the village TF 02479 79287 Su Colman Dunholme 1 August 2017 20:05 20+ swifts still high and calling ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. *** 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 Hedgehog filmed hunting in garden - 31/7/2017 I constructed a hedgehog nest of logs and turf on 1st August and we filmed our visitor inspecting it the night of 1st/2nd. Result! BOSTON (South by A16) July 2017 Kathleen Pearson I did the BTO Garden BirdWatch on 29 days in July. A total of 26 species was recorded. Only two species were recorded on all 29 days - Collared Dove and Greenfinch. Five species were only recorded on a single day - Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Sparrowhawk, Coal Tit and Black-headed Gull. The highest number of a single species counted together on one day was 20 Starlings. Single Wrens were only seen on three days. The highest count of the number of species in one day was 20 and the lowest in a day was 5. The full list of species is below, the first number being the total number of days the species recorded and the highest group of the species together in the following brackets. Starling 25(20), Blackbird 27(5), Dunnock 22(3), Goldfinch 26(5), Greenfinch 29(5), House Sparrow 25(13), Great Spotted Woodpecker 11(2), Robin 20(4), Song Thrush 9(3), Great Tit 27(4), Blue Tit 26(6), Magpie 24(2), Collared Dove 29(8), Woodpigeon 25(4), Jay 17(2), Long-tailed Tit 20(11), Chaffinch 11(2), Pied Wagtail 1(1), Lesser Black-backed Gull 4(2), Blackcap 2(1), Wren 3(1), Herring Gull 1(1), Sparrowhawk 1(1), Rook 3(1), Coal Tit 1(1) and Black-headed Gull 1(3). A total of 11 butterflies was recorded :- Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White and Meadow Brown. Other species were:- Red-tailed Bumblebee, Tree Bumblebee, Pipistrelle, Frog and Grey Squirrel. Hedgehog counts were:- one seen on 15 separate nights, two together on 3 nights and three together on one occasion. The third did not appear to be welcome. CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909580 Jeremy Hutchinson 16 JULY 2017 Kestrel (f) mobbing Buzzard perched in Ash by flying above tree and repeatedly stooping at the Buzzard. 17 July 2017 12.00 - Hobby (male- have had several sightings of Hobbies recently, but this is the first male that I have seen). Butterflies in garden: Common Blue Gatekeeper (2) Brimstone Red Admiral Peacock Small Tortoiseshell Meadow Brown Speckled Wood Comma 30 July Pair of Hobbies flew by calling, the female seemingly trying to take a prey item from the male: I have never seen this before, is it usual? 1 August Found female Blackbird sitting on eggs in Honeysuckle: unusually late I'd have thought? On a general note, our local Swifts appear to have had a good breeding year, groups of 25 + seen recently, even more in Bassingham nearby. As last year Carlton's Swifts have left before those at Bassingham, I have no idea why. Our local Little Owls (which nest about 70m from our house), have had 2 young (possibly 3, not certain), which have now dispersed from the nest site. One has spent much of the last 5 days or so perched on the chimney stack of the nearest house, which is 50 m or so away. I suspect that our local Barn Owls haven't bred this year (no sightings at the nest box), but I did see a pair flying on 13 July just before dark: my attention was drawn to them by a blood-curdling shriek while I was watching the Little Owls. I saw a beetle recently which I have been unable to identify, and wonder whether any entomologists out there may be able to help? It was oval in shape, about 6mm long and black (shiny), with a heart-shaped spot in the middle of the wing cases, and a single white dot at the end of each wing case. It was seen on flowers of Crocosmia if that's of any help. HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 2 August 2017 We had an explosion of butterflies at the weekend, with peacocks and red admirals predominating. I counted at least ten peacocks and the same or more red admirals as well as small and large whites and a couple of dragonflies. An abundant weekend. This morning there was a lesser stag beetle on the path and the nuthatch continues to put in an appearance on the feeders. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 27/7/2017 Meadow brown 2 (on teasel) Red admiral 1 29/7/2017 Azure damselfly Coenagrion puella 1 (I am pretty sure it was an adult female, green form) Dunnocks 2 Wrens 3 (juveniles) 30/7/2017 Ladybird 7-spot 1 (so few seen this year) 31/7/2017 Peacock butterfly 1 (my first this year) 2/8/2017 Grey dagger caterpillar Acronicta psi 1 on shed doorhandle but likely fell from birch that overhangs shed) NETTLEHAM Su ColmanTF 01363 75493 Nettleham 1 August 2017 09:15 Hedgehog droppings on the back lawn this morning. The garden adjoins farmland. MARKET RASEN TF107897 Caistor Road own back garden Richard Fox 31.07.2017 Comma Holly Blue 2 Large White 2 Painted Lady Peacock 2 Red Admiral 3 Small Skipper Swift 4 02.08.2017 Swift 2 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 27.07.2017 Pied Wagtail (TF303853) Small clumps of Harebells in flower on a steep, chalky bank that is cut regularly due to being on a blind bend (TF302855). Sadly three days later this spot had been cut again and only a few flowers at the base of the bank had survived. 