============================================= || || 13th 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... *** You will all be receiving information about Changes to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You should view and update your list details on the "update subscription preferences" link at the end of every Bulletin or click on "unsubscribe from this list" if you decide no longer wish to receive it. [I hope you don't.] Swifts were back over Bardney on 8th May. https://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/swifts Action for Swifts http://actionforswifts.blogspot.co.uk/p/bto-birdtrack-weekly-reporting-rate-for.html 2018 UK Swift Awareness Week, 16-23 June http://actionforswifts.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/2018-uk-swift-awareness-week-16-23-june.html I am still reading and enjoying Bill Meek's new book "A Natural Selection". Packed with information, you probably will decide to tackle a section every day as I have, so you have time to assimilate as much as you can. It is not a book to speed-read or skim, you will miss something vital and entertaining. It is the opposite of the Bulletin, which sets out to focus on records and reports. Bill gives us a month by month picture of the changing year in the tradition of informative natural history writing. Strongly recommended. https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-natural-selection/bill-meek/9781911589457 If 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? As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: River Witham fish death toll 'higher than 100,000' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-44038857 Local Wildlife Sites under threat http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/2018/05/02/local-wildlife-sites-under-threat Extreme weather 'potentially catastrophic' for bats http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43812484 New climate 'feedback loop' discovered in freshwater lakes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43990403 Kew Gardens will reopen the world's largest Victorian glasshouse http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43980567 Seal avoids 'slow and painful death' by air vent filter http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-43987343 Mammal Photographer of the Year 2018 http://www.discoverwildlife.com/gallery/mammal-photographer-year-2018-winners%E2%80%99-gallery? New proposals for a wilder Britain - critical moment to reverse the decline of nature http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/2018/05/01/new-proposals-wilder-britain-critical-moment-reverse-decline-nature 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 Bob Sheppard writes: Just to update you: The Len Pick barn owls are still not ready to lay. The Beast from the East was a huge setback for the the UK barn owl populations. The owls lost condition and it has taken a long time for them to put on enough weight to be ready to lay. We shall know when egg laying is imminent as the female will begin shredding a few pellets to provide a soft bedding for her clutch. Bob Sheppard adds: my favourite peregrine webcam this year is at Woking. The pair have four chicks. There will be lots of action in the next few weeks. http://www.wokingperegrines.com/ Loch Arkaig ospreys have their full clutch of 3 eggs. They are due to hatch between 28th and 31st May. *** 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 - reminder *** 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 Francis (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. Althorpe SE 80607 09961 Peter Morrell 05.05.18 Mink roadkill on A18. Kirton Lindsey SE 94050 00228 Peter Morrell 07.05.18 Hedgehog roadkill on North Cliff Road Scunthorpe SE 90664 08651 Peter Morrell 07.05.18 Hedgehog road kill on Grange Lane South. Greetwell SE 94257 03866 Peter Morrell 07.05.18 ferret/polecat hybrid roadkill on B1398 Grantham SK 87758 41565 Peter Morrell 08.05.18 Muntjac deer roadkill on A1. LINCOLN BYPASS A46/57 SK966 739 Richard Fox 06.05.2018 Muntjac on east bound carriageway central reservation just east of Burton Road Flyover SOUTH ELKINGTON A631 TF292 887 Richard Fox 09.05.2018 Hare *** 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. SWINN WOOD - LNU Field Meeting TF420778 29th April 2018 Swinn Wood Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve, near Aby. The first LNU field meeting of the year was to this relatively new LWT reserve, an ancient woodland site. Attended by 14 members and led by Brian Hedley