============================================= || || 5th March 2017 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin is being read by over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who might like to receive the Bulletin please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin or send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009 are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** Another Bulletin full of interesting information - thanks to all who contibuted. I would like to draw your attention to the Environmental Awards, the Beach Clean, the LNU AGM, the hunt for The Grannom, some surveys needing our input, the Chalk Streams volunteer day, a talk by Professor Ian Rotherham, and masses of incoming reports. March is the month to send in applications for the 2017 Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. It is an easy process. Check the website. http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ The Big Astronomy story: Star's seven Earth-sized worlds set record http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39034050 Most wood energy schemes are a 'disaster' for climate change http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39053678 Storm Doris lorry rescue: False leg used in bid to smash window http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39079332 Storm Doris: Dashcam captures falling tree near miss http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39070488 Nest-boxes no substitute for tree cavities, says study http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39104672 More topical links in "...and finally..." Beach Clean reminder: Saturday 4th March 10am: Dave Miller writes: Come and join us for a beach clean at Anderby Creek as part of the Great British Spring Clean. Litter pickers and bin bags provided. It would be good to have more plant records coming in to the Bulletin, or to the LNU Botany Recorder. See: http://www.botanicalkeys.co.uk/flora/ http://wildflowerfinder.org.uk/ http://www.nwc.org.uk/visitor_centre/plant_id_guide Also, as spring approaches, keep an eye out for: Herpetofauna - Amphibians and reptiles http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here and in Communiqué. http://www.lnu.org/ Thank you to all who have sent in reports and other useful contributions. If you have events or activities that need a 'plug', please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events and "Whisby Workshops 2017 " are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://www.lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Next meeting: Saturday, March 04, 2017 AGM & Presidential Address by Annette Faulkner “The Fens revisited. An update” Whisby Education Centre, 2pm *** LBC AGM *** The Lincolnshire Bird Club Cordially invites you to The Admiral Rodney, Horncastle at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 21st 2017 for a talk by Andy Clements Director of the British Trust for Ornithology He will be talking on; "The latest bird tracking technology" The talk is FREE to everyone and will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (members only) Andy Clements is responsible for leading the work of the British Trust for Ornithology *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** TWO Weather Forecast - for your postcode *** http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** March Night Sky *** Full Moon on 12th. Spring equinox falls on 20th March. British Summer Time starts on 26th. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** A Caddis to look out for - The Grannom - reports please *** Brachycentrus subnubilus - a caddis known as The Grannom. https://www.ispotnature.org/species-dictionaries/uksi/Brachycentrus subnubilus Richard Chadd says: It has a characteristic pattern of yellowish spots on a grey background & flight period is March to June. It's also day-flying so no need to mess about with moth traps. It's an ongoing issue, as the species used to be entirely absent in Lincolnshire, then appeared in the Witham near Grantham & the Welland upstream of Stamford 5-10 years ago. We have plenty of larval records, but some adult sightings may fill-in the gaps in Lincolnshire distribution. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** The closing date for entries is Thursday 31 March 2017 http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" is back. *** Keep visiting and hoping. Check their diary when you do. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Take part in research *** Julia Smith writes: Gardens - Health and Well-being I have just participated in a research project by the Royal Horticultural Society and the University of Sheffield on the influence of front gardens on health and well-being. The researchers are looking for gardeners/non-gardeners to answer the same short questionnaire. It took me less than 10 minutes to complete. https://sheffieldpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe5/form/SV_56ZsZy7hqCIw0mx If you have any questions, you can contact the lead researcher Lauriane Chalmin-Pui directly at lschalmin-pui1@sheffield.ac.uk. Editor writes: Epidemiology. Flu survey need volunteers to report their health status in order to monitor "flu-like symptoms" and Lincolnshire is not well covered. You can read more and sign up here: https://flusurvey.