============================================ || || 20th 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 Bulleti. 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... *** I have been working through the Mailchimp instructions in order to send all readers an official GDPR consent form that will allow you to continue to receive the Bulletin. You will have received yours by now - I hope it was user-friendly. Please remember to "complete and click" on it if you have not yet done so. I can see 400+ of you have. Thank you for that. Bittern-listening. A request from Dave Miller: The reedbeds in the Sea Bank clay Pits have the potential to attract Bittern. Males have been heard booming in previous years and last week a bird was seen at Huttoft Pit. I don’t get the chance to have a look at dawn and dusk, the times when booming will occur, nearly as much as I would like. If any of your members are around the reedbeds at Chapel Pit, Chapel Six Marshes, Wolla Bank Reedbed or Huttoft Pit at these times could they please listen out for these reclusive birds and let me know, even if one is not heard, at dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk Dave adds: Sunday 20th May 1pm: I will be leading a Strandline Safari at Anderby Creek to see what items the sea has dropped. Chances of finding a variety of shells, mermaid’s purses, seaweeds and crabs. No need to book just turn up! Rachel Farrow writes: The new Longhorn Beetle guide from the FSC might be of interest to some LNU members: http://www.field-studies-council.org/publications/pubs/longhorn-beetles-identification-chart.aspx As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Woodhall Spa mustard gas clean-up 'will cost £100,000' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-44138953 David Robinson's Historical Lincolnshire postcard collection to be sold http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-44127487 Plant 'thugs' crowd roadside flowers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44087629 Lincolnshire campaigners 'appalled' over oil decision http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-44111680 'Memory transplant' achieved in snails http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44111476 Pothole 'epidemic' costs £1m a month in motoring claims http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44065655 More links in "..and finally..." 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 - laying underway *** 10/5/2018 The female barn owl had been shredding pellets earlier this week in preparation for egg laying. Early morning on 10th she laid her first egg, the second egg was seen on 12th, the 3rd on Tuesday 15th. Egg number 4 is due on Thursday, 17th. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 Bob Sheppard adds: I thought your readers might be interested in the latest on the artificial peregrine trays I have installed on some of our Lincolnshire churches. Louth St James Church.Three chicks have now hatched (the first chick hatched 12th May) Live coverage on a large screen by the cafe. Excellent cake. Boston Stump. Four chicks hatched this week. Live coverage on a large screen in the cafe. Well worth a visit as the cake is excellent! Grantham St Wulframs. Chicks likely to have just hatched. Number not known yet as no screen until next season. I will know more when we ring the chicks in a few weeks. I am particularly pleased the birds have returned to Grantham as they have missed a few years due to repair work to the spire. Similarly at Boston, where they left the tray three years ago to nest on a tall building on the Docks. I don't monitor Lincoln Cathedral (the RSPB do) but I hear they have four eggs on a ledge. In addition to the above we monitor several sites in gravel works, artificial structures and quarries but we don't publicise these for obvious reasons. *** Peregrine webcam at Woking. *** The pair have four chicks. There will be lots of action in the next few weeks. http://www.wokingperegrines.com/ *** The Loch Arkaig ospreys - eggs eaten *** Loch Arkaig ospreys have lost their full clutch of 3 eggs to a pine marten. An email from the project reads: ...an empty nest. The scroll back reveals a pine marten took all three eggs in the night. While this is upsetting to see - it is part of the natural way of things and that is what we set out to show you with this camera. Do not think of the pine marten as a villain. Our camera looks at a very specific slice of Loch Arkaig life. Every time Louis brings a fish we rejoice. We give no thought for the fish. Had we all been following a bonnie speckled trout in the Loch would the osprey have been our villain when it swooped to end the show? Had we a camera in a pine marten den, might we this morning have been thinking "good job" when father brought in some eggs? ...... Website http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/support-an-appeal/arkaig-pinewoods/wildlife/osprey-cam/?utm *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ [Note: Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm.] Field Meetings 2018 - details on: https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Next meeting: 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 *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Volunteer Days and Family Events *** Will Bartle writes: Storytelling – Hubbards Hills, Louth Tuesday 29th May 2018 – 10.30am – 1pm Are you sitting comfortably? Come and join the brilliant Rhubarb Theatre as they tell the story of creatures on a chalk stream. Starts at 10.30am followed by a bit of stream dipping. Perfect for 4-8 year olds. Completely FREE thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is a bookable event – Tel: 01522 555780 or email c halkstreams@lincolnshire.gov.uk Play in a Day – Broadbent Theatre, Wickenby Wednesday 30th May – 10am – 3pm The brilliant Rhubarb Theatre will teach children a play all about Lincolnshire’s chalk streams. They’ll be dancing, acting and prop making. Drop the children off with lunch at 10am and come back to watch the show at 2.30pm. Perfect for 7 – 12 year olds. Completely FREE thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is a bookable event – Tel: 01522 555780 or email chalkstreams@lincolnshire.gov.uk Skendleby Community Stream Clean Friday 1st June – 10.30am – 12.30pm Come and join the residents of Skendleby village to look after the banks of their wonderful chalk stream. It's ideal habitat for water voles but needs a bit of TLC. Starts at 10.30am. Wear suitable outdoor clothes including wellies. Completely FREE thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more details; Tel: 01522 555780 or email chalkstreams@lincolnshire.gov.uk Friday 29th June 2018 – Laceby blow well Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The day will involve maintaining one of Lincolnshire's rare blow wells, removing the invasive plant Himalayan Balsam Friday 20th July 2018 – Classroom in the Woods – Ashby Cum Fenby Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group – Improving this beautiful part of Waithe beck at one of our previous restoration sites. *** 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 *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Also see Pete Lawrence's Star Guide for May into June: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06755dk For past three and a half years, ESA's Gaia Space telescope has been mapping the heavens in unprecedented detail. Mind boggling! If you missed the "Sky At Night" about Gaia's discoveries you can view it on: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b2xw15 *** 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. www.wetlandLIFE.org 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 ***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 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. For more information, or to book the trip, please contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 Attention All Naturalists The June Trip of the RSPB Grimsby Local Group is to RSPB Lakenheath and Weeting Heath (Norfolk Wildlife Trust). A chance to visit these rare habitats, with their amazing and unique biodiversity, might appeal to a wide range of naturalists. In particular, the Summer Warden at Weeting Heath, James Symonds, has offered to run moth traps on the night before the visit, take groups to view rare Breckland flora, and help find other specific invertebrates, fungi, lichen or flora, if given notice beforehand. It will be possible to spend part of the day at each site, or the whole day at Weeting Heath The trip takes place on Sunday 24th June, leaving Millman's in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am and arriving back at about 6.30pm. Pick-up can also be arranged in Louth and Boston. The cost of the trip is £20 per head, including entry to Weeting Heath - less from the other pick-up points. Booking is essential. To find out more, 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 Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 28th May 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife trust invite you to join them on a guided walk around Bradley and Dixon Woods with Mick Binnion looking for late spring flowers, birds and signs of other wildlife. Meet in the car parking area at 2pm. Grid ref. TA245058. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Mick - 07435 122933. *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk - reminder 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. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Doddington SK 90056 70335 Peter Morrell 10.05.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Saxilby Road. Lea SK 82345 87547 Peter Morrell 10.05.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Gainsborough Road Scunthorpe SE 87293 09417 Peter Morrell 11.05.18 Hedgehog road kill on Scotter Road. Hibaldstow SE 97695 01902 Peter Morrell 12.05.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Redbourne Road Marton SK 83891 82181 Peter Morrell 13.05.18 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398 High Street. *** 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 11/5/2016 2 feral pigeon 3 Grey Squirrel - regulars 15/5/2018 Holly Blue on holly bush in garden. CALLANS LANE WOOD Callans Lane Wood 11th May 2018 Ian Misselbrook c 380 Fallow Deer grazing in grass field adjacent to the wood. 5 species of warbler including 4 singing Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Goldcrest. Pair of Marsh Tits 3 Nuthatches callingr Celandine Greater Stitchwort Primrose Dandelion Tufted Vetch Dog’s Mercury 4 Orange Tip Butterflies Flowers Early Purple Orchid Bluebells Yellow Archangel Ramsons (Wild garlic) Herb Robert Bugle Lesser Celandine Greater Stitchwort Primrose Dandelion Tufted Vetch Dog’s Mercury HORKSTOW 12 May 2018 Jenny Haynes Daddy Longlegs Spider (Pholcus phalangioides) found in my bathroom today. Not seen here before. Wildlife seen in my garden this week: Birds: (much quieter this week) Goldfinch 12+ Chaffinch 4 Greenfinch 3 Blue tit 6 Great tit 4 Blackbird 4 Dunnock 2 Tree sparrow 2 Wren 1 Collared dove 2 Wood pigeon 4 Magpie 2 Song thrush 1 Robin 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Butterflies: Brimstone Orange tip Holly Blue Assorted whites that I’ve not been able to identify Common newts (in pond) Bats (pipistrelles I think) HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 8/5/2018 Chaffinch 1 - male Garden Cross Spider Aranea diadematus 100+ - spiderlings Hornet 1 - seemed to be checking out an old apple tree