with assistance by David Sheppard and Paul Learoyd. A generally cool and overcast afternoon which very limited invertebrates noted. Plants were probably stars of the show with about 150 species noted including a good selection of ancient woodland species present such as Herb-Paris, Wood Anemone, Bluebell, Wood Sorrel, Goldilocks Buttercup, Wood Speedwell, Ramsons, Ragged Robin, Hairy Woodrush and Early Purple Orchid. Bryophytes were equally diverse with over 50 species recorded thanks to Steven Heathcote and Gary Cooper.They noted Micheli's Pouncewort (Lejeunea cavifolia) which is very rare in Lincolnshire. Fungi were sparse and included King Alfred's Cakes, Sulphur-tuft, Hoof Fungus and Turkey-tail. Thirty-three bird species were noted including Nuthatch, Tawny owl, Willow Warbler and Bullfinch. Some of the many ponds on site were surveyed the evening before by a team led by Steven Heathcote with excellent results: Great Crested Newt, Smooth Newt, Common Toad and Common Frog all noted. Mammals included Muntjac and Roe Deer. Invertebrates sightings were limited but did include several queen Buff-tailed Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris),  Giant Cranefly (Tipula maxima), Tree Slug (Lehmannia marginata), Brindled Pug (Eupithecia abbreviate), the micromoth Micropterix calthella and the ground beetles Pterostichus madidus and Pterostichus niger. ASHING LANE NATURE RESERVE TF 0465 7896 Su Colman 05/05/18 Male orange tip butterfly x 2 Swallows over Coop Lake x 2 BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 04/05/2018 Bat spp hunting in garden 21.00 hrs 05/05/2018 2 male orange-tip butterflies 6/5/2018 Grey squirrel - 2 adults in garden. [5 reported in church on 2nd - evicted] 8/5/2018 2 Swifts over, screaming, at 08.14 hrs. 5 seen flying east at 20.45hrs. Holly Blue drinking from "washed carpet". 9/5 3 grey squirrels at feeders. CASTLE CARLTON/AUTHORPE TF 397834 C Byatt 17/4/18 Cowslips – 55, Lesser Celandine – 70. Both just in flower. DUNSTON GARDEN TF064632 Steve Green 05/05/18 Grass Snake 2ft long, basking under paving slab Common Frog 1 tadpole 2 House Martins returned to same nest as last year EAST HALTON (WINTER'S POND) to GOXHILL HAVEN (Grid references : TA1521, TA1522, TA1422, TA1423, TA1424, TA1324, TA1325, TA1225) 05/5/2018 Jon Drakes An early morning walk along the bank of the River Humber on a hot, sunny morning found birds, butterflies and mammals out in good numbers. Species recorded: Avocet                            a single bird was seen flying East along the river towards Killingholme Black tailed Godwit          a lone bird showing fine breeding plumage was observed roosting at East Halton Skitter Blackbird Buzzard Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler                 two birds were heard singing. One near Winter's pond and the second near Lincs Wildlife Trust Dawson City Reserve. Chaffinch Chiffchaff Curlew                            four birds were seen feeding on pasture land at Lincs Wildlife Trust Dawson City REserve. Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe       a pair of birds are nesting at Winter's Pond. Greater Black Backed Gull Grey Heron Grey Partridge Greylag Goose Herring Gull Hybrid Goose Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black Backed Gull Lesser Whitethroat Linnet Little Egret                    four birds were feeding on the pools at East Halton Skitter Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier               a single bird was hunting over the reed beds on Goxhill marsh. Meadow Pipit Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pheasant Pied Wagtail Reed Bunting              large numbers of birds seen, with males defending terratories Reed Warbler Rook Sedge Warbler            Shelduck Skylark Swallow Whimbrel                   five birds seen feeding on pastureland between Winter's Pond and East Halton Skitter Whitethroat                birds seen and heard in hedges at Winter's Pond and Lincs Wildlife Trust Dawson City reserve. Willow Warbler Woodpigeon Wren Butterflies seen during the walk included: Comma Large White Small White Small Tortoiseshell Speckled Wood Orange Tip Mammals recorded: Roe Deer  Brown Hare GOSLING'S CORNER LWT reserve R & A Parsons 7/5/2018 at 08.30 hrs Wood Anemone almost over. Ramsons and Bluebells dominating now. Going still wet in places and very slippery in some parts. Chiffchaffs calling. Coal tit. Speckled Wood butterfly 5+ Small dark Bee Fly HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 1/5/2018 Green veined white 