============================================= || || 26th 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.... *** Remember to put your clocks forward on Sunday 26th March. https://www.gov.uk/when-do-the-clocks-change Here are a few of this week's interesting links: For the entomologists: Flower-rich habitat boosts survival for bumblebees http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39279941 For the geologists: Mount Etna: BBC crew caught up in volcano blast http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39293086 For lovers of fish and chips: North Sea haddock taken off sustainable 'fish to eat' list http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-39293265 FAQ for people who love amphibians: http://www.froglife.org/info-advice/frequently-asked-questions/ For island lovers... Britain's part-time islands http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-39254575 For Morse fans: Colin Dexter, [Stamford-born] creator of Inspector Morse, dies aged 86 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39342698 More topical links below in "...and finally..." It would be good to have more plant records coming in to the Bulletin. Also, as spring arrives, keep an eye out for Herpetofauna - Amphibians and Reptiles. 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: 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 *** Butterfly Conservation Spring Indoor Meeting *** Lesley Robinson writes: It is that time of the year again when the Lincolnshire branch of Butterfly Conservation is holding its spring indoor meeting. Date: 1st April at 2 pm Place: Chambers Farm Wood education centre, near Wragby - grid reference TF1477380 Speakers: Patrick Barkham (Guardian journalist and author of Butterfly Isles) and Allan Rodda (Lincs Branch member) *** 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 *** 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 *** Reminder - Oil Beetles - Eyes Down - Records Please *** Charlie Barnes writes: Following the plea in the Wildnews Bulletin for sightings of oil beetles in 2012, it was a pleasure to confirm their existence in Lincolnshire. Adults have started to emerge at the colony near Ropsley (around 40 individuals counted by Richard Davidson) and will be feeding up over the coming weeks. If you would be interested in looking for oil beetles in your area you can either get in touch for more information or just take a camera with you when out walking. To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao and for detailed information on their life history see http://www.eakringbirds.com/eakringbirds4/meloeproscarabaeus.htm With the paucity of records in Lincolnshire we have no "hot-spots" to concentrate on - they could be just about anywhere! As a rule, oil beetles like firm bare ground so road verges, footpaths or tracks are ideal. If you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Spring Bees to look out for..... *** David Sheppard writes: Bumblebees can be seen and heard on most spring days now. All of the records so far have been for Bombus terrestris (yellow and black bands and a buff tail) which is the only species with this colour pattern. Not so for the yellow & black banded species with white tails which could be any of about 4 species and should be flying now as well. Sightings of these will be logged as 'White-tailed Bumblebees' but not as any particular species. If you are sure which species you have seen, please record it using its scientific name to avoid any confusion. Bombus lapidarius (black with a red tail) should also be about by now but I have yet to see one this year. Similarly Bombus pascuorum (brown with some black patches on abdomen) will be flying soon. Be careful when recording this one because there is another pale brown bumblebee, Bombus muscorum, which is very rare in Lincolnshire and another wides- pread species, Bombus hypnorum, which has a brown thorax, black abdomen and a white tail and has a habit of flying in such a way as to hide its critical identification features. Anthophora plumipes should be active soon, so keep a look out for it on garden lung- worts and primroses. The male is like a small brown bumblebee and has extremely long hairs on its middle legs. The female is black with the hind legs partly yellow. The males tend to shadow the females, flying above and behind her. Sometimes two or three males do this at the same time, occasionally having fights between themselves. If you find a nesting colony the aggression is almost continuous. They have a much higher pitched buzz than the deep hum of the bumblebees. Finally, some small spring solitary bees should be active as soon as the blackthorn and sallows are in flower. These cannot be identified without a microscope. If you have positively identified any, please give the scientific name in your report. General BWARS gallery: http://www.bwars.com/species_list?title= *** A Caddis to look out for - The Grannom - anyone spotted one yet? *** 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. We have plenty of larval records, but some adult sightings may fill-in the gaps in Lincolnshire distribution. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - deadline on 31st. *** The closing date for entries is Thursday 31 March 2017 http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Northamptonshire Biodiversity Record Centre’s WILDside Project *** Ryan Clark writes: WILDside is a HLF supported project covering Northamptonshire running until the end of 2018. The project’s focus is split between encouraging people to get involved with wildlife recording in Northamptonshire and helping those who gain or already have an interest in particular species groups to develop their skills and confidence, wherever they currently reside. For this purpose we are asking people to fill in this survey to help understand where to focus our efforts: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1d-hlgQnNuZTP7WCSjXoIQCYhyhptOldkf9j3pmXF3kc/edit Along the way, WILDside will also be filling in ‘gaps in the map’ for a variety of species and improving our knowledge of what occurs at some of the county’s key wildlife sites, including local wildlife sites. You don’t have to live in Northamptonshire to get involved and I’d love to hear from you if you would like to come on some of the training workshops, talks, and local wildlife surveys or get involved with the project in another way. For further information please contact ryan.clark@northantsbrc.org.uk *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" *** Keep visiting and hoping. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Wash Bird Watching Cruises 2017 *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: 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 ***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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 " * ". 16/3 Bluethroat 1w male, along main track, Willow Tree Fen Russian White-fronted Goose with Greylag Geese in cattle field, 2 Waxwings in hedge, Swanpool 2 Glaucous Gulls imms, Donna Nook 17/3 Mealy Redpoll 1w on garden feeder, Wisley Road, Lincoln Black-throated Diver flew east past Gibraltar Point 18/3 Mealy Redpoll, Doddington Park garden, Lincoln Bluethroat 1w male, along main track, Willow Tree Fen Glaucous Gull imm a Stonebridge, c30 Twite, Donna Nook Long-eared Owl on island, Deeping Lakes Garganey drk on Roads Farm grassland, Frampton Marsh 24+ Waxwings at entrance to recycling centre, Corringham Road industrial estate, Gainsborough 19/3 Cattle Egret at Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Scaup 1w drk, Deeping High Bank Bluethroat 1w male, along main track, Willow Tree Fen Cattle Egret, Alkborough Mealy Redpoll [2 briefly] on feeders with 14 Lesser Redpolls, Wigsley Road, Lincoln 20/3 2 Mealy Redpolls on feeders, Wigsley Road, Lincoln Mealy Redpoll on feeders, Park Road, Willingham by Stow Scaup drk at Middlemarsh Wetlands, west of Skegness 4 Scaup fems, Freiston Shore 6 Shorelarks, Glaucous Gull, 15 Twite, Donna Nook Bluethroat 1w male, along main track, Willow Tree Fen 21/3 Cattle Egret in horse paddock, Alkborough Flats Purple Sandpiper on North Scrape, Frampton Marsh Iceland Gull imm on Riverslea pit, Black-necked Grebe, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Bluethroat 1w male, along main track, Willow Tree Fen 9 Waxwings by cattle field, Swanpool Mealy Redpoll on feeders, Wigsley Road, Lincoln Great White Egret, Aubourn, flew towardsThurlby 12 Shorelarks at Stonebridge car park, imm Glaucous Gull, Donna Nook 22/3 Iceland Gull juv on Riverslea and LWT pits, Kirkby on Bain, the flew towards landfill Bluethroat 1w male, along main track, Willow Tree Fen Cattle Egret in horse paddock, Alkborough Flats Great White Egret on River Till by Ingham Road, SE of Willingham-by-Stow 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. ROADKILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. B6403 SK9603744 Badger Jane Ostler 9/3/17 A52 Friskeny Badger Jane Ostler 9/3/17 A15 BETWEEN RIPPINGALE TURN-OFFS March 12 2017 Jacquie Harrison Badger A46 NEAR NORTH OWERSBY TURN-OFF March 16 2017 Jacquie Harrison Badger Red Fox *** 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 21/3/2017 Bee Fly - small, almost copper-coloured specimen. 