============================================= || || 29th April 2018 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ 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]. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin is being read by over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every LNU Bulletin and invite new readers to give it a try. We really need your help with this. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** Several cuckoos have already been heard by readers. See: BTO - Tracking Cuckoos to Africa... and back again https://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Knotweed 'cannot be eradicated', Swansea Uni trial shows http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-43882916 National Trust should be 'radical' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43819762 Britain powers on without coal for three days http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43879564 ‘Weirder than any other landscape’: a wild walk in the Fens https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/apr/22/a-wild-walk-in-the-fens-marshland-fen-edge-trail?CMP=share_btn_link Hemsby: Clifftop home destroyed erosion spanning 40 years http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-norfolk-43842584/ Thank you for all your contributions this week. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Dead Hedgehogs *** Chris Manning writes: Two dead hedgehogs on the A153 at Wilsford this morning (19th April) were a sad sight but remind us that "spring" is belatedly occurring. The decline of the hedgehog is well documented but will this late spring further reduce numbers? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766 Previously I have analysed hedgehog records on a monthly basis. I now intend to look at any changes in emergence/hibernation over the years, will any changes be notable? If any changes are identified, they will be reported in the Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Union Transactions. In the mean time, thanks for your past records and for all your future records. Chris Manning - Mammal Recorder chris.lincsdeer@gmail.com *** Asian Hornet - shortened version of last week's piece *** David Sheppard writes: Asian Yellow-legged Hornet The Asian Yellow-legged Hornet has a black head, black thorax and black & yellow legs. The abdomen varies in colour but is predominantly black or dark brown. It builds its nest amongst the branches and twigs of trees and shrubs. The European Hornet has a yellow head, brown thorax and brown legs. The abdomen is half brown and half yellow. It builds its nests in cavities such as holes in trees, bird boxes (which it can out-grow and extend its nest around it), sheds and out-houses. Further information is available on line but beware that few sites explain about the European Hornet. The best leaflet is available as a pdf from the Non-native Species Secretariat, and available on the National Bee Unit website, amongst others, does show the differences between the two hornet species, although the initial illustration of a European Hornet is clearly a wasp not a hornet, so just adds to the possible confusion! For subscribers to ‘British Wildlife’ please refer to the December 2017 issue (vol 29 Number 2) where there is an excellent article with clear illustrations differentiating both hornet species and some wasps. If you think that you have seen an Asian Yellow-legged Hornet, please take a photo if possible and send it to alertnonnative@ceh.co.uk or via a free App ‘Asian Hornet Watch’. Please don’t forget to send a copy to the LNU Bulletin or to the Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre as well. Do not attempt to destroy the nest yourself. They have experts to make the definitive identification and deal with the nest if necessary. David Sheppard *** Coming soon: Faith & the Environment Conference 2018: Climate Change and Coast *** An exciting day conference featuring speakers from the University of Lincoln, Environment Agency, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Lincoln School of Theology and others. We will be looking at the science of climate change and its impacts on coastal habitats and people, and hearing stories from near and far about coastal flooding and what is being done to meet the challenges that climate change brings to the coast. We will be considering how our faith can inform and influence our response to coastal issues, and thinking about the practical steps we can all take. Date: Saturday, 12th May 2018 (10am–4.30pm) Venue: St Giles’ Church, Lamb Gardens, Lincoln LN2 4EJ. For more information, a copy of the programme and how to get tickets, please follow this link: https://www.lincoln.anglican.org/Event/faith-and-the-environment-2018 *** Barn Owl Nest Box Webcam - The story continues... *** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** The Loch Arkaig ospreys *** Bob adds: In my opinion the best of the osprey webcams. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/support-an-appeal/arkaig-pinewoods/wildlife/osprey-cam/?utm *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ [Note: 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.] Field Meetings 2018 - details on: https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Next meeting: Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 29th April 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-04-29/ Access courtesy of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at wood entrance which is at TF421777. Nearest postcode: LN13 0ED which is east of the wood. NB. Very restricted parking so please car share where possible. Likely need for reverse parking along entrance track (first in, last out policy). Verges near entrance are Roadside Nature Reserves so please no parking on them, especially if arriving earlier than 12.00. Nearest public toilets in Alford town centre. Habitats: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** LoveLincsPlants Website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lovelincsplants Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Sir Joseph Banks Society http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences blog https://lifesciences.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ *** Whisby Natural History Workshops *** At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Mining Bees - June 2nd - David Shepherd Hoverflies - July 28th - Phil Porter & David Denman Ground Beetles - August 11th - Alan Lazenby Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** April Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Horse/3 Donkeys/Cat/House-sitter wanted *** 12 acre holding - animal chores 1 hour per day. Couple of days at a time, occasionally a week/fortnight. Near Gainsborough. For more details/arrangement/any questions contact: H. Proctor on: 01427 838712 [Or you can email the Editor who will forward it.] ***Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival *** Saturday 19 May to Sunday 3 June 2018. Check out the website for further information and to download the brochure: www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park *** Debby Braund writes: Please could you include a link to the 2018 Events Brochure for the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. Events range from sea dipping and guided walks to beach art and book sales. Something for everyone! https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coastalcountrypark/events/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ *** Local RSPB links: ****** https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby The Group's next trip to RSPB Titchwell on 22nd April is now fully booked. South Lincs. RSPB "Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash" 2018 programme. 12 cruises scheduled for 2018 starting 11th May and ending 16th October. Further details,ticket prices and booking arrangements at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/news/450628/ Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** LWT Reserves: *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves *** LWT Area Groups *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/area-groups *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Caroline Davis writes: On Sunday 29th April 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car park at 8am. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and please bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume 07814 840682. On Saturday 5th May 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them to listen to the dawn chorus as you wander around Weelsby Woods, Grimsby with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car parking area at 4am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray - 07814 840682. *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Louth area group LWT *** http://lwt-lag.org.uk/ *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events *** 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/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or consolidating repeated messages. Note - I have been leaving out late/historical reports to save going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important reports, marking them with a * to indicate their lateness. New pager awaited - reports suspended. 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. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Hibaldstow SE 97585 03013 Peter Morrell 21.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Station Road. Holme, Scunthorpe SE 91493 06954 Peter Morrell 22.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Holme Lane Rothwell Top SK 96185 98592 Peter Morrell 22.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on B1225. Stamford TF 00562 07657 Peter Morrell 24.04.18 Badger road kill on A1. Colsterworth SK 92944 25174 Peter Morrell 24.04.18 Badger roadkill on A1 Great Ponton SK 92380 30064 Peter Morrell 24.04.18 Badger roadkill on A1. 