============================================= || || 6th May 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... *** May is the month to visit a bluebell wood - they are at their best now. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/dazzled-by-bluebells https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2015/04/top-10-bluebell-woods/ https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/bluebell-woods-near-you If any Recorders or "experts" would like to suggest a "look out for" species, please feel free to set readers off on a hunt. Oil beetles perhaps, Charlie? It would be good to add a hundred or so readers to the Bulletin network. If you mention us at group meetings you might find some kindred spirits who will give it a try. Simply refer them to the LNU website. The Bulletin page comes under "Publications" and anyone can sign up there. It's free! https://lnu.org/ Or you can use "forward to a friend" at the end of every LNU Bulletin. As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Is climate change hitting our summer migrants? http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/climate-change-hitting-our-summer-migrants What is an ancient woodland indicator? http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/what-ancient-woodland-indicator What can tree rings tell us, apart from age? http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/what-can-tree-rings-tell-us-apart-age Health warnings after toxic caterpillar outbreak in London http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-43930702 South Kesteven food waste recycling scheme to be trialled http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43949891 Animals at war part of Heckington 10,000 poppy exhibition http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43940593 EU member states support near-total neonicotinoids ban http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43910536 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... *** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** The Loch Arkaig ospreys *** http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/support-an-appeal/arkaig-pinewoods/wildlife/osprey-cam/?utm *** Coming soon: "Climate Change and Coast " conference *** 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 *** 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: 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 *** 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 - 2 places left. 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 *** 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/ *** May Night Sky - Eta Aquarids on 6th an hour before sunrise? *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Lincoln's First Countryside Show in the heart of the City *** At Lincoln Arboretum, Sunday 20th May 11-4. An accessible and affordable day out for all the family. Please pass this on. http://www.selectlincolnshire.com/event/countryside-show-city-20th-may WetlandLIFE: Taking the bite out of wetlands #wetlandlife Dr Mary Gearey, Research Fellow, School of Environment and Technology, writes: WetlandLIFE is a three year (2016-2019) interdisciplinary project. Expanding and reinstating wetlands can support people and wildlife in many ways, also enabling a diverse range of methods to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The WetlandLIFE team are studying the cultural, historical and economic values of wetland spaces across England, with case study sites in Bedfordshire, the Somerset Levels and the Humber Estuary, together with an ecological focus on mosquitoes to refine our understanding of their importance within these habitats. The aim of the project is to better understand how wetlands support human health and wellbeing within England; and to critically reflect upon what wellbeing means to different user groups. Of particular importance is talking to people whose recreational or professional activities make use, or could make use, of wetlands. Therefore we seek the expertise of people who both use wetlands and those who choose not to, to critique the benefits and ‘nuisances’ that are specific to these types of landscape. It’s really important that we capture the perspectives of all types of people and groups that use/could use wetland spaces – even if at first they may think you/your group have nothing to contribute, I guarantee they will. There are two phases of fieldwork, all stand alone, all small-scale in contribution. Case study site focus groups The fieldwork will consist of a small informal meeting of different people and user groups who currently do, or potentially could, make use of wetlands. The case study site in Lincolnshire is Alkborough Flats. The aim is to undertake the focus groups in early June or July 2018. One to one semi structured interviews After that, if individuals would like to continue assisting the research we would like to undertake one to one interviews, taking around 40 minutes, to explore in more detail and length some of the issues that arise from the focus group discussions. These will take place July to the end of September 2018. So, you – and your group members – can be involved as little as or as much as you like – and any contribution is very much welcomed and appreciated. Everything works towards taking care of our natural environment in all its diverse forms. The ecological surveys are located in 12 different wetlands environments across England. For the social science case study work we wanted to choose three distinct wetland sites, in different parts of England, to capture as wide a range of experiences and viewpoints as possible. Lincolnshire: Here we have selected a riverine wetlands. We have selected Alkborough Flats http://www.visitnorthlincolnshire.com/item/alkborough-flats. We are aiming to hold the focus groups and semi structured interviews close to these sites and within the communities that access/could access these spaces. Contact details : Dr Mary Gearey Research Fellow School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK. [Mon-Weds] Telephone +44(01273) 642380 Email: M.Gearey@brighton.ac.uk www.wetlandLIFE.org ***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 Martin Francis writes: The RSPB Grimsby Local Group's next trip is to Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's Reserve at Attenborough, near Nottingham, on Sunday 20th May, leaving Millman's Coach depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am and returning by about 6.30pm. Booking is essential The Group's next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday 21st May at Holy Trinity Parish Hall (formerly called Corpus Christi Community Centre), corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Matthew Cappa will give an illustrated talk about the RSPB's Old Moor Reserve There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB to attend this talk, or to go on the trip. For more information, or to book the trip, please contact Martin Fran cis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 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 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/ *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk May 17th: Lincolnshire Bats Julie Ellison will talk about the various species of bats we have in Lincolnshire,  the issues threatening their survival and how we can all help. Also about the work of the Lincolnshire Bat Group in conserving them. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** 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/ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. Frog Predation question. Heather Proctor writes: I have a large pond/small lake and this year have found about 30 dead mature frogs, most out of the pond on the grass but some also in the water. One had its head chewed off and in one place there were 6/7 in a heap. This has never happened before. Also yesterday, I found a dead wild mallard with its breast eaten but the head intact. I wonder if any of your readers could suggest a possible predator. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Scunthorpe SE 87788 06090 Peter Morrell 28.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on North Moor Lane. Scunthorpe SE 86261 10987 Peter Morrell 28.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on M181 Ingham SK 95749 83323 Peter Morrell 01.05.18 Hedgehog road kill on B1398, The Cliff. Saxilby SK 89345 74824 Peter Morrell 01.05.18 Weasel roadkill on Broadholme Road Blyborough Grange SK 96353 95347 Peter Morrell 29.04.18 Roe deer roadkill on A15. Manton SE 94263 02935 Peter Morrell 01.05.18 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398. *** 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 29/4/2018 Robin feeding fledgeling at 12 noon. I had thrown out a few mealworms. Within seconds spotted an adult robin feeding a fledgeling on a window sill. 30/4/2018 m & F Blackbirds hunting together - assumed to be feeding a brood. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 25.04.2018 Chiffchaff (TF312843 approx.) 27.04.2018 Mistle Thrush Shrew (alive, flushed by my dog) 29.04.2018 Buzzard x 2 Swallow x 2 low over beck and pasture – first this season! (TF311847) 30.04.2018 Swallow x 2 in same spot as yesterday (TF311847) 01.05.2018 (sunny start/spells at last!) Bluetit nestbox definitely occupied; investigating House Sparrow was soon seen off and the partner bluetit was on guard in the upper branches of the ash tree Orange Tip butterfly (first this year) (TF301853) April Rainfall = 82 mm; the wettest April since 2012 (125 mm), but this year it follows an equally wet March, so no wonder the ground is saturated. TATTERSHALL Tattershall Thorpe Lakes M & R Pocklington 26/04/2018. at 08.30 Two swallows swooping over lake first seen this year. WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH SK922224 Jane Ostler 14th-28th April 2018 Garden An isolated sunny day on 14th then a min-heatwave 18-21st, then cold and wet to end of month. BUTTERFLIES Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone Peacock continued to visit in small numbers on warmer days. Single sightings of Large White and Holly Blue. BEES Honey Bees on most days but we wonder if there have been enough to pollinate the plum, pear and cherry blossom. Bumblebees - queens only to date: Buff-tailed, White-tailed, Red-tailed , Tree as earlier in month. Carder (B. pascuorum) on 14th. No Bombus hortorum. Hairy footed flower bee (A.plumipes) first female joined males on 14th April. On 18th 3 females and five males, all in s-facing border near house feeding on Pulmonaria. On 21st April mining bee Andrena fulva, feeding on gooseberry flowers. Evidence of nests in cracks in paving stones. On 20th April male Mason Bees (Osmia bicornis) seemed to be fighting on ledge of "bee hotel". The tubes, plugged with mud from last year had holes in them. A few days later I was able to see with the hand lens that a larger specimen was a female with the distinctive horns on the mouth parts. These were used to manipulate small pellets of mud with which she seals the pollen filled tubes carrying eggs. It was also satisfying to see the arrangement and colour of body hairs just as it says in the book. OTHER INVERTEBRATES 7 spot Ladybirds, but no harlequins this year. Broad-bordered Bee Fly. Green Lacewing. A spring clean of ivy from a shed revealed a female spider Dysedera erythrina inside a silken nest. This has turned up before when it was keyed out and distinguished from D.crocata . Also able to see the fangs adapted for catching and eating woodlice. BIRDS Pair of just-fledged collared doves in tree on 14th April. 