22/3 18+ House Sparrows BOSTON TF332465 Jane Ostler 9/3/17 In garden a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly on heather. CALLAN'S LANE WOOD TF063261 March 12 2017 Jacquie Harrison Blackbirds Blue tit Brambling- 4+ Bullfinch - 3+ Chaffinches Coal tit Collared doves Dunnock Goldcrest Goldfinches Great tits Long- tailed tits Mistle thrush - male singing Pheasants Robins Willow tit Woodpigeons Muntjac deer DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 06 and 13/03/17 Time: 1000 - 1300 and 1330-1600 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Some sunshine, cloudy, breezy Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Buzzard Canada Goose CarrionCrow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaf Common Gull Cormorant Gadwall Goldcrest Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Kestrel Kingfisher Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Grebe Little Egret Long-eared Owl Long-tailed Duck Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pintail Pochard Reed Bunting Robin Shelduck Short-eared Owl Shoveler Sparrowhawk Starling Teal Treecreeper Tufted Duck Water Rail Wigeon Woodpigeon Yellow-legged Gull Mammals: Grey Squirrel GRAINSBY ESTATE. TF 278995 15.03.2017 Peter Crick Buff Tail Bumble Bee x 2 One searching very low to ground of open pasture One searching low in Church yard HARROWBY SK940344 Jane Ostler 16/3/17 'Settlements' Field Entry This partly gravelled strip is always interesting for small plants often overlooked or ignored. Some of the chickweeds, speedwells and cresses, many of them early flowering, need close examination, to distinguish them. Daisy and Groundsel have been flowering all winter. There are new plants of Shepherd's Purse and Hairy Bittercress. In addition to small plants of Common Chickweed and Mouse Ear Chickweed there was Little Mouse Ear (Cerastium semidecandron) which cab be recignizedby the broad silvery margins on its sepals. Whitlow grass was abundant and Annual Meadow Grass in flower. On the grass margins the first small examples of Garlic Mustard and Cow Parsley. Red Deadnettle, Ivy-leaved Speedwell and Herb Robert have been in flower since February. In the pond frogs had laid spawn. Earlier two dead toads had been found alongside the pond, apparently killed by being pecked. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 13/3/17 Brimstone butterfly 1 First sighting of the season. also 19/3/17 After 30 years at the same home and garden, it was fascinating to see a Muntjac deer walked across the gravel drive in what is a small town garden, surrounded by other properties. A good first, as long as it doesn't stay to eat the plants ! HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 15/3/2017 Blue tits 2 Long tailed tits 2 19/3/2017 Chaffinches 2 Water boatman (on pone - I was hoping for frog spawn!) 20/3/2017 Wrens 2 (Last year a wren built a nest in a clematis - I don't know when this clematis is supposed to be cut back as it doesn't flower much even though I try something different with it every year. I decided to leave it completely this year and much to my delight, both at the same time 2 wrens visited the nest from last year. Fingers crossed!) 22/3/2017 Blue tit 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 16/3/2017 Jacqui Proctor Barn Owl KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 18/3/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly GArden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 2 Tree Sparrow 4 Dunnock 4 Robin 2 Collared Dove 8 House Sparrow 10 Goldfinch 2 Greenfinch 2 Starling 22 Woodpigeon 1 Chaffinch 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 18/3/2017 Jon Drakes and Chris Knowles A walk around the fields and woodland to the North of the village found the following species present: Blackbird Blue Tit Bullfinch 3 Buzzard 3 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff 1 Dunnock Goldfinch Great Tit Herring Gull Kestrel 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull 1 - first one recorded around Keelby this year Linnet Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Pheasant Skylark 2 - first examples recorded around Keelby this rear Woodpigeon Yellowhammer 4 KIRKBY ON BAIN - gravel pits Clare Brady 18/3/2017 Kirkby on Bain nr gravel pits. Chiff Chaff calling. LINCOLN - BRANT ROAD SK964664 Marion Barlow 16/3/2017 Discovered 2 lots of Frog Spawn in pond this morning. 4 more pairs of frogs are playing piggy back so looks like a bumper year for spawn. Lovely to hear the frogs going, "croak, Croak". Daughter says Mistletoe seeds are sending out little roots that I placed on her new Lime Trees we planted before Christmas in amongst her 1000 hedging. Male Brimstones or the same one looking for a mate in the garden. Fluttering up and down the garden throughout the afternoon. Also Peacocks and Commas. 100 hedging newly planted in January looks well healthy as green buds are swelling ready to open. LOUTH TF327877 Robert Walker 13/3/17 Small Tortoiseshell butterfly 1 also 15/3/17 Brimstone 1 Small Tortoiseshell 1 NEW WALTHAM TA 285046 14.03.2017 Peter Crick Buff Tail Bumble Bee - searching close to ground of veg patch Newt x 1 in garden pond. NETTLEHAM 15 March 2017 14:10 Deepdale Lane, Nettleham TF 00332 75722 Su Colman Brimstone butterfly near the police HQ. NOCTON Jerry Gunner writes: For the first time we've got at least three pairs of bramblings in the garden - I don't remember there ever being more than one pair before. The swans I saw last week had moved the next day, but only about 600 yards south. Most seemed to have gone, with at most a dozen left. I just saw my first Grizzled Skipper butterfly of the year - they're not common visitors in my garden and I thought it was a Speckled Wood at first but as it was fluttering against the window of the utility room trying to get out I had plenty of opportunity to examine it closely! NORTH HYKEHAM 15 Mar 17 Colin Green N. Hykeham Sk939657 - my garden. 