============================================= || || 30th July 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... *** Welcome to 6 new readers this week. I hope you find it of interest and you will be inspired to make a contribution to our understanding of the county's natural history. Watching wildlife is wonderful but discovering the complexity and diversity of our natural environment adds another dimension to an already enjoyable activity. There is always something fascinating to learn. This week we have information on Field Meetings at Thurlby Fen Slipe and Mareham Pastures near Sleaford, an update on the Bourne Barn Owl chicks, a heads up for the Perseid Meteors, information on the National Whale and Dolphin Watch Event on 5/6th August [You MIGHT get lucky!], the annual Humber Hounds Bridge Walk, plus lots of 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. For some time now we have noted hedgehog droppings on our lawn, but this week we finally caught our visitor on a camera trap. This is pleasing, as we live in the centre of the village beside the Green, which might have been expected to be a hedgehog-free zone. Not so. Hedgehogs seem to have had a difficult time in recent years and so we do need to keep track of numbers. Garden records and roadkills provide useful evidence of distribution and population changes. Your reports, please, with the usual information: location/grid ref, your name, date/time, and any relevant additional information such as age: adult/juvenile. Suggestions for helping hedgehogs: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/hedgehogs Here are some links from readers. If any don't work "copy and paste" URLs. Black-winged stilts: Record year for UK breeding http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-cambridgeshire-40675496/black-winged-stilts-record-year-for-uk-breeding Fungi use water droplet cannons to fling spores into the breeze https://www.newscientist.com/article/2141757-fungi-use-water-droplet-cannons-to-fling-spores-into-the-breeze/ A plant to make a man as merry as a cricket https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/25/melancholy-thistle-country-diary-northumberland#comment-102641481 Damned as dangerous but ragwort is full of life https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/26/damned-as-dangerous-but-ragwort-is-full-of-life 'Exotic' bee-eaters caught on camera http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-nottinghamshire-40456948/exotic-bee-eaters-caught-on-camera-in-nottinghamshire 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 well and have now been ringed! They now look wonderful. For the webcam and diary update, see: http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** August Night Sky - updated shortly *** 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. Perseid Weather Forecast: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/events/perseid-meteor-shower The Horncastle Astronomy Weekend 2017 takes place September 8th-10th. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/HAW.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, 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 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/Thurlby-Fen-Slipe 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/ *** 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: 20/7 Black Tern flew past Gibraltar Point 22/7 Red-necked Phalarope, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Little Stints, 3 Wood Sandpipers, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 4 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands*, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Little Stints off Millennium Ridge, Gibraltar Point 10 Spoonbills, Middlemarsh Wetlands, west of Skegness 2 Little Gulls flew south past Donna Nook 23/7 Red-necked Phalarope, 2 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, 4 Little Stints, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 7 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 2 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper on Paradise Pools, Saltfleet Common Scoter, Covenham reservoir 25/7 Black Stork, Turtle Dove, Dunsby Fen 3 Spoonbills, sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull, Alkborough Flats 3 Spoonbills, 2 Little Stints, Gibraltar Point 4 Turtle Doves on wires, then flew west, Woodhall Spa 3 Spoonbills, 5 Curlew Sandpipers*, 4 Little Stints, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Pectoral Sandpiper, 4 Wood Sandpipers* Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Marsh Sandpiper on reservoir, 2 Wood Sandpipers*, Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore 26/7 2 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint off Millennium Ridge, Gibraltar Point 2 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Little Stints, 3 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Wood Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, Freiston Shore Wood Sandpiper on Teal