24.04.2018 Silvia Fowler Badger on verge of A157 SW-bound by entrance to Home Farm TF345852 Hedgehog 19/4/18 A153, east of Wilsford TF020435 Jane Ostler Badger 19/4/18 A153, west of turn off to Haverholme Priory TF 097498 Jane Ostler Hedgehog 19/4/18 Sleaford by pass TF0646 Jane Ostler BUTTERBUR Jane Ostler Before reading LNU Wildnews last week I had noted, from car, Butterbur with characteristic flowers alongside A155 in East Kirkby area. I looked up the reference to a previous Wildnews and saw Garry Steele 's which included one for this area. The grid reference is slightly different ( mine is TF337 626) - I don't us GPS so am subject to human error! *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in their observations and we welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. DON'T FORGET - TIME FLIES! Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons Hedgehog active at 4.00hrs on 19/4/2018 - videos on trail camera. Signs of possible self-annointing. 19/4/2018 - bat spp hunting in garden - echolocating @ >55KHz. 22/4/2018 Buzzard overhead 2pm approx. BARDNEY TF117699 23/04/18 9.15am Steve Green Cuckoo (heard from direction of river) CLEETHORPES TA 300069 20.04.2018 Peter Crick A short walk along Buck Beck on a lovely warm day revealed 20 Small Tortoiseshell, mostly as courtship pairs and as many white butterflies. 2 Grey Heron Little Egret 2 Moorhen Abundance of Lesser Celandine along lower banks 2 Blue winged shopping trolleys partly submerged. Species: Tesco Wednesday 18.04.2018 Ladybird 14/16 spot HORKSTOW 18 April 2018 Jenny Haynes Brimstone butterfly in my garden this afternoon and the bats are out for the first time this year, nearly three weeks later than last year. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 19/4/2018 Bombylius major Beefly 6 Frog 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 20/4/2018 Bombus hypnorum Tree bee 1 Ladybird harlequin 1 Toad 1 21/4/2018 Tadpoles all hatched from 4th April spawn. KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 14/4/2018 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Black-headed Gull 1 Blue Tit 1 Chaffinch 2 Collared Dove 8 Dunnock 5 Goldfinch 3 Greenfinch 2 Herring Gull 1 House Sparrow 30 Jackdaw 1 Robin 1 Rook 2 Starling 5 Woodpigeon 3 Wren 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 21/4/2018 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Chaffinch 2 Collared Dove 4 Dunnock 4 Goldfinch 2 Greenfinch 2 House Sparrow 10 NETTLEHAM TF008752 Brenda Edlington w/c 20 April 2018 3 hedgehogs of different sizes have been seen together feeding on the patio eating soaked mealworms that the birds don’t seem to like. I know that too many mealworms are not good for them. I was glad to see the smallest one had survived the winter and one night 2 small ones were seen so I have at least 4 hedgehogs around. The nest box was empty over the winter (a large ball of leaves was nearby) but is now full of leaves so hopefully they will breed. A wren has spent the past week building a nest 12 ft from our back door in a box bush growing in a pot on the patio. The bush is 3 ft high and 15 ins wide and is being trained into a pyramid. The leaves of the back of the nest  are poking out through the sides of the bush! Two wrens have been seen near the nest and the male regularly sings on the bird feeder nearby but I think any female would be saying, “What else have you got?” Blue tits and great tits are in and out of the nest boxes – the great tits in the communal sparrow box which the sparrows have never used preferring the ivy on the house. A blackbird has nested in the ivy on the fence. 5 April 2018 5 buzzards circling over the Police Headquarters playing field – rarely see 1 let alone 5. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 18.04.2018 (20 C today!) Tawny Mining Bee flying low over lawn Brimstone m and f Chiffchaff (TF300849 approx.) Toad spawn in pond Marsh Marigold in flower in church pond (Raithby Springs) 20.04.2018 Whirligig beetles, pond skaters and water boatmen becoming active in pond Jackdaw pair under fat-ball feeder Evidence of Vole activity in garden borders Tawny Owl calling during early afternoon (regularly for the last few days) 21.04.2018 Mallard drakes x 6 Common Newt in pond Common Frog in border (yearling) 22.04.2018 Skylark, 1 over TF312850 approx., 1 over TF313849 approx. 23.04.2018 Chiffchaff calling on former Hallington-Withcall railway section (TF296848 approx.) SEMPERINGHAM TF105329 22/04/18 Steve Green Red Kite low over church heading south-east SLEAFORD TF069 451 [My garden] Diane Maltby 26th April 2018 Seen regularly in the late evenings this week: 2 hedgehogs, one significantly larger than the other. The later pushing the smaller one around, sometimes making it walk backwards. Lots of loud snuffling noises. Having seen this behaviour in previous years, I’m wondering if it’s mating-related. Fairly sure it’s the same 2 each time. We have 2 boxes in the garden, one with an integral camera, also an outdoor camera not far from there, placed so we can observe feeding. These are almost certainly the 2 that hibernated in the boxes – I was watching the smaller one pre-hibernation with a view to rescuing, as it only weighed 405g, but it disappeared. Happy to know they both survived a hard winter! Today either house martins or swallows seen flying fast & low in a NW direction. I would estimate 8-10. Too fast to identify accurately. SPALDING TF245218 Annette Faulkner 20/4/18 Garden Holly blue Green veined white STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) 20/4/2018 Jon Drakes Noted whilst at work were the following species: Carrion Crow Goldfinch Kestrel - a pair were seen using the nest box mounted high on a chimney on site. Linnet Mistle Thrush SUTTON ON SEA L Havell 18/4/2018 Lots of Ladybirds at Sutton seafront today. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 20/04/18 Barn Owl x 1 daytime hunting Curlew x 1 over Thurnholmes Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Herald moth x 1 22/04/18 Blackbird x 1 Goldfinch x 1 Great Tit x 1 Kestrel x 2 displaying around nest box Skylark x 1 Tree Sparrow x 7 24/04/18 Blackbird x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 1 Rook x 4 Skylark x 1 Swallow x 4 Willow Warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 TORTOISESHELL WOOD SSSI 24 APRIL 2018 Jane Ostler (Written in haste without reference to notes) A favourite time of the year for this site. Flowers out included Wood Anemone, Herb Paris, Wild Garlic, Early Dog and Common Violets, Early Purple Orchid , Wood Sorrel, Bluebell, Barren Strawberry, Goldilocks Buttercup and leaves of Twayblade through. Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Nuthatch all heard. Green and Greater S potted Woodpecker and Tree Creeper seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 18th April 2018 – 24th April 2018 Contributors: - Cliff Morrison, John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth, Ruth Taylor and Matt Blissett. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: The brief very warm spell did see daytime temperatures rise to 24.0°C on the 19th but by the 23rd cold south-westerlies had pegged the temperature back to 15.75°C Over the warm spell from 18th to 22nd April flowers began blooming with primrose, cowslip, field mouse-ear, ground ivy and blackthorn appearing. Most hawthorns now in leaf with blackthorn and sea buckthorn just coming into leaf. Butterflies included peacock, comma, brimstone, green-veined white, small tortoise- shell and holly blue. Other insects showing included bee fly, hoverfly, 7 spot ladybird, various bumblebee, honeybee and queen wasp. A good arrival of migrant birds now with whitethroat, willow warbler, chiffchaff, lesser whitethroat, blackcap, sedge warbler, reed warbler and grasshopper warbler all in song, with at least 4 cuckoo, 2 house martins and several swallows on the reserve. 180418 – Around Sea View 2 lesser whitethroat, pair of blackcap, chiffchaff, 2 swallows flying over, cuckoo calling, 2 tree sparrow, tawny owl calling, 2 common buzzard flying high over dunes and at least 16 whimbrel on the saltmarsh. The very warm and sunny weather encouraged 4 peacock butterflies, 2 small tortoiseshells, 2 brimstones and 4 green-veined whites all to be on the wing plus a single cinnabar moth. 190418 – 8 whimbrel on saltmarsh at Sea View and 1 short-eared owl late evening. First holly blue seen in BYL garden. 200418 – Singles of lesser and common whitethroat, pair of ring ouzel near Sea View and 2 whimbrel on the saltmarsh. One small tortoiseshell butterfly on the wing 220418 – 2 whimbrel on saltmarsh, singles of blackcap, common whitethroat and female yellowhammer near Sea View, grasshopper warbler, willow warblers, chiffchaffs, sedge warbler, blackcap, cuckoo at Rimac and 2 avocets on Rimac lagoon. 2 spoonbill flew over. An evening moth trap at BYL produced 32 moths of 7 species: 13 common quaker, 8 hebrew character, 6 clouded drab, 2 red chestnut, 1 small quaker, 1 early grey and 1 water carpet. All the moths were old and well worn, surprising given the warm conditions and humid rain overnight. 230418 – 5 whimbrel flew off the saltmarsh; on Paradise lagoon were 2 avocet, female mallard with 11 young, 3 swallows flying over. 240418 – Flying over Paradise lagoon were 2 sand martin, 2 house martin and 5 swallow plus a common sandpiper on the edge of the Eau at Black Bridge Cowslip, alexanders, white dead nettle and marsh marigold in flower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs, private reserves etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 usually goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A list of all the articles contained in Transactions (Transactions page) and a list of the Presidents (Officers page) is also available on the LNU website. 