============================================= || || 27th 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... *** The variable August weather is sure to generate some interesting records. Your observations, please. Suggestions and contributions are always welcome and we are happy to give a plug to any county organisation involved in conservation, ecology, geology, natural history: talks, events, activities, work parties, courses etc. A big thank you goes to Gary Cooper for his excellent reports for Saltfleetby/ Theddlethorpe. Gary has been working as a Nature Reserves Trainee and his job ends on 31st August. We wish him all the best for the future. "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" We have reached the end of the drama. Congratulations to the Len Pick Trustfor this excellent project and our thanks to Bob Sheppard in particular. See the Diary notes for an update: http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 The next LNU Field Meeting will be at Gunby Hall 3rd September. We will be exploring the parkland area. Details further down in this section. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gunby-estate-hall-and-gardens This year's Heritage Open Days take place 7th - 10th September. See: https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/heritage-open-days The Horncastle Astronomy Weekend also takes place that weekend. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/HAW/haw.html Here are some links from readers. If any don't work, "copy and paste" URLs. Hedgehog Housing Survey https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/housingcensus/ Engine issue grounds Battle of Britain Memorial Flight planes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-40957271 'Lost' false teeth found taped to tree in Skegness http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-40974609 Scientists discover a new flower of Shetland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-40935666 Matt Dawson: I had to have heart surgery after a tick bite http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40973709 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 September events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** September Night Sky will update first week of the month.*** 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 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: 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 *** 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/ *** Badgers and TB - can you help? *** Heather McKay writes: Researchers at the University of Nottingham are conducting a survey into TB in badgers in Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. This follows on from a large-scale collaborative study in the ‘Edge’ counties. Through the examination of road-kill badgers, the survey aims to address the current knowledge gap surrounding TB in our badgers. Is the disease present in Lincolnshire? If so, where is it, how common is it, and is it of the same strain as that found in cattle? In addition: Locations of found-dead badgers will be shared with Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership and Project Splatter in order to help with population surveys of these areas. Any evidence of illegal killing will be shared with the relevant authorities. The study relies on interested parties picking up suitable road-kill badgers in our target areas, which will then be collected by a researcher within 48 hours. Please contact sv-badger@nottingham.ac.uk to request a ‘badger kit’. Please note that only badgers picked up using the designated kits can be accepted into the survey, and only stop if you feel it is safe. For more info, see: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/survey-for-tb-in-road-killed-badgers.aspx . *** Scunthorpe Museum Society - "2017/2018 indoor season" *** Keith Scarrott writes: The first meeting of the Natural History and Geology Section of Scunthorpe Museum Society for the "2017/2018 indoor season", is on Monday, 11th September, 7.15pm start, and includes a visit by Peter Short, Humber RSPB Senior Sites Manager, to give an illustrated Talk on "Birds of the Humber". Peter will be describing the work of the RSPB on the Humber. He is currently very busy with a project on the Whitton Sands. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS which take place in St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS. (Opposite the Priory Hotel.) Parking is free in the large Church car park. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. For a small charge light refreshments are provided at the mid-talk break. For more details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. Website: http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ *** CPRE Archaeology Talk *** Jenny Haynes writes: Dr Kevin Leahy will be talking about the Flixborough Anglo-Saxon settlement excavation on Saturday, 2nd September at Worlaby Village Hall (DN20 0NA) starting at 2pm. £10 for non-CPRE members. To book please contact Jenny Haynes on 01652 618744 or jenny.hanyes@btinternet.com *** Grimsby RSPB *** Martin Francis writes: The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 18th September, at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Well-known and well-respected Lincolnshire naturalist and photographer, Geoff Trinder, will give us an illustrated entitled "Photography My Way". This talk will appeal to photographers and well as people with an interest in all aspects of wildlife as Geoff will explain which lens he chose and why using his own photographs from all around the world in all seasons. His photographs feature everything from insects to reptiles, birds to mammals, and even some landscapes and people! There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to Spurn (Kilnsea), on Sunday 24th  September, 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 Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 *** Spurn Migration Festival 2017 *** 8-10 September. Tickets can be booked on: http://shop.spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/shop/category/spurn-migration-festival *** 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 *** 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: 5/8 reported 17/8 Dotterel juv, Frampton Marsh* 16/8 8 Spoonbills, Garganey ecl drk, Gibraltar Point 4 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper on Tennyson's Sands, Little Stint, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh 17/8 6 Spoonbills, Wood Sandpiper, Gibraltar Point 3 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 4 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 18/8 2 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 5 Spoonbills on reedbed, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 19/8 6 Spoonbills, Wood Sandpiper, juv Yellow-legged Gull, Gibraltar Point 4 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, 3 Turtle Doves, Frampton Marsh 2 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats* 20/8 10 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point 4 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, 2 Garganey, 2 Turtle Doves, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Black Tern juv flew north past. Arctic Tern on beach, Saltfleetby 21/8 6 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper on middle scrape, Spotted Crake on reedbed, Garganey, Short-eared Owl, Whinchat, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Spoonbill flew over boating lake, Cleethorpes 22/8 20 Spoonbills ion Jackson's Marsh, Velvet Scoter flew south past , White- rumped sandpiper at Greenshanks Creek then flew south, Gibraltar Point 2+ Spoonbills, Garganey, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, no sign of Spotted Crake, Frampton Marsh 23/8 16 Spoonbills, Crossbill over West Dunes, Gibraltar Point 3 Spoonbills, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Pectoral Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Red-necked Phalarope juv, Frampton Marsh 2 Roseate Terns, Tetney Marshes 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 LAUGHTERTON Millfield Golf Course SK832766 Richard Fox 23.08.2017 c. 25 Swift screaming overhead ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Woodhall Spa, Tattershall Road approx TF193624 R & A Parsons 19/8/2017 Dead Adult badger on east verge of B1192 Tattershall Road between 40 and 30 mph roadsigns. *** 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 Bank Vole adult in garage 22/25th - caught on trail camera. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 17/8/2017 Common darter 1 (on pond - first time seen here) 18/8/2017 Common darters 2 (I think male and female as one was redder) 19/8/2017 Frogs 2 (close together on pond, seen daily this week) 21/8/2017 Ladybird larva 1 Newt 1 (in pond) Wren 1 23/8/2017 Humming bird hawkmoth 1 (6.45am on verbena boniarensis and marsh wound wort) Wren 1 HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid reference TA3304) 18/8/2017 Jon Drakes with James and William Drakes A brief visited to the pools and beach at the Humberston Fitties found the following species present: Redshank Black-headed Gull Woodpigeon Starling Carrion Crow Oystercatcher Little Egret Marsh Harrier Swallow KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 18/8/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 8 House Sparrow 30 Starling 14 Blackbird 1 Dunnock 5 Woodpigeon 2 Chaffinch 1 Swallow House Martin KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 20/8/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded during a Sunday morning walk around woodland and fields to the North of the village were: Woodpigeon House Sparrow Collared Dove Greenfinch Starling Buzzard - 4 noted soaring together over woodland Swallow Yellowhammer Willow Warbler Blackbird Little Egret - only my second sighting of this species around Keelby village Chaffinch Kestrel Sparrowhawk Carrion Crow House Martin Magpie Blue Tit Linnet Grey Heron Dunnock Butterflies: Small Tortoise shell Large White Red Admiral Speckled Wood Green veined White Mammals: Grey Squirrel Amphibians: Common Toad PINCHBECK John Redshaw 11.08.2017 Hummingbird Hawk Moth on Buddleia 16.08.2017 Hummingbird Hawk Moth on Phlox RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 17.08.2017 Silver-Y Moth Red Underwing Moth 18.08.2017 6-8 Greenfinches Ca. 30 Swallows feeding over pasture Dead nestling on ground, probably House Sparrow 7-Spot Ladybird (possibly the first one I’ve seen all year) Green Lacewing 21.08.2017 A pile of grey feathers on the lawn indicates a Sparrowhawk kill, probably of a young woodpigeon Wren 2 Moorhen on edge of Church Pond Dead nestling found in pond, probably House Sparrow Common Darter pair in tandem ovipositing over pond (photos taken) Southern Hawker male in dispute with the darters and takes over control of area Male Common Darter seen later resting on orangey/red crocosmia which provided perfect cover Harlequin Ladybird on upstairs window pane White Ermine Moth caterpillar (several over the last few days) Butterflies:  Brimstone 1, Peacock 1, Small Tortoiseshell (fresh) 1 22.08.2017 Coal Tit Collared Dove, juv. Goldfinch Lesser Stag Beetle 7-Spot Ladybird Southern Hawker (f) ovipositing around pond Blue-tailed Damselfly Brown Hare (TF304846) SUTTON ST JAMES TF397184 Jane Ostler 18th August 2017 A visit to a friend's collection of trees, in particular to note any galls present on species of oak (Quercus spp). The oaks were all under 50 years old. They included Pedunculate Oak (Q.robur)and its varieties like the fastigiate form, Holm Oak (Q.ilex), Pin Oak (Q.palustris)Willow-leaved Oak (Q.phellos), Cork Oak (Q.suber), Chestnut Oak (Q.castaneifolia) and Scarlet Oak (C.coccinea). Identified galls were only found on the native Pedunculate