Lake, Great White Egret, Whisby Nature Park 27/7 White-winged Black Tern juv, Pursuit pit, 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. BARKING DEER - Chris Manning writes: Jennifer Playford asked about Muntjac barking and how the fox responded. Muntjac are known as barking deer and frequently bark for long periods, they used to confuse my terriers who I am sure thought they were the neighbours dogs. While the bark is often an alarm, nearby muntjac may not respond. Foxes predate muntjac kids but an adult muntjac is well equipped to defend itself, it has very thick skin on its neck and especially the bucks formidable canine teeth which they fight with. While I have never seen a fight between a muntjac and a fox, each year brings accounts of dogs which are severely injured when they are allowed to chase muntjac. It's relatively common to see muntjac and foxes together hardly responding to the presence of the other species, but this also occurs with foxs and rabbits, animals seem to sense if they are being hunted or the intrusion of the other species is benign. SWIFTS Su Colman Swift Update 25 July 2017 20:10 8 swifts flying over the centre of Welton 20:17 16+ swifts very high over the centre of Nettleham Jerry Gunner adds: Nocton: With regard to swifts, the last ones I saw were over the house two days ago. There didn’t seem to be any in Potterhanworth yesterday when I took the dogs out and usually it’s got lots screaming around. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. SOUTH FERRIBY Jenny Haynes SE985197 21 July 2017 Dead deer, may be a fawn as it was small. *** 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. Parsons Night of 25/26th July 2017 Adult Hedgehog hunting in garden. Droppings have been noted previously, but we have now caught our visitor on our trailcam. CALLAN’S LANE WOOD TF0615 2679 Sunday 16 July 2017 - teatime John Margetts and Jacquie Harrison Butterflies included: Comma Gatekeeper Meadow Brown Ringlet Small White Common blue damselflies  - we could not manage to be 100% about larger green/brown dragonflies. Birds - a few scattered - but most near/on oaks on left beyond conifer patch about two-thirds down main path. Blackbird Blue tits Chaffinch Chiffchaff Mistle thrush Nuthatch Spotted Flycatcher = great views around dead tree Robin Willow tit EAST HALTON SKITTER to GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 21/7/2017 Jon Drakes A walk along the bank of the Humber carrying out the monthly WeBS count finally found wader numbers starting to increase with birds starting to return from their breeding grounds. Species recorded were as follows: Black-headed Gull Redshank 9 Starling Black tailed Godwit 66 Mallard 3 Shelduck 7 Grey Heron 4 Woodpigeon Little Egret 3 Swallow Herring Gull Lapwing 2 Coot 3 Goldfinch Linnet 11 Carrion Crow Reed Bunting 7 Lesser Whitethroat 2 Magpie Kestrel 2 Curlew 109 Wren Skylark 2 Swift Lesser black backed Gull 1 Sedge Warbler 5 Tree Pipit 2 Blue Tit Chaffinch Meadow Pipit 1 Great black backed Gull 3 Marsh Harrier 1 Dunlin 8 Golden Plover 5 Turnstone 3 Pheasant Moorhen 1 Mute Swan 8 Cormorant 1 Common Gull Butterflies: Large White Small White Small Skipper Red Admiral Meadow Brown Gate Keeper HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 17 July 2017 We've had a nuthatch visit one of the bird feeders several times. I've not seen one in the garden for several years. Here are the butterflies identified for the Big Butterfly Count: Large White 3 Small White 2 Large Skipper 1 Gatekeeper 1 Meadow Brown 1 Ringlet 5 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Red Admiral 5 Peacock 1 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 21/7/2017 Red admiral 1 Song thrush 2 (youngsters, I think) Volucella pellucens 1 female (confirmed by recorder) 24/7/2017 Chaffinches 5 (3 young ones) 25/7/2017 Spilosoma lubricipeda caterpillar 1 26/7/2017 Ringlet 1 (on nettle) NETTLEHAM All Saints Lane, TF007754 Bill Ball 19/7/17 Fine 200 mm wide clump of almost pure white Oyster Mushroom [Pleurotus ostreatus] on dead cherry tree NETTLEHAM TF 005756 BRENDA EDLINGTON 17/6/2017 Hummingbird hawkmoth 1 on buddleia w/c 13/7/2017 (most at any one time) Brimstone 1 Comma 2 Gatekeeper 2 Green-veined white 3 Holly blue 1 Large white 3 Meadow brown 1 Peacock 2 Painted lady 1 (first seen 16/7) Red admiral 4 Ringlet 1 Small tortoiseshell 4 Small white 2 Speckled wood 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 18.07.2017 Brown Hare (TF300844) 21.07.2017 Delightful visit by a family of Swallows with at least 4 recently fledged birds and some older siblings, 8-10 birds altogether. They took a dip in our pond, sat on the railings of a bridge awaiting feeds and later practised their flying skills right around my feet. Seen again over the next two days. Sadly, one fledgling was found dead with its neck broken due to window strike. 