Orange tip 1 - male Speckled wood 2 9/5/2018 Holly blue 1 Orange tip 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 10/5/2018 Collared dove 1 collecting nesting material Magpie 1 12/5/2018 Blackbirds 3 - fledged, evidenced by empty nest Orange tip 1 White butterfly 1 - couldn't identify - drinking from the pond - seemed to be standing on some algae 13/5/2018 Dunnocks 2 - not seen for a while Robins 2 - frantically collecting food but young not yet seen 14/5/2018 Great spotted woodpecker 1 LONG SUTTON Churchyard A. Faulkner TF432228 14/5/18 Muntjac METHERINGHAM A. Faulkner TF064624 From Spalding-Lincoln train 15/5/18 2 roe deer in ploughed field SOUTH WITHAM VERGES NRSK93/19 May 1 -16,2018 Jane Ostler Several brief visits to check on species whilst on journeys which take me past site. PLANTS IN FLOWER Cowslips (abundant on banks this year) Primroses( a good spread of plants again in an area where they were dug up and stolen in 2009 and again three years later.) False Oxlip ( still flowering on corner near Al). Kidney Vetch ( flower buds just beginning to show)., Self Heal (colouring parts of verge blue) Leopard's Bane, Wild Pear (Blossom a little later but, as seen from a distance, looks to be plenty), Cuckoo Flower, Spanish Bluebell. NON FLOWERING PLANTS Adder's Tongue Fern INVERTEBRATES Dingy Skipper (13.5.18) Orange Tips (As on other local verges a good year for these) Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood. Buff-tailed and Red Tailed Bees BIRDS Nature of visits means that little noted. Of those birds monitored annually I have seen house sparrow, bullfinch and linnet. Buzzard and Red Kite are seen regularly above the reserve. OTHER VERTEBRATES Great Crested Newt are still at the pond. Muntjak and Roe Deer both reported as road casualties. Evidence of Badger, Mole, Fox and Rabbit.  Stoat seen out on 13th May during day. TATTERSHALL C. Brady 11/5/2018 Tattershall. The swift have arrived home. Four or so flying around. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 9th May 2018 – 15th May 2018 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, Ruth Taylor and Matt Blissett. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: 090518 – A single swift flew over Sea View. At Rimac 11 whimbrel seen flying between saltmarsh and riverside fields. Cuckoo regularly calling along dunes. The first dragonfly of the year, a single four-spotted chaser. Four green hair-streak at Rimac along with orange-tip, peacock and green-veined white. A hornet at Sea View. 100518 – A male and female cuckoo at Sea View. A single Egyptian goose at Rimac on the riverside field. 140518 – A single turtle dove and cuckoo at Churchill Lane. 1 wheatear at Crook Bank. Two very fresh broad bodied chasers were on the wing and a single blue- tailed damselfly near Paradise. Usual butterflies but green hairstreaks continue to be seen around Sea View and Paradise. 2 green hairstreak and one four-spotted chaser at Churchill Lane. 150518 – A great white egret flew up from Rimac freshwater marsh, over dunes and onto saltmarsh. On butterfly transect 10 green hairstreak, 9 green-veined white, 12 orange-tip, 2 peacock and 1 small copper. Also seen were 6 silver Y, 3 burnet companion and a single muslin moth. Azure damselflies now flying along with large red damsels, broad bodied and four s potted chasers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 - 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. Crowman - hard bounce - account has been disabled or discontinued Geoff Taylor - hard bounce - account has been disabled or discontinued Steve Walsh - hard bounce - account has been disabled or discontinued D Symonds - hard bounce - account has been disabled or discontinued Amanda Jenkins - Host or domain name not found. Name service error for address provided. 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..... Typhoon flypast for Dambuster memorial http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-derbyshire-44143635/typhoon-jet-flypast-for-dambuster-75th-anniversary Electric blue waves wash California shore http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-44076902/red-tide-electric-blue-waves-wash-california-shore Origins of amphibian-killing fungus uncovered http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44075687 Temperature-controlled turtle sex gene found http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44071220 'Feel good' factor not CO2 boosts global forest expansion http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44113494 Hun migrations 'linked to deadly Justinian Plague' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44046031 Red squirrels 'may have introduced' leprosy to Britain http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-44082764 Cuckoo bee species 'hiding in plain sight' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44045331 Country diary: the marshes are alive with the sound of birdsong https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/08/country-diary-marshes-alive-birdsong-waltham-brooks-sussex Country diary: forget-me-nots have a heart of gold https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/09/country-diary-forget-me-nots-heart-of-gold-wenlock-edge Orkney’s shipwreck graveyard is bursting with life https://theconversation.com/orkneys-shipwreck-graveyard-is-bursting-with-life-95179 Country diary: a trapped hunter, rescued and returned to the wild https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/11/country-diary-barn-owl-rescued-and-returned-to-wild-northumberland#comment-115767130 Country diary: the pond is a hive of activity https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/10/country-diary-the-pond-is-a-hive-of-activity ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/