1x Comma, 1x Small Tortoiseshell, !x Brimstone (m), 2 x Brimstone (fe) 1 x Mistle Thrush NORTH OWERSBY/THORNTON TF0695 - or within 2 kilometres March 16 2017 Jacquie Harrison Blackbirds Black headed gulls Blue tits Buzzards over Carrion Crows Chaffinches Dunnock Gold crest Goldfinches Great tits House sparrows - several colonies Jackdaws Lapwings Long tailed tits Redwings in wonderful breeding plumage - I assume migrating Reed buntings Robins Rooks Skylarks - 3 Starlings Yellowhammer Woodpigeons Bumble bee - but didn't get good view for species RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 08.03.2017 Starling investigating below roof tiles (Access to roof space was blocked last year during repairs. Found remains of one dead starling then. The Sparrows still seem to find plenty of access points.) 09.03.2017 Buff-tailed Bumblebee x 3 Tawny Owl calling 11.03.2017 Chiffchaff calling (first this year) Frogs calling in/near pond 13.03.2017 First Blackbird song Brimstone, m and f (first this year) Peacock butterfly Red-tailed Bumblebee (first this year) Smooth Newt in pond x 2 Great Diving Beetle A few Whirligigs becoming active Tawny Owl calling Common Dog Violet and Lesser Celandine in flower 14.03.2017 Pair of Mallards on pond 15.03.2017 Brimstone, m Water Boatman in pond Smooth Newt in pond Common Toad under stone Wren Chiffchaff calling RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 15.03.2017 2 Robins feeding together The solitary Common Gull has ceased feeding in the pasture adjoining our garden; around the same time as in the previous 2 years. Hedgehog droppings Only 2 clumps of frog spawn in large pond - spawning seems to have ground to a halt, though our neighbour's pond has a huge amount of spawn 19.03.2017 2 common toads in tight embrace in small pond for at least two days; no spawn visible 20.03.2017 At least 10 frogs active in large pond during heavy rain, but when it cleared, I only found one extra clump of spawn making a total of 3 so far against 10-11 in previous years. 21.03.2017 Long-tailed Tit looking for cobwebs under eaves RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 08/03/2017 Clouded Drab 2 Hebrew Character 2 Common Quaker 2 13/03/2017 Clouded Drab 5 Early Grey 1 Hebrew Character 2 Common Quaker 1 Dotted Border 1 14/03/2017 Large Red Tailed Bumble Bee 1 Twin-spotted Quaker 1 Clouded Drab 5 Hebrew Character 3 Common Quaker 1 15/03/2017 Buff-tailed Bumble Bee 1 Clouded Drab 9 Hebrew Character 4 Early Grey 1 Common Quaker 11 SCOTGROVE WOOD TF 130704 https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/12840/bardney-limewoods-scotgrove-wood/ R and A Parsons 18 March 2017 at 10.15am approx# [DAFOR scale] Bramble A Dogs Mercury A Lesser Celandine O Primrose O Anemone O Coltsfoot O - on bare ground at side of ride Wild Arum R - 2 plants - spotted/unspotted - west side of wood. Buff-tailed Bumblebee 2-3 Solitary bees, Andrena spp. Not A. fulva. Possibly A. clarkella. Common Buzzard - 2 calling Tawny Owls - 2 male calls heard Chiffchaff - 2 heard Also several Blue Tits Great Tits Robins Chaffinches and a Carrion Crow Deer slots - large and small Mole sign - shallow tunnel crossing path Possible badger print STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife noted during my lunch break whilst at work: 14/3/2017 Chiffchaff 1 Kestrel 1 Long-tailed Tit 2 Mistle Thrush 2 15/3/2017 Blackbird Chaffinch Magpie Pied Wagtail Woodpigeon 16/3/2017 Blackbird Carrion Crow Magpie Pied Wagtail Reed Bunting Woodpigeon 17/3/2017 Blackbird Carrion Crow Herring Gull Magpie Pheasant Teal 4 Woodpigeon Stoat THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 16/03/17 Little Owl x 1 calling 23:30hrs 19/03/17 Chiffchaff x 3 SE8000 Golden Plover x 250 over Thurnholmes Pygmy Shrew x 1 dead (cat kill?) Rabbit x 3 22/03/17 Black-headed gull x 32 Stock Dove x 1 flew out of nest box Wood Pigeon x 15 Wren x 1 roosting in old Swallows nest up in stable roof Rabbit x 2 WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 19 March 17 Carol Massen Rural garden of just under a quarter of an acre. 2 log piles - one with a camera, a pond, several bird boxes - 4 with cameras and a 'small mammal box' with camera. Numbers indicate maximum sightings of a species at any one time Blackbird 2 Blue Tit 4 Bullfinch 2 (One male, one female) Chaffinch 2 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldfinch 5 Great Tit 2 Greenfinch 3 House Sparrow 4 Jackdaw 2 Long Tailed Tit 2 Pheasant 3 Robin 3 Song Thrush 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Stock Dove 1 Wood Pigeon 2 Wren 1 Grey Squirrel 2 Bank Vole 2 Wood Mouse 2 Brimstone butterfly 13 March Peacock butterfly 15 March WILDMORE FEN 16 March 2017 at 10.00hrs R and A Parsons Canada Lane and Canada Farm area, seen from TF223538 5 Roe Deer [all adults with distinctive white "targets"] Marsh Harrier m. WOODHALL SPA Cottage Museum garden TF196632 https://www.cottagemuseum.co.uk/ 19/3/2017 - 10am. R. Parsons Buff-tailed Bumblebee Queen Wasp spp. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK922224 Jane Ostler 15/3/17 Garden This was an exceptional day of sunshine and warmth (16C) when I was lucky enough to be able to sit for over an hour near a south facing wall on which an Apricot tree was in full flower brodered by a tall yellow flowered pea plant and a climbing winter honeysuckle. An ideal spot to watch for bees and butterflies. Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Dozens feeding exclusively on open apricot flowers. They were all from one colony type. We have a local beekeeper and at present the garden is visited by two groups which differ slightly in both colour and size. Tree Bumble Bee (Bombus hypnorum) These first nested in neighbours bird box 3 years ago and have been in both our gardens since. There were three queens, feeding exclusively on the winter honeysuckle. Buff-tailed Bumble Bee (Bombus terrestris) Seen since mid February. One visited for a short time and then went off to feed on last of crocuses. White Tailed Bumble Bee(Bombus lucorum) The first seen this year. In previous years it has been seen before the Buff-tailed. It explored the plants against the wall but flew off eventually (to find something else in the garden?) Early Nesting Bumble Bee(Bombus pratorum) the first time I have seeen it this year. This smaller queen preferred the yellow pea plant. Red Tailed Bee (Bombus lapidarius) Last to arrive at around mid-day. A rather dishevelled queen which settled on window sill in sun for a short time. First seen this year. Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes). A single male heard buzzing in its distinctive way. I found it on a potted Pulmonaria which I had put outside after bringing it into flower early in the house. In some years this species has emerged before its favourite tubular flowers are out so I try to have something in flower - and was well rewarded. Later in the day two others appeared and had found some Comfrey out. Common Wasp. This was not a queen but a worker. They have emerged from logs brought into the house at intervals during the winter. I suspect this one came straight from the log pile. A single Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly and a single Peacock Butterfly preferred a house plant aster put into the border A pair of Brimstone Butterflies - male and female flew over lawn then the female came and sunned on the wall. A single 7-spot ladybird climbed out of an evergreen shrub. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT TF560588 Jane Ostler 9/3/17 Mere Pond and path eastwards to seashore BIRDS On the pond:- Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Swan, Little Grebe and Golden Eye Drake displaying to 2 females. On shore Black Headed Gulls and a single Redshank at saltwater pool. OTHER VERTEBRATES At edges of path near Mere Pond plenty of evidence of Mole ans Rabbit. No amphibians seen. In the late 1940s my brother and I remember seeing the whole of the Mill Pond a 'broil' of mating Common Toads. INVERTEBRATES In strong winds no flying insects seen. A water beetle, identified by Charlie Barnes as Agabus pustulatus was walking across the path in a brief spell of sunshine. Apparently it is our commonest diving beetle and is recorded coming to light. At two thrushes anvils the shell remains were exclusively the Dark-lipped Banded Snail. PLANTS IN FLOWER Daisy and Dandelion were out nearest the car park area. A Cherry Plum was in flower. In the eastern dune slacks, amongst moss, miniature Hairy Bitter Cress with even tinier Common Whitlow Grass amongst them. The male bushes of Sea Buckthorn had swollen flower buds and the leaves of Spring Beauty formed a continuous carpet under shrubs. Leaves were opening on the Elder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 15th March - 22nd March 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Nigel Lound, Gary Cooper, Rob Lidstone-Scott & John Walker Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings The first Frog and common Toad spawn was found on 17th and spawning continued through until 21st when it became colder with patchy ground frost at dawn, very few common newts seen raising the question of what has caused the severe reduction in this population which is now only c 10 to 15 % of the peak numbers during the eighties and nineties. Several elders are in leaf and the first hawthorns are breaking into leaf this morning 22nd. 15th On the sea were 22 Velvet Scoter and 12 Great-crested Grebe. 22 Pinkfeet were on Joe House's field. In the Rimac area were a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 2 Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and 8 Common Buzzard. 