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams - Second Volunteer Day *** Will Bartle writes Sunday 12th March 2017 - Thorganby Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The group will be working on a previous river restoration site to help maintain part of the Waithe beck near Thorganby. Work will include in-stream and bank work to maintain flow and improve the habitat for wildlife. Full details can be found on the LCSP webpage and Facebook pages: http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams Please contact Will Bartle (Monitoring officer) for more details: william.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone 01522 555783. *** Bird Watching Cruises 2017 *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The RSPB South Lincs Group will once again be running birdwatching and seal spotting cruises aboard the famous Boston Belle running from Bostons Grand Sluice, up the river Witham, into The Wash and up the river Welland. During 2016 over 100 bird species were seen, averaging about 64 per cruise. Highlights included kingfisher, godwits, turnstone, dunlin, knot, marsh harrier, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and eider. Cruises run from May until October and full details, including ticket arrangements are at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk Keith Scarrott writes: Monday, 13th March: Meeting of the Natural History and Geology Section, Scunthorpe Museum Society. ANCIENT WOODS AND SHADOW WOODS - Professor Ian Rotherham of Sheffield Hallam University, an expert on several environmental issues, will give an illustrated talk about our ancient woodlands. Professor Rotherham, formerly Director of the Ecological Advisory Service for Sheffield City Council, has research links around the world and a core aspect of his work is to widen participation in environmental research and to involve all sections of society and the community in caring for the planet. He is the author of many papers, articles, books, studies, reports and newspaper features and has broadcast on radio and television in Britain, USA and Europe. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS which take place in St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, and start at 7.15pm. There is free parking in the Church grounds and no entry charge to the meeting but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are provided at the mid-talk break for a small charge. For further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grantham and district LWT *** Marion Ellis writes: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Grantham Branch Friday 10 March WILDLIFE OF FLORIDA Illustrated talk by Gill Walsh 7.30pm Barkston & Syston Village Hall A607 NG32 2NJ *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 13th March 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting where local member Julie Harrison will give an illustrated talk about wildlife in Scotland entitled "Puffin Therapy on Lunga and Pine Martin Magic at Aigas." This will take place at Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2, all are welcome. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle and tea & coffee will be available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". 23/2 30+ Waxwings at Holme Lane, Bottesford, then flew towards St Peter's church, Scunthorpe Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Scaup drk, Boultham Mere 24/2 Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Great White Egret south of Four mile Bar, Deeping High Bank Great Grey Shrike on telephone wires, then flew flew west, Deeping St James 2 Caspian Gulls, Gibraltar Point* 25/2 Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Slavonian Grebe offshore + 2 Great Northern Divers, Long-tailed Duck, Gibraltar Point Bean Goose, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Long-tailed duck, 1 drk Scaup, west of Crowland Bridge, Deeping High Bank Scaup drk, Boultham Mere 26/2 Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Scaup drk, Boultham Mere Scaup 1w dek, Millennium Green Scaup fem, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Great White Egret, old airfield, Woodhall Spa Woodlark flew over visitor centre, Gibraltar Point Tundra Bean Goose, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Lesser Whitethroat, probably eastern form, Marston sewage works [no general access] 27/2 Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Scaup drk, Boultham Mere 28/2 Sandmartin, Great White Egret on bank of river Welland, Deeping High Bank 2 Long-eared Owls on island, Deeping Lakes 80 Twite, Glaucous Gull juv on beach at Pye's Hall, Hen Harrier, Donna Nook 6 Bewick's Swans at Thorne Bank, Wroot Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen 1/3 Bluethroat 1w male along main track from car park, Willow Tree Fen Cattle Egret in sheep field off A1031, Saltfleetby All Saints Woodlark flew south over East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Great Grey Shrike, south of five bar gate west of Four Mile Bridge, Deeping High Bank Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. Please visit the RBA website for updates/fuller details. Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. Roger Goy died 8 years ago this week - on 6th March. http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/wildlife-expert-roger-goy-dies-61/story-11223314-detail/story.html ROADKILLS Every drive is a transect! I have received a couple of important questions on the subject of Badger roadkill reports from Peter Crick and Alice Nunn. I am including Peter's this week and will add Alice's in the next issue. Peter Crick asks: It has been suggested to me that badger baiter/hare coursers etc. are using information sites such as LNU and others, to pinpoint further locations to extend their evil pastimes. What are your thoughts on this? Chris Manning, LNU Mammal Recorder, responds: That's an understandable concern as Badger baiting is despicable, however the setts and field signs are so easy to find that those involved in Badger baiting can easily locate them. The Badger is ubiquitous in Lincolnshire and RTAs occur across the county. Anecdotally some are thought to be animals illegally culled that are left on the road to hide the crime - so its perhaps more important than ever to records them? A record without a good location isn't of any value. If you want to report Badger directly to me that's fine, but eventually it will go public. If it doesn't it's of no value. Richard Fox writes: It's that time of year when dominant boar badgers kick out the upstarts! Two road kills this week both approx 1 kilometre of each other! Road Kills A631 North Willingham TF147 884 28.02.2017 Richard Fox Badger North Willingham TF158 884 28.02.2017 Richard Fox Badger (been there a few days) Badger roadkill Adult badger on north verge by hedge Bardney to Baumber road TF164702 R & A Parsons 27/2/2017 *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BARDNEY The Green TF120694 R & A Parsons 18/2/2017 24/2/2019 Dunnock 25/2/2019 Flocks of 8-10 Black-headed Gulls in village, 8-10 Jackdaws, 35+ starlings. 2 Robins still Local m blackbird now has a mate - owns our holly tree FISKERTON Ferry Road TF078720 R & A Parsons 26/2/2017 Adult Stoat crossing road north to south HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 25/2/17 First frogspawn in pond. 5 clumps initially early morning, a total of 10 by late evening. HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid reference TA3304) 24/2/2017 Jon Drakes A late afternoon visit to the area around the pools and marsh near to the yacht club found the following species present: Black-Headed Gull Brent Goose Carrion Crow Common Gull Cormorant Curlew Dunlin Gadwall Great Blackback Gull Herring Gull House Sparrow Lapwing Little Egret Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Mute Swan Oystercatcher Redshank Ringed Plover Short Eared Owl Shoveler Starling Teal Wigeon HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 24/2/2017 Goldfinch 2 (on teasel heads and foxgloves) Starlings 3 Song thrush 1 27/2/2017 Bee 1 (couldn't identify through window) Robins 3 Song thrush 1 1/3/2017 Bombus terrestris 1 (4.30pm on mahonia flowers) KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 25/2/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Birdwatch for the BTO in our back garden, on what was a very wet and windy Saturday morning, were: Goldfinch 2 Collared Dove 4 Starling 12 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow 10 Blackbird 3 Greenfinch 1 Wren 1 Robin 1 Woodpigeon 2 Magpie 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 26/2/2017 Jon Drakes A Sunday morning walk around the fields and woodland to the North of the village found the following species present: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch 2 male and 1 female noted Buzzard 2 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff 1 heard calling. This is the earliest record I have of a Chiffchaff on my local patch! Collared Dove Dunnock Goldfinch Great Tit Greenfinch House Sparrow Jackdaw Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mistle Thrush 2 Pied Wagtail Robin Sparrowhawk 1 Starling Tree Sparrow Woodpigeon Yellowhammer Gorse in flower at grid reference TA163106. Also lots of Snow Drops in flower at various places around the patch. NAVENBY area Friday 24th February 2017 approximately 1230pm Peter Wilson Navenby/Boothby Graffoe area SK987 587 Red Kite cruising the area. Green Man Lane, Navenby. SK007588 Peter Wilson 3 hares crossing road RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 14.02.2017 Song thrush, robin, dunnock, blue tit in song 17.02.2017 Buzzard in local area 20.02.2017 Buff-tailed Bumblebee on Hellebore (first of the season) 22.02.2017 Kestrel over A16 (TF3285 approx.) 24.02.2017 Green Shieldbug (still in brown winter colouring) hiding among ivy RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 19/02/2017 Dotted Border 1 Pale Brindled Beauty 1 Common Quaker 1 WADDINGTON Saturday 25th February 2017 Peter Wilson Waddington (my garden) SK975639 1 frog WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 26 February 17 Carol Massen Numbers indicate maximum sightings of a species at any one time Blackbird 3 Blue Tit 2 Bullfinch 2 (One male, one female) Chaffinch 3 Collared Dove 1 Dunnock 1 Goldfinch 3 Great Tit 1 Greenfinch 3 House Sparrow 4 Jackdaw 4 Long Tailed Tit 2 Pheasant 6 Robin 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Tree Sparrow 1 Wood Pigeon 2 Wren 1 Grey Squirrel 2 Bank Vole 2 Wood Mouse 3 Frog in pond2 3 bird boxes have roosting blue tits In the vicinity - Song thrush and mistle thrush heard singing. Buzzard seen half a mile south of village. Skylark singing over fields above village. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 22nd February – 1st March 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Nigel Lound, Gary Cooper, Rob Lidstone-Scott & John Walker General Notes and Weather Observations February weather notes - Fronts moving east gave mixed weather during the first week of February. Days of sunshine and showers were the norm. There were several night time frosts falling to a grass minimum of -5.75°C (air -1.75°C) on the 6th. From the 8th high pressure was building to the east of the UK, drifting west to become firmly established over the country until around the 19th before being replaced by a complex movement of low pressure systems from the south-west. All this gave an extremely varied range of weather. Initially cold, raw easterlies bombarded the country reaching at times near gale force. A gust of 48.6mph was recorded on the 12th. Snow grains fell on the 9th and sleet with wet snow on the 10th but nothing settled. From the 15th the weather was influenced by a south- westerly air flow giving pleasant sunny days and day-time temperatures rose to an exceptional 16.0°C on the 20th. Wind speeds increased, south-westerly, and at times gale force. A gust of 62.4mph was recorded on the 23rd. The weather for the last week of the month was much more settled, generally fresh, sunny with showers. During the month there were six ground frosts and three air frosts. Fog observed on the 6th and 13th. Total rainfall recorded was 44.2 mm (1.74 inches). Details of the colour ringed Little Egret seen on the saltmarsh on February 17th is: Ringing Scheme: London Ring Number: GR37175 Species of bird: Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) This bird was ringed by Mid-Lincs RG as age nestling, sex unknown on 13-May-2014 19:10:00 at North Cotes, Lincolnshire, UK Colour Marks right below knee M, Colour Marks left above knee RW(H) , Colour Marks right above knee YN(Z) It was found on 17-Feb-2017 at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, Lincolnshire, UK, OS Map reference TF4692 and 1011 days after it was ringed, 16 km from the ringing site, direction SE. Immature male and adult male Hen Harriers seen this week and 2 brown Hen Harriers seen previous week making a total of at least 4 using the NNR, lots of the resident birds singing strongly, but little other news to report this week Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 22nd Pair of Stonechats at Rimac, 43 Velvet Scoter were offshore and 106 Red-throated Diver flew north. 6 Great-crested Grebe were on the sea and another 9 flew north. Also in the Crook Bank area were a juvenile Glaucous Gull and a 1W Caspian Gull. 2 Harbour Porpoise were seen offshore and 2 adult White-fronted Geese were on Joe House’s field. 3 Bullfinch were around the Crook Bank car park. 23rd Little Egrets 39 scattered across the saltmarsh, feeding 24th 32 Velvet Scoter were offshore, 23 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great-crested Grebe flew north at sea and an adult Mediterranean Gull flew over with Common Gulls. 27th Single Short-eared Owl hunting over the outer dunes from Rimac, 98 Red-throated Diver and 4 Great-crested Grebe flew north at sea whilst at least 32 Velvet Scoter were offshore. 2 adult White-fronted Geese were on Joe House’s field. In the Rimac area was a pair of Stonechats and a female Hen Harrier. A Harbour Porpoise swam north offshore. 28th A single Merlin was hunting over the dunes near Paradise wood, two Mistle Thrushes in the area. On the Eau and nearby wash lands near Sea View were Teal 40+, Tufted Duck 7, Wigeon 280+ and Pink-footed Geese 214, European White-fronted Goose 1 and Grey Wagtail 1 on local grassland at Elm House Farm. 9 Little Egret flew over Sea View heading SW with 200+ Pink Footed Geese flying south. 1st March Barn Owl, Teal, Little Grebe 2, Curlew 1, Wigeon 140+ all at Rimac? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LNR reports 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: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! You can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the LNU website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny. ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk http://lnu.org/publications.php LNU Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Website: http://lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** E-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Recorder *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ Contact: Aidan Neary, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - 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: rparsons@enterprise.net 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. See the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's advice: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 2017 Field Meetings Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, May 27, 2017 Field meeting to Corringham Scroggs with evening bat/moth recording session A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates. Northeast of Gainsborough. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then at 20.30 again for evening session. Meet and park at SK842919 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside the track where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. NB. Parts of site quite wet. Insect repellent recommended. Additionally, as a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Gainsborough town centre. Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland (partly wet), ponds and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 25, 2017 Field Meeting to Chapel Six Marshes Part of Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. North of Chapel St.Leonards 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road north of Chapel St Leonards for about 1km and then track towards sea and parking at TF558741. NB. Nearest public toilets are at Chapel Point. Habitats: Dunes, shore, marsh, waterbodies, grassland, scrub and plantation. Partly a habitat creation area. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Thurlby Fen Slipe Thurlby Fen Slipe LWT Reserve Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Southeast of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Car parking on Baston Edge Drove (unmade track) at TF119164. Turn onto Long Drove eastwards from the A15 at Thurlby and look for the LNU sign for the car park. Possibility of evening bat walk here with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. Access restrictions may apply to the eastern half of the reserve due to the presence of sensitive wildlife. Nearest public toilets in Bourne town centre. Habitats: Borrow pits, hedgerows, wet woodland, grassland and the north bank of the River Glen. Leader: Nick Tribe 07733 073984 nick.tribe@ntlworld.com Saturday, August 05, 2017 Field Meeting to Mareham Pastures LNR with evening moth/bat recording session Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. South of Sleaford. All day Bioblitz event with evening moth/bat recording session. Joint meeting with Friends of Mareham Pastures. Meeting times: 10am, 1pm and 8.15pm at reserve car park at TF072 447 (NG34 8ST). Follow Mareham Lane south out of Sleaford and turn right towards recycling centre then turn right again into car park. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitats: Meadows and woodland over restored landfill site. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants as all overhead costs are split between the Lincoln Area Group and the LNU. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is not to turn people into experts in an afternoon, but to cascade knowledge and enthusiasm for particular subjects so that participants can go away better equipped to follow them up on their own and also to encourage interest in a broader range of subjects both entomological and botanical. On most of them there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time outside in the field following this up. The workshops lined up for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. We're very grateful to the various experts who've fronted the workshops for being willing to give up their time and share their knowledge. We couldn't do all this without them. Also to the LNU for being willing to enter into this partnership. In the future we could broaden things to include mammals, birds and many other natural history topics. The dates of the workshops for next year are now finalized. Bees (David Sheppard) on the 3rd of June, Flies/ Diptera on the 15th of July, Pond Dipping on the 22nd of July (Richard Chadd) Odonata (Nick Tribe and Richard Chadd) on the 29th of July. Contact Richard Davidson on: rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** Field Studies Council courses 2017 *** The latest programme of the FSC lists an impressive range of interesting courses in some wonderful places. Note the partner organisations. Strongly recommended. http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/natural-history.aspx LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Bryophyte Surveys *** Steven Heathcote writes: Bryophyte surveys around Lincolnshire. I have been carrying out some bryophyte surveys at a range of Lincolnshire sites as part of the British Bryological Society's Ecology Group project . See: http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/activities/brecog/brecog.html The survey involves a series of small quadrats in different bryophyte habitats. I'm visiting a wide range of sites across the county. If anyone would like to join me in 2017 then please drop me an email and I will let you know when I plan a visit. steven.heathcote@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. Andrew.alder - hard bounce -delivery failed; will not continue trying If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally..... Kew Gardens banks seeds to conserve the UK’s native juniper trees. http://www.mygreenpod.com/articles/our-gin-is-safe/ Police issue Devon humpback whale 'stay away' warning http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-39089423 M4 relief road: Common cranes nesting on proposed site http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-39065025 Island that inspired National Trust finally given to group http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39088829 We taught bees to play football so we could learn about their brains https://theconversation.com/we-taught-bees-to-play-football-so-we-could-learn-about-their-brains-73485 Are rooftop beehives just a brand buzz exercise for companies? https://theconversation.com/are-rooftop-beehives-just-a-brand-buzz-exercise-for-companies-71768 Australia's 'biggest ever' antivenom dose saves boy bitten by funnel web spider https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/24/australias-biggest-ever-antivenom-dose-saves-boy-bitten-by-funnel-web-spider Why conservation scientists are listening to nature https://theconversation.com/why-conservation-scientists-are-listening-to-nature-73397 Maps reveal schizophrenia 'hotspots' in England http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-39082595 Taliban leader urges Afghans to plant more trees http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39094578 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/