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Song thrush 1 3/5/2018 Dragonfly nymph 1 - put back into pond Carder bee 1 Tree bumblebee 1 Wood mouse 1 Wren 1 5/5/2018 Blackbird fledglings 3 - in nest Chiffchaff 1 Dunnocks 2 6/5/2018 Chiffchaff 1 Dunnocks 2 Frog 1 Large white 1 Squirrel 1 7/5/2018 Frog 1 Holly blue 1 Orange tip 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 Speckled wood 2 Wood mouse 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 05/5/2018 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in our back garden were: Blackbird                       3 Chaffinch                       1 Coal Tit                         1 Collared Dove                 5 Dunnock                        4 Greenfinch                     2 House Sparrow               10 Jackdaw                        1 Robin                            1  Rook                             1 Starling                          10 Woodpigeon                   4 KEELBY (Grid reference : TA1610) 06/5/2018 Jon Drakes An early morning walk around fields and woodland to the North of the village found the following species recorded: Blackbird Blackcap            four birds (2 male, 2 female) seen in woodland Blue Tit Bullfinch Buzzard             Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff           nine individuals were heard calling during my walk Coal Tit Collared Dove Dunnock Feral Pigeon Goldfinch Great Tit Greater Spotted Woodpecker    single bird heard "drumming" but not seen Greenfinch Green Woodpecker                  single bird heard calling several times but not seen Herring Gull House Martin House Sparrow Jackdaw Linnet Long-tailed Tit Magpie Nuthatch Pheasant Robin Rook Shelduck                               a surprise sighting. Two birds were making the most of a flooded area of a field. This is my first sighting of this species round the village Song Thrush Starling Swallow Tree Sparrow Whitethroat                           first sighting around the village of 2018. Woodpigeon Wren Butterflies recorded: Large White Green-veined White Speckled Wood Orange Tip Five Roe Deer were also seen. KEELBY (Grid reference: TA1609) 06/5/2018 Jon Drakes Species recorded during a walk around fields to the South East of the village were as follows: Blackbird Buzzard Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Dunnock Goldfinch Herring Gull House Martin House Sparrow Magpie Pheasant Skylark Sparrowhawk Starling Swallow Whitethroat Woodpigeon Wren Butterflies recorded: Holly Blue Large White Small White Small Tortoiseshell Orange Tip Brimstone LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 28/4/18 Blackbird – 2, Grey Squirrel – 2, House Sparrow – 2 MOOR CLOSES SK98/43 Jane Ostler 6th May 2018 A brief visit to look for some of the unusual plants on a hot (25C) afternoon. PLANTS IN FLOWER Too early this year for the Long stemmed Thrift, but the first of the Marsh Valerian out on the edge of rushy field. It was too wet, and the possibility of disturbing ground nesting birds, to venture into the rushy fields but Marsh Marigolds and Lady's Smock could be seen from a distance. In the sandy areas on higher ground Meadow Saxifrage was scattered over large areas amongst abundant Field Woodrush and the first grasses in flower (e.g. Crested Dog's Tail) Amonst other flowers noted - Bulbous Buttercup, Cowslip, Field and Ivy-leaved Speedwell, White Deadnettle, Ground Ivy , Self Heal, Mouse-ear Chickweed and Sheep's Sorrel. On the lane leading down to the entrance gates there was contrasting vegetation in shade, with some garden escapes - Honesty, and Greater Celandine, Large swathes of Wild Arum, apple and Guelder,Periwinkle. NON-FLOWERING PLANTS Looked for but didn't find any Morels. Verpa conica , Thimble Morel was discovered here at the end of April 2000 and the True Morel appears from time to time. In dry grass fields St George's Mushroom and Turf Mottlegill. On hawthorn Turkey Tail. The brackets of the very variable species were pale with some burnt sienna and some yellow ochre stripes. The lichen Usnea subfloridana still on remaining willows Adder's Tongue Fern just through. BUTTERFLIES Orange Tip were frequent, some in pairs above Lady's Smock. Brimstone, male and female. Green-veined White, some basking with closed wings. Small Tortoiseshell. In shady area near green lane a single Speckled Wood. NETTLEHAM TF 0136 7549 Su Colman 05/05/18 12:30 Fledgling blackbird on the lawn squeaking for its parents, sadly with a turned-under left foot. POTTERHANWORTH WOODS John Nickson 5th May 2018 Blackcap Chiffchaff Cuckoo, call Whitethroat Orange Tip butterfly, m and f Peacock butterfly Small Blue butterfly RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 04.05.2018 Swallow x 3 05.05.2018 Swallow, x 1 on power line Wasp Beetle 06.05.2018 Buzzard House Martin x 1 Swallow x 3 Bat x 3 – first sighting this year 07.05.2018 Green Shieldbug Brimstone Orange Tip Common Frog 09.05.2018 European Hornet queen released from conservatory RIVER WITHAM TF127666 Steve Green 05/05/18 Large shoal of 50-60 fish we think Bream mostly with a couple of Chub Quite prepared to over-ruled on species! 