30.07.2017 Wren fledgling released from conservatory 21:45 hrs: Bat x 2 seen flying past window, not sure which species 31.07.2017 Haws starting to turn orange, local hedgerows Holly Blue (f) on achillea and ivy Hedgehog droppings Common Newt in damp spot along grass/border edge 21:45 hrs: Bat x 2 seen flying past window; as previous night, but in opposite direction July Rainfall = 58 mm, about average for the month 01.08.2017 16 Long-tailed Tits (flying overhead against a clear sky, so I was actually able to count them) Corizus hyoscyami (Black and Red Squash Bug) Butterflies on Buddleia: Brimstone 2, Painted Lady 1, Peacock 3, Red Admiral 3, Small Tortoiseshell 2. The Small Tortoiseshells appeared to be chasing a Peacock butterfly as if in a territorial dispute (witnessed independently by my husband, too) Southern Hawker Agrion (Calopteryx) splendens or virgo Demoiselle (pending further investigation by LNU recorders) WHAPLODE FEN TF 323208 Simon Rummery 26.07.17 Red Deer x 2 hinds ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 26thJuly - 2nd August 2017 Contributors: - John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth & Gary Cooper General Notes and Weather Observations July weather notes - The spell of fresh, dry sunny days from the 1st - 10th was interrupted on the 6th with a thunderstorm during the late evening which gave 11.5mm of ppt. On the 11th there was light rainfall for most of the cloudy day (10.7mm rain) but the fresh and sunny weather, with the occasional shower, continued to the 23rd as the long established high pressure over the UK remained dominant. Eventually this high gradually drifted east being replaced by a system of continual low pressures and fronts giving very unsettled weather. Typically sunshine and showers but with some very heavy, short-lived downpours accompanied with thunder. A brief but severe thunder storm and lightening on the evening of the 30th gave 5.9mm of rainfall in about twenty minutes. A high of 24.5°C was recorded on the 17th and clear night time conditions produced a chilly ground minimum of 4.25°C and air 8.0°C. Very warm and humid days occurred quite frequently during the middle of the month and of particular note was a ground minimum of 15.0°C (air 16.75°C) but the day-time maximum only reached 20.0°C. Winds for the most part were light or moderate but during the time when several fronts moved east in the last week wind speeds picked up to f5or 6 initially from a northerly sector but then south- west and ending on a f6SW on the 31st. Total rainfall for the month was 69.0mm ( 2.72 inches). The past week has seen fresh migrant hawker dragon fly and emerald damselfly on the wing with a good hatch of peacock butterfly. Good numbers of birds seen on Paradise Pool, with 13 common sandpiper, 1 wood sandpiper, 88 redshank,4 black tailed godwit, 3 ruff and 3 snipe. In the Churchill Lane area 18 mistle thrush, a pair of marsh harrier with 2 juveniles, 1 hobby and 1 sparrow hawk. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 27th 1 juvenile ringed plover, 1 lapwing, 9 dunlin, 1 ruff, 5 snipe, 1 black-tailed godwit, 61 redshank, 1 wood sandpiper and 9 common sandpiper on Paradise lagoon [am sightings per Geoff Williams]. During the evening from 1930hrs – 20.00hrs a count of 140+ swifts were moving south over Sea View. 28th On Paradise lagoon were during the morning 7 common sandpipers, 1 wood sandpiper, 9 dunlin, 1 little stint, 1 juv little ringed plover, 106 redshank [one colour ringed yellow flag E // red], 1 common snipe, 1 ruff , 25 mallard and 35 black-headed gulls. 29th Common sandpiper 8 on Paradise lagoon 30th Paradise lagoon were 24 dunlin, 3 lapwing, 27 redshank, 2 common sandpipers and 93 black-headed gulls with a common buzzard over; lesser whitethroat and grasshopper warbler at Rimac. During the day at Sea View during sunny spells were several red admirals, 3 painted ladies, 1 comma, 5 large whites , common blues, hedge browns, walls and meadow browns on the wing and a southern hawker dragonfly. 31st Short-eared owl, kestrel and marsh harrier hunting over salt marsh and 3 avocets on Rimac lagoon. 1st During sunny spell mid-day noticeable increase in large white butterflies on the wing plus red admirals, 1 comma and a couple of southern hawker dragonflies. Small copper, peacock, large white and red admiral on the wing over the meadows at Sea View, Burdock Bushes at the Sea View Work Base festooned with over 20 red admiral. Common and ruddy darter, common blue damselfly, migrant hawker and emperor? dragonfly all seen on the wing around the Sea View area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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, private reserves etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reserve reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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://lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org 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://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 - App *** http://rogersmushroomsapp.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 Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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/ *** 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://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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 *** 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. Steve@wragby - soft bounce - message looks like SPAM terrymartin26 - soft bounce - delivery failed 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.....: Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2017 - wonderful http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-40789348 Caterpillars turned into 'exploding zombies' by bug - gruesome http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-40800462 Did the first flower look like this? Intriguing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40780491 'Exceptional' British record shark caught off Cornwall - big! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-40804771 The common herb that could bring bees buzzing to your garden https://theconversation.com/the-common-herb-that-could-bring-bees-buzzing-to-your-garden-81140 This tranquil bogland is not without its perils https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/31/bogland-moss-perils-epping-forest-country-diary Wildflowers work their healing magic on the old station platforms https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/01/wildflowers-disused-railway-country-diary-derbyshire Aaargh midges: but Scotland’s bitey critters may hold the key to malaria https://theconversation.com/aaargh-midges-but-scotlands-bitey-critters-may-hold-the-key-to-malaria-81844 Dancing demoiselles rise from their watery world https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/02/dancing-demoiselles-pretty-as-a-picture-country-diary ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/