2 squabs seen in nest as wood pigeon disturbed in conifer tree. Young blackbird being fed on ground by parent on 20th April. The lawn which is only 50% grass and the rest moss and short stemmed flowers which result in regular mowing, daisies, dandelions and other members of their family, speedwells and thyme, continues to attract different groups of birds in addition to those seeking worms and leather- jackets earlier in the year. Sparrows and finches are at present after the first lots of seeds. Pied wagtail is a regular visitor. FUNGI Shield Pink Gill, Entoloma clypeatum. The pink gills are difficult to separate and more than a hand lens is needed. Entolomas are obliging in their distinctively shaped spores. This specimen, found under a rose bush . tempted my microscope out of the cupboard and revealed its diagnostic five-sided spores. Elsewhere in Parish Muntjak now seen wandering round housing estate. First cuckoo heard in Twyford Wood on 27th April. Cowslips as well as primroses are exceptionally abundant on roadsides this year. I needed to convince the finder of a cross between the two that it was a False and not a True Oxslip. As always a hand lens was useful. It revealed the hairs were shaggy as in the primrose and not short and crisped as in the true Oxslip. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 25th April 2018 – 1st May 2018 Contributors: - Cliff Morrison, John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth, Ruth Taylor and Matt Blissett. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: Weather notes for April: Cold winds from an easterly sector dominated the weather during the first two weeks of April. Daytime temperatures were low, not rising much above single figures and at times showers became prolonged periods of rain. Of note 13.3mm was recorded on the 2nd [the Great Eau which is 200m from the observation station over spilled into adjacent washlands] and 11.9mm on the 9th. From the 14th - 23rd a high pressure system became established over Southern Europe bringing unseasonal very hot south-westerly winds to the UK. Daytime temperatures rapidly rose to a high of 24.0°C on the 19th [29.0°C plus in SE England]. The high pressure then drifted further to the east allowing a series of fronts from the southwest to dominate the weather for the rest of the month. Conditions were much cooler with daytime highs reaching the mid-teens with a typical scenario of sunshine and showers. By the 28th - 30th the winds had veered around to a very fresh north-easterly pegging the temperatures back to single figures during the day. A gust of 44.6mph was recorded on the 30th with a wind chill temperature of 2.3°C. During the month there was an occasional ground frost, the last being -1.25°C on the 27th. No air frosts. The particularly raw days of the 12th and 13th gave dismal weather with fog and drizzle. The rainfall total for the month was 57.3mm (2.26 inches). 250418 – 3 whimbrel on the saltmarsh and a single cuckoo flying over with a male marsh harrier hunting over the outer dunes, on Paradise lagoon 53 redshank, 5 male shoveler and 7 tufted ducks, nearby 2 swallows over. Single green-veined white and peacock butterflies on the wing. 3 wheatear at Crook Bank. Single red kite flew north over Churchill and Sea View Lanes. 280418 – On Paradise lagoon was a pair of gadwall and 19 swallows with 3 house martins all hunting for food low over the water in very bleak cold wet conditions, nearby were singles of chiffchaff and blackcap. Nearer to Sea View lesser whitethroat, willow warbler and chiffchaff were heard. Disturbed by a heron flying overhead a flock of 12 whimbrel flew off the marshlands not far from Sea View Road. 290418 – A single whimbrel was on the saltmarsh near Paradise and 2 male wheatears were seen in the vicinity of the pillbox. 300418 – 6 whimbrel on the saltmarsh, 4 shoveler, 1 gadwall and 2 mallard [all drakes] on Paradise lagoon and a single swallow over the area. At Crook Bank 1 cuckoo, 1 sedge warbler, 2 whitethroat and 1 lesser whitethroat. 010518 – 1 adult male pied flycatcher at BYL. On Paradise lagoon was a pair of wigeon, 2 male gadwall, 2 male shoveler, pair mallard, 2 male shoveler and 5 tufted duck plus 2 swallow hunting over, On the saltmarsh were 13 whimbrel and 4 wheatear near the pillbox and a further 2 birds towards Sea View. Around Sea View singles of lesser and common whitethroat, cuckoo, willow warbler and chiffchaff, a male sparrowhawk and a pair of kestrels and two swallows with two house martins flying overhead. The pleasant sunny weather which was warm out of the wind saw several green-veined white, 4 brimstone and 2 male orange tip butterflies on the wing. Flowers include hundreds of cowslips and thousands of dandelions providing nectar for various insect, cuckoo flower and marsh marigold also noted. Butterfly transect on 010518 recorded, 14 peacock, 6 green veined white, 3 small tortoise- shell, 2 orange tip, 1 comma, 1 green hairstreak, 1 speckled wood. Many other insect species included, 3 species of bumblebee, hoverflies, bee fly, cranefly and St Marks fly. A single common lizard seen basking in the warm sunshine but no odonata seen on sheltered sunny ponds. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Meeting - April Report for 15/04/2018 Found in the Dormouse boxes: 2 dormice: both males Also several birds have decided to use the Dormouse boxes for nesting. 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 *** 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/ 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. leech 528 - hard bounce - account has been disabled or discontinued Upton villa - soft bounce - This is a permanent error 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..... Demolition of Hemsby clifftop homes to begin on Wednesday http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-43961459 Wildlife photo competition disqualifies 'stuffed anteater' image http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43912583 Shorebirds, the World’s Greatest Travelers, Face Extinction https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/04/27/opinion/shorebirds-extinction-climate-change.html Thwaites Glacier: Biggest ever Antarctic field campaign http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43936372 Swedish archaeologists reveal 5th Century massacre at Sandby borg http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43899393 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/