2 Kingfishers STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference: TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife noted whilst at work during the week: 30/4/2018 Carrion Crow Kestrel              a pair of birds are using the site's nest box. Pied Wagtail Woodpigeon 01/5/2018 Carrion Crow Goldfinch Kestrel Magpie Pheasant Wren 03/5/2018 Pied Wagtail Woodpigeon 04/5/2018 Carrion Crow Kestrel Magpie Pheasant Sedge Warbler     an individual was heard singing from reeds adjacent to land drain that runs next to the site Skylark Wheatear            a male briefly visited site. This is the first record of this species at my place of work! Woodpigeon Fresh Otter tracks were also seen in the mud on the bank of the land drain that runs next to the site.  THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 29/04/18 Blackbird x 1 on nest on top of hole nest box Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 9 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Mute Swan x 2 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 2 Wood Pigeon x 5 Rabbit x 4 30/04/18 Blackbird x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Greenfinch x 2 Reed Bunting x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 1 01/05/18 Barn Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Blackbird x 1 Cuckoo x 1 Yellow Wagtail x 2 Peacock x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 3 05/05/18 Red Kite x 1 SK799994 06/05/18 Nest Box update; Blackbird x 1 on top of nest box 2, 3 eggs Blackbird x 1 nesting inside stable on ledge Blue Tit x 1 nest box 18, 9 eggs Stock Dove x 1 box 19, 2 eggs Tree Sparrow x 1 box 5, x 1 box 14 & x 1 box 17 Tree Bees x 1 nest box 13 Chiffchaff x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Goldfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Skylark x 2 singing high over Thurnholmes Common Pipistrelle x 1 back garden, x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain. (out with lamp and bat detector most nights through April to present and these have been the only bats detected, no toads). Rabbit x 3 Green-veined White x 1 Orange Tip x 3 Peacock x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 4 Speckled Wood x 3 09/05/18 Blue Tit x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Swallow x 7 Yellowhammer x 1 Yellow Wagtail x 1 Green-veined White x 15 Large Red Damselfly x 1 SHORT FERRY TF093716 R & A Parsons 04/05/2018 at 15.00hrs approx. 2 Swallows on wire alongside bridge. WADDINGWORTH TF181718 R.Parsons 5/5/2018 Common Hornet seen by beehives. 6/5/2018 Male Orange-tip Butterfly - 3 Swallow 2. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 1st May 2018 – 8th May 2018 Contributors: - Cliff Morrison, John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth, Ruth Taylor and Matt Blissett. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: 010518 – There were at least 16 whimbrel on the saltmarsh late afternoon, a female marsh harrier flying over and 3 avocets on Rimac lagoon. A single green hairstreak butterfly was on the wing at Sea View 020518 – A male pied flycatcher occurred at Sea View and singles of willow warbler, chiffchaff and common whitethroat. Wheatears were moving through with 4 near Paradise and 3 on the short dune grassland between Sea View and Rimac, plus cuckoo. There were 17 whimbrel on the saltmarsh. Two green-veined whites were on the wing at Sea View. 030518 - At least 9 wheatear on dune grassland between Sea View and Rimac, 3 avocets on Rimac lagoon and ringed plover showing territory displays on the single ridge near the outer dunes 040518 - Male yellowhammer in song near Paradise wood, 2 cuckoos and a single swift over Sea View and a turtle dove in flight alongside the scrub edge between Rimac and Sea View, 1 wheatear on the saltmarsh and 2 on dune grassland near Rimac and 9 whimbrel on the saltmarsh, 7 wheatear and 1 whinchat on the saltmarsh near Paradise and grasshopper warbler singing nearby. A single garden warbler at Sea View. At Churchill Lane to Rimac 2 swift, 1 ring ouzel, 1 garganey, 3 wheatear, 1 turtle dove and 1 spotted flycatcher. On CBC 17 whitethroat, 5 blackcap, 5 lesser whitethroat, 3 chiffchaff, 8 willow warbler, 5 sedge warbler and 1 grasshopper warbler. A single speckled wood and green-hairstreak butterfly on the wing at Sea View. 3 green hairstreak and single speckled wood at BYL. Active brown-tailed moth caterpillars on webs showing on sea-buckthorn. 