22.07.2017 Butterflies on Buddleia: Comma 1, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 8, Small Tortoiseshell 1 Whites in greater numbers elsewhere, also single Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown 23.07.2017 45-50 Swallows, including a few House Martins, gathered on power line – seems early. 25.07.2017 Large Common Toad, also several toadlets here and there SOUTHREY WOOD TF1310 6804 Sunday 23 July 2017 - morning John Margetts and Jacquie Harrison Butterflies included: Gatekeeper Large White Meadow Brown Peacock Red Admiral White Admiral. Very quiet for birds - blackbirds, robins and willow warblers but we understand the wood is managed for butterflies. STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife noted whilst at work during the week was as follows: 17/7/2017 Carrion Crow Woodpigeon Starling 18/7/2017 Yellow Wagtail Starling Woodpigeon Goldfinch Carrion Crow Butterflies: Red Admiral Large White Small Tortoiseshell 19/7/2017 Little Egret Starling Woodpigeon Herring Gull Magpie Mistle Thrush Butterflies: Large White Small Tortoiseshell Comma Peacock Meadow Brown Red Admiral STICKNEY TF322568 Gail Cartwright 24/07/2017 The swallows turned up this year a month later than normal but are doing their thing in the barn as usual now. 18/07/2017 At last we have Barn Owls nesting too, waited several years for this, 2 chicks newly hatched and 1 egg to go. They will be ringed next month. 22/07/2017 We have Kestrels just fledged, at least 3 this year. Looking forward to getting a new nestbox for next year as the old one is now rather tatty but done a good job over the years. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 20/07/17 Blackbird x with grubs in beak Tawny Owl x 1 calling 23:50hrs 21/07/17 3 black slugs SK811997 Red Admiral x 1 SK83999 22/07/17 Cinnabar Moth caterpillars x 8 SE804001 24/07/17 Barn Owl x 1 calling 23:00hrs Blackbird x 2 Kestrel x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Marsh Harrier x 1 male Robin x 3 fledged young Tawny Owl x 1 calling 23:55hrs Tree Sparrow x 4 Yellow Wagtail x 2 25/7/17 Large White x 4 SK812997 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 19th - 26th July 2017 Contributors: - John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth & Gary Cooper General Notes and Weather Observations The butterfly transect on 25th showed a very marked reduction in numbers, no surprise after a cool windy wet day on 24th, ringlet have reduced by c 90 %, in the Churchill Lane area 1 painted lady and 2 worn commas seen but few small skippers also now much reduced, a wall brown and 4 common blues were also recorded on the transect. Good news with sighting of small red eyed damselfly 1 seen on 23rd and 1 on 25th on the Rimac pond after an absence since 2014 after the December 2013 surge tide which partially flooded the area. More good news with almost all natterjack tadpoles having hatched and an estimated 2000 to 2200 toadlets emerged and many now foraging in the surrounding low vegetation around the breeding sites. Migrant waders are now moving through with common and green sandpipers, whimbrel, knot, black tailed and bar tailed godwit all passing through along with sandwich and common terns, gannets , and an occasional arctic skua harrying the terns. Grasshopper warblers and turtle doves are still in song, but most of the other warblers are now post breeding. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 25th Highlights from the WeBS count include Little Egret 14, a fine looking flock of 61 Knot still retaining their red breeding plumage, Curlew 35, Whimbrel 4, Marsh Harrier 2, Avocet 6, Black-tailed Godwit 9, Turnstone 3, Common Sandpiper 2, Oystercatcher 57, Sandwich Tern 16, Common Tern 1 and 600+ Starlings being harassed by a Kestrel. Mid-day sunny spells saw a few red admirals; large whites and 2 commas on the wing at Sea View Large white, hedge brown and red admiral on privet at sea view, kestrel hunting over the salt marsh and a pair of cormorant on the Great Eau at Paradise 26th High tide over the salt marsh attracted feeding 200+ Black-headed Gulls, a single Whimbrel noted and 2 Marsh Harriers hunting over. On Paradise lagoon of note 45 Redshank, 5 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpipers ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 - over quota 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.....: Maths explains how bees can stay airborne with such tiny wings https://www.newscientist.com/article/2141802-maths-explains-how-bees-can-stay-airborne-with-such-tiny-wings/ TWO Autumn Weather Forecast http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/twoother/twocontent.aspx?type=hpnews&id=3880&title=Autumn+2017 The rather rude sounds of an elephant seal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-40688601/the-rather-rude-sounds-of-an-elephant-seal Sea level fears as Greenland darkens http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40686984 High risk of unprecedented rainfall article http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2017/high-risk-of-unprecedented-rainfall ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/