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 InsideEcology: Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ British geology maps now free to explore on web http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ 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 Webpages: Hare coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ Wildlife Crime http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Weather Underground *** https://www.wunderground.com/ *** Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service *** 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. *** Botany *** Botanical Group in South Lincs Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** Identifying Fungi *** App: http://rogersmushroomsapp.com/ BMS Checklist of names: http://www.fieldmycology.net/GBCHKLST/gbchklst.htm BMS Keys for Macrofungi http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/library/keys/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/ http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ 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 *** Lincolnshire Mammals *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@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 USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Phil Hyde - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for ALL nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Field Meetings 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 29th April 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-04-29/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve, Northwest of Alford Access courtesy of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at wood entrance which is at TF421777. Nearest postcode: LN13 0ED which is east of the wood. NB. Very restricted parking so please car share where possible. Likely need for reverse parking along entrance track (first in, last out policy). Verges near entrance are Roadside Nature Reserves so please no parking on them, especially if arriving earlier than 12.00. Nearest public toilets in Alford town centre. Habitats: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Greetwell Hollow LWT Reserve – Sunday 27th May 2018 Greetwell Hollow LWT Reserve, (partly a geological SSSI) Eastern edge of Lincoln Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at TF001717 which is roadside parking in far north-eastern corner of Allenby Road Industrial Estate, Lincoln. Nearest postcode: LN3 4PH. There is a short section of path north to the Hollow through rough grassland/scrub via a ‘gate’ in fence and by crossing Greetwell Road. NB. Some steep slopes, marshy areas, a fairly busy road to cross plus high levels of public usage. Nearest ‘public’ toilets in McDonalds just to north in Carlton Shopping Centre car park or Tescos nearby. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub, stream, marsh, wet woodland, pond, rocks. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Shearman’s Wath / West Ashby Pits – Saturday 23rd June 2018 Shearman’s Wath next to West Ashby Pits. North of Horncastle A private site with access courtesy of Mike Harrison. Afternoon and evening moth/bat session. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then again from 21.00 for evening session. Meet and park on wide roadside verge at TF252719 (just east of River Bain bridge) which is located on minor road which joins the A158 and A153 north of Horncastle. Nearest postcode: LN9 5PP (which takes you slightly NE of meeting spot). NB. Some steep slopes and deep water areas. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Horncastle town centre. Habitats: Lakes, ponds, marsh, grassland, scrub Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com South Ormsby Estate – Saturday 7th July 2018 Raithby Beck Wood – Saturday 4th August 2018 Sutton Bridge area – Sunday 2nd September 2018 Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 14th October 2018 Whisby Natural History Workshops In partnership with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Find out more about the various subjects from our local experts. Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available. Mining Bees - June 2nd - David Shepherd Hoverflies - July 28th - Phil Porter & David Denman Ground Beetles - August 11th - Alan Lazenby Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. jassydrakulic - soft bounce - Email rejected due to security policies cft chutchinson - soft bounce - refused to talk to me - Mail from this IP has been limited. If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of current and past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally..... Record concentration of microplastics found in Arctic http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-4387938 Exploding ant' species found in South East Asia http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-43861561/9 Oxford Dodo was shot in head, scans find http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43825141 Country diary: a dead newt marks the end of the line https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/21/country-diary-a-dead-newt-marks-the-end-of-the-line Country diary: as temperatures rise, Mediterranean gulls are all loved-up https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/20/country-diary-mediterranean-gulls-loved-up-hayling-island-hampshire Peterborough - Country diary: the buzz of springtime https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/24/country-diary-buzz-springtime-furrow-bees-peterborough ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/