62 Shoveler and 3 Pintail were on Paradise pool. The Little Owls were performing well in the Churchill Lane area. Daytime temperature reached 16.5°C and butterflies on the wing around Sea View were small tortoiseshell 2, comma 1, peacock 2 and brimstone 3. A single Tree Sparrow was seen at the feeding station Sea View. Shoveler are still attracted to paradise lagoon with 42 males and 26 females, plus Tufted Duck 16, Pintail 2 males, Teal 1, Little Grebe 2, Coot 6, Moorhen 1, Redshank 3 and Common Snipe 1 16th Singles Chiffchaff heard and seen at Paradise wood and shelterbelt near Sea View; small tortoiseshell at Sea View 17th 42 Velvet Scoter on the sea south of Crook Bank Around were 4 Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff, a Marsh Harrier and 2 Buzzard. A Red Kite drifted overhead, southwards at Paradise 18th 2 grey and 2 brown hen harriers observed at dusk along with 2 barn owls. Tawny Owl calling at Sea View, early evening 19th 122 curlews on Theddlethorpe foreshore Very strong south-westerly all day with a gust of 52.2mph recorded near Sea View in the afternoon. Two Marsh Harriers hunting over the saltmarsh and 6 Whooper Swans on Rimac lagoon 20th Siskin 2 at Sea View, Grey Lag Goose 10 on Rimac freshwater marsh, Little Egret 36 on saltmarsh and male Marsh Harrier over 21st 6 chiffchaffs from Brickyard to Rimac 28 Velvet Scoter and single Long-tailed Duck on the sea south of Crook Bank and a Green Woodpecker around Paradise Chiffchaff 1 calling near Sea View and Whooper Swan 3 flying north over dunes, Mistle Thrush, Goldfinch 2, Long Tailed Tits 6 and Blue Tits 4 at Sea View ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. For good advice for all nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 2017 Field Meetings Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, May 27, 2017 Field meeting to Corringham Scroggs with evening bat/moth recording session A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates. Northeast of Gainsborough. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then at 20.30 again for evening session. Meet and park at SK842919 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside the track where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. NB. Parts of site quite wet. Insect repellent recommended. Additionally, as a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Gainsborough town centre. Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland (partly wet), ponds and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 25, 2017 Field Meeting to Chapel Six Marshes Part of Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. North of Chapel St.Leonards 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road north of Chapel St Leonards for about 1km and then track towards sea and parking at TF558741. NB. Nearest public toilets are at Chapel Point. Habitats: Dunes, shore, marsh, waterbodies, grassland, scrub and plantation. Partly a habitat creation area. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Thurlby Fen Slipe Thurlby Fen Slipe LWT Reserve Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Southeast of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Car parking on Baston Edge Drove (unmade track) at TF119164. Turn onto Long Drove eastwards from the A15 at Thurlby and look for the LNU sign for the car park. Possibility of evening bat walk here with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. Access restrictions may apply to the eastern half of the reserve due to the presence of sensitive wildlife. Nearest public toilets in Bourne town centre. Habitats: Borrow pits, hedgerows, wet woodland, grassland and the north bank of the River Glen. Leader: Nick Tribe 07733 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. 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..... On the shore, casualties of a winter storm https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/16/country-diary-strandline-shore-casualties-winter-storm Sea otters ahead of dolphins in using tools http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39339424 Where are England's steepest streets? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38568893 Take to the skies for charity at Wickenby http://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/take-to-the-skies-for-charity-at-wickenby-1-7869939 'Step change' needed to create more woodland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39329644 Fossil named after Sir David Attenborough http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39348150 Torrey Canyon oil spill: The day the sea turned black http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39223308 'Extreme and unusual' climate trends continue after record 2016 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39329304 Scientists play 'geological genealogy' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39292460 No let-up in Cyprus bird poaching http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39281924 China's 'airpocalypse' linked to Arctic sea ice loss http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39279500 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/