050518 – 4 male gadwall on paradise lagoon, reed warbler in vegetation on the edge of the Eau at Black bridge and a male yellowhammer in song nearby, 2 wheatear and 4 whimbrel on the saltmarsh, 6 avocets on Rimac lagoon.Also 1 cettis warbler calling and 1 whinchat. Brimstone, green-veined white, comma, green hairstreak, speckled wood on the wing between Sea View and Paradise. 3 Lapwings in display on main central wet field at Elm House Farm. 060518 – On butterfly transect at Rimac 8 green-veined white, 2 orange tip, 9 peacock, 1 comma, 2 speckled wood and 3 green-hairstreak. Lots of large red damselflies hatching c 25 seen on butterfly transect. The mining bee Andrena barbilabris active on sandy paths. 4 green-hairstreak at Crookbank. 5 whimbrel and single grasshopper warbler Sea View to Paradise. 070518 – Single wheatear and whimbrel on the saltmarsh but few whimbrel heard and seen as they flew in the area from the adjacent grassland. At Rimac 1 reed warbler, sedge warbler, blackcap, whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, chiffchaff, willow warbler and cuckoo.8 green- hairstreak seen at Rimac. 080518 – Two swifts over Rimac and one whimbrel on the saltmarsh. Common stork’s-bill, Dove’s-foot crane’s-bill and spring beauty in flower. At Sea View 2 painted lady, first seen this year. Donna Nook Matt Blissett 040518 – 1 wheatear and 1 cuckoo calling at Skidbrook Ridge. 11 common seal. 080518 – At Toby’s Hill 3 swift, 1 cuckoo calling, single whitethroat, chiffchaff and kestrel. 2 cinnabar moth on the wing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CHAMBERS FARM WOOD - Red Route R & A Parsons 29/04/2018 Brown Hare on ride 3 Buzzards up SCOTGROVE WOOD R & A Parsons 03/05/2017 9.30am Bluebells F, Wood anemones going over F, Woodruff O, Yellow archangel O, Violet spp O, Early Purple orchid O, Twayblade Orchid O, Ramsons O. Dog's Mercury, Honeysuckle coming on. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/bluebell http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/wood-anemone https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/woodland-flowers/white-flowers/woodruff-galium-odoratum/ http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/yellow-archangel http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/early-purple-orchid http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/twayblade http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/ramsons http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/dogs-mercury 2-3 Buzzards up 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. Sue cfga - hard bounce - Recipient address rejected: User unknown in virtual mailbox table 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..... Fishing nets and false teeth: Meet the beach debris hunters http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43825268 Ancestral remains 'people not objects' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43927157 Country diary: a toad dressed for a party https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/25/country-diary-toad-dressed-for-party-wenlock-edge#comment-115100103 Country diary: give living things their place in 'civilisation' https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/01/country-diary-living-things-civilisation-titchwell-norfolk I’m a moth lover but London’s ‘toxic caterpillars’ worry even me https://theconversation.com/im-a-moth-lover-but-londons-toxic-caterpillars-worry-even-me-95886 Country diary: a hedgebank full of the fragrance of verdure https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/02/country-diary-a-hedgebank-full-of-the-fragrance-of-verdure Country diary: lapwings do their courting to the tune of creaky doors https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/03/country-diary-lapwings-do-their-courting-to-the-tune-of-creaky-doors Country diary: wild boar have been rotovating the woodland https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/04/country-diary-wild-boar-rotovating-forest-of-dean ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/