============================================= || || 5th August 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. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every LNU Bulletin. Invite new readers to give it a try. We really need your help with this. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** From the 1st August we will have builders working here with the disruption that can bring. I shall do my best to send out LNU Bulletins, but work could last 6 weeks or more, so apologies in advance for possible chaos. Re: the report of the "Flutterfly", Palloptera muliebris - 23/7/2018 last week. Phil Porter has added some information on status etc. "Yours is only the 8th record ever for Lincolnshire and the second this century. I was surprised by that statistic. It will no doubt be the first captured indoors. The early stages live in beetle galleries in old trees eating the larval frass and maybe the larvae of other small fly larvae. " https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/palloptera-muliebris Are you up to speed on the risk of Lyme Disease? See: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ Lyme Disease Action: https://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/ Have you any news? I will be pleased to receive your reports and contributions and to give a "plug" for Lincolnshire natural history activity. The usefulness of the Bulletin depends on what is sent in. If you can add to the interest, that will be great. As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Some I have chosen with the interests of particular readers in mind. Don't forget to click. Big Butterfly Count field destroyed by council worker blunder https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-45029043 Ocean wilderness 'disappearing' globally https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44970671 How does the 2018 heatwave compare to that of 1976? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44943672 Lightning strikes cause rail chaos across East Coast https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-44978970 Petrichor: why does rain smell so good? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44904298 Scroll Free September: Social media users urged to log off https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44980893 More links in "..and finally..." GDPR I shall continue unsubscribing those who have not "consented" to being emailed the Bulletin. If you have not yet done so, please: 1. Click on "update subscription preferences" link at the of the Bulletin. 2. Scroll down to "Marketing Permissions". 3. Tick Email box if unticked. 4. Click "Update Profile" Thanks. Thank you for all your contributions this week. Please keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Barn Owl Nest Box Webcam. The story continues.....*** Bob Sheppard writes: The chicks are now old enough to explore the immediate area around the nesting chamber. We can expect to see them disappear for short periods soon. They will jump up into the tunnel (where they are hidden from camera view) as this is where the adults bring the food. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** National Cetacean Survey 4/5th August 2018 - Reminder *** Dave Miller is planning to run watches for this national cetacean survey along with Sea Watch Foundation on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August. Watches from the Round-and-Round hide at Anderby Creek as in previous years, but the plan this year is to use the new North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point as well, watching the sea from inside if the weather is inclement. As ever this event could not be run without the help of volunteers, and the plan is to run watches in the same format: i.e. two watches of three hours per day per site: Contact: Dave Miller - Coast and The Wash Warden Email: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk *** Whisby Natural History Workshops - Reminder *** At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. A few places are still available on: Ground Beetles - August 11th - Alan Lazenby [4 places left] Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau [6 places left] Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. [3 places left] Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead [2 places left] [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 *** 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/ Raithby Beck Wood – Saturday 4th August 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-08-04/ Raithby Beck Wood, northwest of Spilsby A private site with access courtesy of Margot and Keith Charlton. Afternoon and evening moth/bat session. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then again from 20.30 for evening session. Meet and park on access track which is situated on the east side of the minor road between Hundleby (B1195) and Hagworthingham (A158) at TF365684, immediately north of Raithby Bridge. Nearest postcode PE23 4LF. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Spilsby town centre or at Snipe Dales Country Park. Habitats: Grassland, plantations, stream, ponds Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** LoveLincsPlants Webpage: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants 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/ *** August Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Heads up for the Perseid Meteors, 17th July to 24th August, with the peak on 12th August. The Moon phase is favourable, so cloud permitting we should get to see a decent display. *** 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/ RSPB Bat Night Chris Andrews writes: RSPB Frampton Marsh Friday 10 August, 8:40 pm A joint RSPB and Lincolnshire Bat Group event, we’ll be looking for the bats which hunt over this fantastic wetland reserve. If time allows, we will do some moth trapping too £10 adults, children half price. RSPB and bat group members, 20% off Booking essential, call 01205 724678 in office hours Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby 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 Get Involved page *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: Insect Hunt in Mausoleum Woods On Saturday 11th August 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on an insect hunt in Mausoleum Woods at Great Limber. We are hoping to find crickets, beetles and other insects. Meet leader mick Binnion at the carpark off the A18 at 2pm. Grid ref. TA133086, nearest postcode DN37 8JL. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Mick Binnion - 07435 122933. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Walk August 4th: Woodhall Spa Airfield Guided walk at Woodhall Spa airfield. Local warden Kevin James will take us round one of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's newest nature reserves and tell us all about plans for it's future. The site was the former home to the RAF's 617 squadron 'The Dambusters'. Meet at the site entrance at 2.00 pm. Access to the reserve is off the B1192 Tattershall to Woodhall Spa road at LN4 4JT. OS Grid reference TF205607 *** 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: 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. CASTLE CARLTON/AUTHORPE TF 397834 C Byatt 13 July 2018 Brown Hare – 1 (roadkill). *** 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. AUBOURN SK 925 627 Jeremy Hutchinson 27/7/18 Hornet BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 28/07/2018 Harlequin Ladybird f. succinea https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/harlequin-ladybird 6-spot ladybirds Coccinella septempunctata - slightly orange form - in leaves of fallen sumac branch. https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/7-spot-ladybird 29/07/2018 @ 10pm Tegenaria gigantea m on carpet. Overall length 23mm. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Tegenaria+gigantea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQtxzb9WPRk BASSINGHAM SK 907 598 Jeremy Hutchinson 29/7/18 Pair Yellow Wagtails  Banded Demoiselle CALLANS LANE Callan’s Lane Wood 17th July 2018 Ian Misselbrook 0720-0850 1 Fox 1 Muntjac 3 Grey Squirrels 3 Silver Washed Fritillary 10+ Purple Hairstreak 1 Ringlet 2 Gatekeepers 1 Speckled Wood 2 Large Skipper 1 Peacock 4 Large White 2 Green- veined White 1 Small White n.b. Probably butterfly numbers would be much higher later in the morning. Already lots of mixed flocks of bids roving the woods. A Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff were both singing and at least 10 Blackcaps were seen Highlights including fledged young;- 8 Nuthatches 10 G.S. Woodpeckers 12 Marsh Tits 4 Bullfinches CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK 909 581 Jeremy Hutchinson 26-27 /7/18 New generation of Holly Blues emerged. Reasonable numbers of Speckled Woods this year, but they all seem to be smaller than usual: is this typical? Our local Little Owls raised 3 young this year, but only two seen recently. Little seen of our Barn Owls, but hissing heard from nest box, so presumably some young inside. Sadly for the first time I have neither seen nor heard either Cuckoo or Turtle Dove this summer An algal scum on the village pond (water clear beneath) vanished after rain on 27 July. HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 28 July 2018 As part of the Big Butterfly Count, these are the butterflies I recorded in my garden this week. Large White Small white Green-veined White Gatekeeper Meadow Brown Ringlet Speckled Wood Comma Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral Peacock Holly Blue Skipper (Not all recorded in the 15 minutes recording time of the Count) Garden birds are keeping a low profile but I did see a female Sparrowhawk taking a turn around the garden and have been ‘entertained’ most nights by a female Tawny Owl calling endlessly (or so it seemed; the downside of having bedroom windows open!) HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 20/7/2018 Large white 4 Meadow browns 2 21/7/2018 Blackbird 1 - a young dead one Comma 1 Green woodpeckers 2 Sparrowhawk 1 22/7/2018 Holly blue 1 Froglet 1 - in pond Red admiral 1 Ringlet 1 25/7/2018 Common darter 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 26/7/2018 Comma 1 Common darter 1 Red admiral 1 Speckled wood 2 27/7/2018 Red admirals 2 28/7/2018 Froglet 1 LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 04/08/2018 Jayne Knight Determined to get these to you in time for a Bulletin! 10/06 Carrion Crow finally successful in catching a fledgling Starling. Partially plucked and mauled it, but prey still alive when Crow flew off, as Starling audibly squawking. 23/07 Two Holly Blue butterflies in the garden.  Definitely been one for s ome weeks patrolling a patch of Ivy growing up the fence panels, but quite an aerial battle took place when another encroached on the territory. 28/07 Field Grasshopper sought shelter from the thunderstorm, first on the kitchen doormat then, very obligingly climbing up the back door so allowing me a very close eyeview which enabled me to i.d. it. 29/07 Juv Greater Spotted Woodpecker on garden fence panels, early morning. Young male by the large red patch on it's head.  Very nervous but flew downwards in the direction of the lawn peanut basket, so hope he got some breakfast. NAVENBY Jennifer Playford 23 July 2018 Here in Navenby we had a hummingbird hawk moth spend 5 minutes on our honeysuckle. Had no idea what it was so had to research it. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler Re: Question from Pete Lilley: As mentioned previously, I too have seen no dragonflies at all this year around my wildlife pond (with natural becks and Raithby Springs nearby). Only a few Azure Damselflies in early June. Most unusual in this warm (though often cloudy) weather. Normally I see at the very least Southern Hawkers emerging from my pond and visiting Migrant Hawkers and Broad-bodied Chasers, but none so far this year. 16.07.2018 Substantial Hedgehog droppings in garden. 18.07.2018 Tennis ball sized dropping on road consisting mainly of cherry stones with a wild cherry tree nearby – possibly indicating a fox or badger? 20.07.2018 Songthrush still singing am and pm, Chiffchaff still heard a few days ago, now stopped. First sighting of a mixed flock of Rooks and Jackdaws (ca. 200) Common Frog (yearling) near pond 12-15 House Martins feeding overhead 21.07.2018 Brimstone 1 Chiffchaff still in song on disused railway track (TF292847) 23.07.2018 2 Brown Hares on disused railway track (TF2984/TF3084) 25.07.2018 Buzzard persistently mobbed by single smallish corvid, probably a jackdaw 30.07.2018 Female Blackbird collecting worms 2 Swallows (probably this year’s young) on power line 31.07.2018 Faint Blackbird song House Sparrows carrying nesting material and mating Ca. 10 House Martins overhead 7-Spot Ladybird 22-Spot Ladybird Lots of white butterflies (Green-Veined, Small and Large), but little else, even on buddleia: Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 1, Common Blue 1 Rainfall for the month of July 2018: 27mm, all in the last 5 days, following nearly 6 consecutive weeks without any rain at all. Still low, but very welcome! Large droppings full of grain - presumably a badger's (TF306847) Also seen along the disused railway track where there must be an active badger sett judging by the size of the holes that have been dug. (ca. TF295847) RIPPINGALE Rippingale – my garden 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth 2 Silver Y Moths 2 Holly Blue 1 Common Blue (unusual here) 1 Red Admiral 4 Peacock 2 Gatekeepers 1 Meadow Brown 4 Large White 2 Small White 1 Green-veined White There are still frog tadpoles in the pond as well as a few adult frogs and east 10 adult Smooth Newts. A Green Woodpecker anting on the grass daily. SCOTGROVE WOOD, BARDNEY Grid Ref: TF 1306 7022 R& A Parsons 30/7/2018 Large White 10 Small White 6 Gatekeeper 8 Meadow Brown 6 Ringlet 2 Speckled Wood 6 Peacock 2 Small Copper 3 Common Blue 1 Fritillary spp - large and orange - considered most likely Silver-washed m. SOUTHERY WOOD, BARDEY Grid Ref TF 127 682 R& A Parsons 26/7/2018 Many 6-spot ladybirds noted. Coccinella septempunctata . Slightly orange form. https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/7-spot-ladybird Young stoat - east verge of B1190 not far from Tupholme Abbey TF1468 WADDINGTON 29th August 2018 10-30am Peter Wilson Just been walking the dog on Waddington playing field , the wind blowing very strong and gusty with some rain. In the lee of a hedge and row of trees where it was very sheltered were dozens of house martins swooping and gliding inches from the ground and inches from me and Rosie, the dog. It was a fascinating sight and I stood and watched them for 10 minutes or more, absolutely mesmerised. Have seen them there before but not in such numbers and so low to the ground. Also during the hot weather my bird baths, of which I have several, always topped up with fresh water, have attracted numerous wasps drinking there . ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/far-ings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/gibraltar-point 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 https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 25th July 2018 – 31st July 2018 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Matt Blissett and Ruth Taylor. The long dry period from 16th June finally ended on 25th July (39 days except for a trace [less than 0.1mm] on the 20th) with a thunder storm at 0540hrs on the 27th giving 19.9mm precipitation and further heavy rain during the next 24hrs recording another 25.7mm of precipitation. The hottest temperature recorded since 18th August 2012 was recorded on 24th July. We hit 30.75. The previous highest was 30.25. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: 250718 - 5 lapwing, 3 common snipe and a single ruff on Paradise lagoon 260718 - Singles of small copper, comma and small tortoiseshell plus 2 holly blues in the Sea View area 270718 - Singles of black-tailed godwit, ruff and lapwing and 3 common sandpipers on Paradise lagoon. Single hummingbird hawkmoth at Sea View 280718 - 1 whimbrel over saltmarsh, 3 small tortoiseshells, 1 holly blue and a white letter hairstreak near Sea View. Noticeable movement of swifts late afternoon of several hundred birds flying south low over the dunes and saltmarsh late afternoon. 300718 - A gradual rise in temperature with sunny spells gave a flurry of butterflies in the Sea View area during the day including 2 white-letter hairstreaks (assumed to be the ones first seen on the 24th), 4 peacocks, 2 red admirals, 6 hedge browns, 3 holly blues, 3 small skippers, 6 large whites and singles of small tortoiseshell, wall brown, small copper, painted lady, comma, meadow brown and speckled wood. A short-eared owl was hunting over the saltmarsh late evening. A painted lady was seen flying along the beach out from Crook Bank and another was also seen feeding on privet at Sea View. A group of sandwich terns were gathered and flying about on the beach in the Crook Bank area. Odonata: Southern and migrant hawkers, ruddy and common darters and emerald green damselfly. An unusual sight at the work base was a natterjack toad in the workshop showing just how far they can disperse. 