Oak, which was a small-leaved form of local provenance. These were Knopper Gall, Silk Button Gall, Common Spangle Gall, Oyster Gall (only flaps remaining on main veins), A Cherry Gall just forming. A blister gall on Cork Oak and a leaf roll gall on Willlow-lved oak are yet to be identified. The mines of a moth on Pedunculate Oak are probable Stigmella roborella but these are similar to the mines of two other species. A Holm Oak was heavily mined by a moth Ectoedemia sp. Roses (Rosa canina were conspicuously galled by the Robin's Pincushion. On a day of sudden heavy rain only Speckled Wood Cabbage White Butterflies, Marmalade Hoverflies and the Dragonfly Sympetrum striolatum were seen flying ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 16th -23rd August 2017 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, Cliff Morrison, John Walker, Nige Lound & Gary Cooper General Notes and Weather Observations 2 pipestrelle bats are very active around Coastguard Cottage at dusk then fly over ponds nearby on NNR Butterfly numbers have decreased markedly over past week except speckled woods, small tortoiseshells and small heaths all of which have increased, 1 painted lady on transect A small fall of migrants noted in the Brickyard Lane area, with up to 20 whitethroats, lesser whitethroats, chiffchaffs and smaller numbers of willow warblers and blackcaps Also hobby north and marsh harrier south. Butterflies down, but still up to 7 Walls, a very good year for this nationally declining species, that is now retreating to favoured coastal sites. A humming bird hawk moth seen twice during the week The yellow flagged Redshank sighted at Paradise lagoon by Janet & Peter Roworth on 28thJuly 2017 was rung as a juvenile on 21st August 2014 at Tarty Burn, Ythan Estuary, NE Scotland. The Ythan Estuary is of national importance for passage wildfowl and waders. The Redshank ringing project is run by the Grampian Ringing Group. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 19th 2 spotted flycatchers in the Churchill Lane area, single swift over Sea View 20th A hummingbird hawk moth was seen in the Churchill lane area and several hundreds of common and ruddy darters with c 15 migrant hawkers’ dragonflies. Several small tortoiseshells, red admirals and one comma on the wing near Sea View, on the beach south of Crook Bank were a 1S/2CY Mediterranean gull and an Arctic tern. A juvenile black tern flew north at sea whilst a grey wagtail flew north over Crook Bank dunes where a turtle dove was in song. A wheatear was on the beach out from Brick Yard Lane. Large hatch of Yellow Bellied flies, sciara hemerobiodes, on angelica on edge of freshwater marsh 21st A survey of the high tide birds on the NNR foreshore at Churchill Lane on Mon from 1810 to 1950 hrs (roosting) black headed gull c2800, common gull c 3000, greater black gull 47, Mediterranean gull 1, sandwich tern 255, common tern 135, Arctic tern 7, little tern 3, ringed plover 247, dunlin 198, curlew 78, snipe 1, bar tailed godwit 4, oyster catcher 27, cormorant 4. On Paradise lagoon were 2 ringed plover, 11 dunlin, 8 redshank, 1 curlew and 1 green sandpiper and a migrant hawker dragonfly nearby. A, single, very fresh female brimstone was seen at Sea View. A survey of high tide birds from Crook Bank to Churchill Lane revealed Canada goose 40+, cormorant 3, ringed plover 20, curlew 48, turnstone 1, dunlin 18, common tern 190, Sabines gull 1, Mediterranean gull 1, herring gull 15, carrion crow 2, teal 10, oystercatcher 51, whimbrel 4, bar tailed godwit 1, sanderling 24, sandwich tern 480, Arctic tern 28, black headed gull, 1550, common gull 1200, great black-backed gull 18 greenshank, wood sand piper and green sand piper on grassland at Sea View, little ringed plover at paradise, common and ruddy darter, migrant hawker, red admiral and speckled wood all on wing around Sea View 22nd An incredible mild night with both the ground and air minimum temperatures reading 15.50°C, of note few common blues and a single small copper at Sea View. Around the Haven and Paradise were 28 little egret, 12 pied wagtail, 2 common sandpiper, a green sandpiper and a little ringed plover. At Rimac were 2 grey heron, 3 avocet, 10 turnstone, a marsh harrier, a sparrow hawk, 2 kestrel, a buzzard, 150 sandwich tern and 26 common tern, 2 whimbrel and 2 greenshank flew south west, common and ruddy darters, migrant hawker, speckled wood, wall/hedge brown and red admiral all on wing around Sea View, emperor dragonfly on privet hedge at Sea View 23rd Minimum ground temperature 15.25ºc and an air temp of 16.5ºc, female redstart, 29 little egrets and 600 + black headed gulls feeding over salt marsh at high tide, common sand piper, wood sand piper, 2 lesser black headed gulls and little ringed plover, all at Paradise ?  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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.....: A harebell grapples with a freeloading furrow bee https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/17/country-diary-harebell-bee-pollination-weardale Late summer flowers make crucial refuelling stops for the insects https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/19/country-diary-new-forest-hampshire-late-summer-flowers-insects Three books celebrating the complex life of trees highlight why we should learn to love them before it’s too late https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/aug/20/man-who-climbs-trees-aldred-oak-ash-thorn-fiennes-songs-of-trees-haskell-reviews-alex-preston Hide and seek with reptiles and other riverside creatures https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/21/west-yorkshire-riverside-woodland-lizards-frog-country-diary Will of nature in the vast glittering salt marsh https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/23/will-of-nature-in-the-vast-glittering-salt-marsh ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/