310718 - 9 whimbrel flew off the saltmarsh towards the inland pastures. A hummingbird hawkmoth was feeding on teasels starting to flower at Sea View. 4 common sandpiper were seen on Paradise Lagoon. From the Rimac butterfly transect: 34 small skipper, 1 large white, 16 small white, 11 green- veined white, 2 small copper, 10 common blue, 2 red admiral, 1 painted lady, 2 peacock, 6 speckled wood, 41 gatekeeper, 29 meadow brown, 11 ringlet. Most nectar sources are now going over, fleabane, marsh thistle and sea lavender in flower. The gull roost on the foreshore is building up with c2000 black headed gulls and a few sandwich and common terns. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/get-involved/ Does anyone know a good website dealing with The Lincolnshire Limewoods NNR? Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Meetings 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. Examples: SNIPE DALES https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/snipe-dales WHISBY https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/whisby WILLOW TREE FEN https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/willow-tree-fen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This slot is for those cracking reserves which don't get the regular mention they should. 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/ *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk 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 *** 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/ STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** 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 *** 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 *** Fresh dead otter required by Cardiff University Otter Project. *** They are looking for a really fresh sample from a male otter, in order to extract DNA for whole genome sequencing by the Wellcome Sanger Institute. https://floundering25.imascientist.org.uk/2017/12/13/thank-you-from-the-floundering-zone-winner-eurasian-otter/ https://www.sanger.ac.uk/ If anyone sees an otter killed on a road, finds an otter still warm, or knows that a roadkill is very recent, we need to know. Please can you get in touch with us ideally by phone (02920 874046) or send a message on Facebook/Twitter, and (we) will try and arrange rapid collection. *** 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 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/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lincs-environmental-awards *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.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/ Raithby Beck Wood – Saturday 4th August 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-08-04/ Raithby Beck Wood, northwest of Spilsby A private site with access courtesy of Margot and Keith Charlton. Afternoon and evening moth/bat session. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then again from 20.30 for evening session. Meet and park on access track which is situated on the east side of the minor road between Hundleby (B1195) and Hagworthingham (A158) at TF365684, immediately north of Raithby Bridge. Nearest postcode PE23 4LF. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Spilsby town centre or at Snipe Dales Country Park. Habitats: Grassland, plantations, stream, ponds Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sutton Bridge area – Sunday 2nd September 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-09-02/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 14th October 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-10-14/ 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. 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 *** I am about to delete mailing list addresses that are not "opted-in". Please check your details now as explained in "Editor writes". 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..... How Greenland scorched its underside https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45031592 Liquid water 'lake' revealed on Mars https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44952710 Lunar eclipse: Century's longest 'blood moon' delights skygazers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44945452 Country diary: when a crab spider executes plan bee https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/20/country-diary-when-a-crab-spider-executes-plan-bee#comment-118549364 Country diary: birds cherrypick their share of fruit https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/21/country-diary-birds-cherrypick-their-share-of-fruit Garden photographer of the year: macro winners – in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2018/jul/23/garden-photographer-of-the-year-macro-winners-in-pictures Wildlife winners and losers in Britain’s summer heatwave https://theconversation.com/wildlife-winners-and-losers-in-britains-summer-heatwave-100408 Country diary: horseflies are a biting scourge throughout the land https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/26/country-diary-horseflies-are-a-biting-scourge-throughout-the-land Chimpanzee ‘nests’ shed light on the origins of humanity https://theconversation.com/chimpanzee-nests-shed-light-on-the-origins-of-humanity-93201 Lincolnshire - Country diary: Nature’s darkness-creature has become ours, too https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/28/country-diary-natures-darkness-creature-has-become-ours-too Country diary: sleepless on a still, shining night https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/30/country-diary-sleepless-still-shining-night-tawny-owl-beauly-higlands ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/