Please make sure you have "opted in" to the Bulletin mailing list or you may not receive the next Bulletin. Roger ============================================= || || 27th 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. 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... *** If you have not yet "opted-in" to our mailing list, this may be the last Bulletin you receive. If you wish to continue to receive it, please click on the" update settings" link in your recent "invitation" email. This was sent to you on 15th May and was headed: "Please confirm you wish to continue to receive the Bulletin." I shall shortly be deleting all addresses which are not opted-in, so you need to act now before I start on the process. If you do decide to stop receiving the Bulletin, please go on sending records of sightings to the LNU recorders. If you miss the Bulletin you can always return! Text Bulletins will continue to be available to you on the following webpage: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html To watch Spencer Kelly's "Click" programme about GDPR, please visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b3q4qf Don't miss BBC2's "Springwatch" next week...... https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07dwtvz Bittern-listening. A request from Dave Miller: The reedbeds in the Sea Bank clay Pits have the potential to attract Bittern. If any readers are around the reedbeds at Chapel Pit, Chapel Six Marshes, Wolla Bank Reedbed or Huttoft Pit at these times would they please listen out for these reclusive birds and let me know, even if one is NOT heard, at dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: (David Robinson's) Historical Lincolnshire postcard collection sells for £22,000 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-44222525 Red Arrows alter flight path for rare bird colonies http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-44223717 Air pollution plans to tackle wood burners. How polluted is your street? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44203396 Risk of water shortages for England warns Environment Agency http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44215418 'Shocking' human impact reported on world's protected areas http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44155592 Stags on Rum found tangled in lost fishing gear http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-44223255 Appeal to find Lincolnshire Monty Python singing parrot.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-44201201 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.....*** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Peregrine webcam at Woking *** The pair have four chicks. There will be lots of action in the next few weeks. http://www.wokingperegrines.com/ *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ [Note: Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm.] Field Meetings 2018 - details on: https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ 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 *** 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 ***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: 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/ For a recent bird list for an RSPB Wash Birdwatching Cruise, see section 3. 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. On Sunday June 3rd the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car parking area at 7am. Grid ref. TA306067. 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 Hume 07814 840682.  *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Louth area group LWT *** http://lwt-lag.org.uk/ *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or consolidating repeated messages. Note - I have been leaving out late/historical reports to save going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important reports, marking them with a * to indicate their lateness. New pager awaited - reports suspended. Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. Ian Gordon writes: What is alarming is the reduction in Swifts, Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins. Swifts are very late and few in numbers and House Martins are almost absent. 5 years ago we would have 30 - 40 pairs of House Martins nesting round about. Yesterday afternoon I counted 6 birds and have not seen a nest yet. Nightingales are another species significantly reduced. Some sites just south of here seem to be having a disastrous season. Glapthorn has none, Paxton Pits has dropped from having 30+ singing males a few years ago to having none in the usual territories and just 4 in the new workings. Next year will show whether this is as a result of the late, bitterly cold winter across Northern Europe or whether nature has reached a tipping point in terms of UK migrant birds. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. ROAD KILL Mute Swan on A16 verge northbound from Spalding (TF265241) 19.05.2018 Silvia Fowler Badger roadkill on roadside of B1210, 11-May-2018 TA 14610 12727. Alex Pickwell Probably been there a while – it was a bit pong-wiffy! Stoat Roadkill 22/05/2018 18.00hrs - still there 22.00hrs. Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa TF185647 R. Parsons Scotter SE 88673 00436 Peter Morrell 19.05.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Scotter Road Lincoln SK 97211 74074 Peter Morrell 20.05.18 Muntjac deer roadkill on A46 Bypass Grantham SK 90827 33759 Peter Morrell 22.05.18 Badger road kill on A1. *** 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 20/5 Holly Blue around holly bush. 22/5/2018 Young blackbird, recently fledged, in garden BARDNEY GARDEN May 2018 Mary and Phil Porter Grid ref TF 117701 14th May, early morning Both male and female cuckoo calling around the garden. Dunnocks beware! 15th May Young grass snake in the greenhouse 15th May Male great spotted woodpecker feeding on suet hanging log ( left over from winter) and drinking at pond All week: Several holly blues, often seen around evergreens and one seen on holly buds Orange tip butterflies One peacock and one small tortoiseshell butterfly One swift Two or tree house martins Common newts still active in pond Blackbirds feeding young in several nests Great tit going in hole in old shed roof In the house during the week MANY Daddy long leg spiders, Pholcus phalangioides, evicted, more than I remember seeing before, five of them with egg sacs. BARDNEY GARDEN 19th May 2018 Mary and Phil Porter Grid ref TF 117701 Broad bordered bee hawk-moth, flying zig-zag style, from one flower to the next. It looked in a hurry and didn’t stay long! I’ve seen them many times over the years on the red valerian at Chambers Farm Wood so I’ve not misidentified a humming bird hawk-moth. We have no red valerian, one of their favourite flowers, so I suspect it was disappointed! First record for the garden, though. BOSTON John Marshall 10 May 2018 3 Pairs of Canada and 6 Pairs of Greylag Geese with good broods feeding in front of my house near NorthForty Foot Boston . DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve OS Grid Ref: 187083 Date: 21/05/2018 Time: 1400 - 1630 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, warm, breezy Birds: Black Tern Black-headed Gull Blackbird Blackcap Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffxhaff Common Tern Coot Cormorant Gadwall Garden Warbler Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Herring Gull Hobby Jackdaw Lapwing Lesser black-backed Gull Little Owl Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pheasant Red Kite Reed Warbler Sand Martin Scaup Sedge Warbler Swift Tufted Duck Yellow-legged Gull Butterflies: Orange Tip Large White Speckled Wood Dragonflies: Common Blue Damselfly Migrant Hawker FISKERTON Catherine Wilson 15/05/2018 CUCKOO been present in the area of Fiskerton airfield for at least a week now. I always used to hear one from my garden but not heard it for a number of years so was really excited to hear it again. Local farmer confirmed it was around but cannot pin down exact location though it is Cherry side of Fiskerton Road. GRANTHAM M. Ellis 15 May 2018 I walked by the river Witham here earlier this morning, just off Avenue road in the middle of Grantham near Grantham College and was amazed to see a grey heron. First one I've seen here. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 15/5/2018 Chiffchaff 1 Orange tip 1 17/5/2018 Sparrow 2 - a common bird in the village but not usually seen in my garden 18/5/2018 Chaffinch 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 19/5/2018 Chaffinch 1 Damselfly 1 - couldn't identify but likely to be the same as 20/5 Holly blue 2 20/5/2018 Holly blue 1 Orange tip 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 - on old apple tree Variable damselfly 2 21/5/2018 Chaffinch 1 Roe deer 1 m. - limping through the garden 22/5/2018 Great tit 1 Wren 1 KIRTON MARSH 20/05/2018 Kathleen Pearson A Yellow Wagtail was on a potato field close to the sea bank today. OLD RIVER BAIN TF234 603 20/02/18 Steve Green American Crayfish (reported to EA hotline for follow up) RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 10.05.2018 Buzzard 11.05.2018 Common Frog Common Toad x 2 13.05.2018 Brimstone 1, Orange Tip 1, Speckled Wood 1, Rabbit 2 (all TF313843) Mallard ducklings ca. 10 recently hatched and swimming in beck TF311847 14.05.2018 Very few butterflies in my garden though there is an abundance of flowers available. I’ve mainly seen Brimstone and Orange Tip, but hardly any Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell – did they not survive the long, cold spring? I recall low numbers throughout last year, too. 14.05.2018 Brown Hare (TF305851) 20.05.2018 Smooth Newt x 3 in pond 1 male Swallow regularly singing on power line House Martins conspicuous by their absence 21.05.2018 5 Canada Geese and 1 Greylag Goose feeding on pasture SPALDING 17.05.18 Mick Todd While driving through our trial grounds watching a flock of finches, trying to work out what they were, I was surprised when they did a 180 degree turn and flew back towards my truck. I then noticed the reason, they were being chased by what I assumed to be a sparrow- hawk, imagine my delight when the "hawk" flew past the truck, just a few feet away from me to reveal a streaked breast and orange leg feathers. It was a beautiful male hobby, I quickly jumped out to watch it in action and saw a second bird also chasing the finches. Working in the same field the next day, I spotted a hobby flying along a hedgerow, presumably one of the pair I had seen the day before. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 11/05/18 Roe Deer x 1 SK796993 (Clare Holmes & Sam Hiner) 13/05/18 Blackbird x 2 (both on nests around stables) Blackcap x 1 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Swallow x 2 Tree Sparrow x 4 Wheatear x 1 Wood Pigeon x 1 Wren x 1 Orange Tip x 6 Peacock x 2 Large-red Damselfly x 3 16/05/18 Common Pipistrelle x 2 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 20/05/18 Brimstone x 2 Green-veined White x 6 Orange Tip x 4 Peacock x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 Broad-bodied Chaser x 1 imm male flying around me all day whilst working in vegetable garden, continually landing on tall dead Fennel stem. Common Blue Damselfly x 3 Large Red Damselfly x 2 21/05/18 Greenfinch x 1 Greylag Goose x 2 over Thurnholmes Kestrel x 1 calling from nest box (5 eggs) Mallard x 4 over Thurnholmes Skylark x 1 Swallow x 2 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Wren x 1 with nest in my chicken shed Common Pipistrelle 23/05/18 Cuckoo x 1 TWYFORD WOOD 20 - 05 - 2018 Geof Lee Grizzled skipper - 10+ Dingy skipper - 10+ Common blue - 10+ Brown argos - 4 Green veined white - 5+ Green hairstreak - 1 Peacock - 1 Burnet companion moth - 2 WADDINGWORTH TF182716 R & A Parsons 14th May 2018 - pm Roe deer - adult male - excellent close-up sighting. Antlered with several tines, clear target. THE WASH Jeremy Eyeons List of the 56 bird species seen by the South Lincs RSPB Group on a bird- watching cruise into The Wash aboard The Boston Belle 22nd May 2018. avocet, black headed gull, blackbird, brent, greylag and Canada geese, carrion crow, chaffinch, collared dove, common sandpiper and tern, cormorant, curlew, dunlin, dunnock, goldfinch, great black backed gull, great crested grebe, grey plover, grey wagtail, herring gull, hobby, house martin, jackdaw, kestrel, lapwing, lesser black backed gull, little egret, magpie, mallard, marsh harrier, meadow pipit, mistle thrush, moorhen, oyster catcher, peregrine, pied wagtail, pink footed goose, red- legged partridge, common redshank, reed bunting, ringed plover, robin, sand martin, sanderling, shelduck, skylark, starling, stock dove, barn swallow, swift, turnstone, wood pigeon, wren. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 16th May 2018 – 22nd May 2018 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth and Ruth Taylor.   Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings:   160518 - Single comma butterfly on the wing at Seaview.   170518 - 2 Whimbrel on the saltmarsh, several cuckoos active in the Seaview area and noticeable number of orange tips on the wing   180518 -Single wall, red admiral, small copper and holly blue butterflies on the wing at Seaview, small copper and green hairstreak at Rimac. A fine male hobby was hunting for dragonflies over Rimac. Odonata include broad-bodied chaser, large red damselfly, blue-tailed damselfly and azure damselfly.   190518 - A short-eared owl was hunting on the edge of the saltmarsh near Sea View late evening.   200518 - A group of 13 house martins, 2 sand martins and 4 swallows all active over Paradise lagoon.   210518 – A buzzard and kestrel in the air together at Seaview, a muntjac was seen near the NNR base. Holly blue and small copper on the wing at Rimac with several four-spotted and broad-bodied chasers around the easy access trail. Lots of cinnabar moths throughout the dunes. Cuckoo, blackcap and skylarks heard regularly.   220518 – Cuckoo at Seaview. A single whimbrel seen flying over Crook Bank. Plenty of tadpoles in various water bodies. Swallows battled the high winds but otherwise not much on the wing other than in sheltered areas. Orange tips seen at Seaview.   Plants in flower on the dunes now include lesser trefoil, sheep's sorrel, common vetch, goat's-beard, mouse-ear hawkweed, germander speedwell, common bird's-foot-trefoil, dewberry, sand sedge, herb-robert and hound’s tongue. Hawthorn and rowan is flowering, and on the saltmarsh there is sea thrift. Orchids are starting to flower from Seaview through to Crook Bank.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 - LITTLE SCRUBBS MEADOW. 19/05/2018 - A.M. Geof Lee Marsh fritillary - 125+ - there were hundreds ! Dingy skipper - 6 Orange tip - 3 Green veined white - 4 Small white - 5 Holly blue - 1 4 spot Chaser - 2 Hornet - 1 - drinking from a puddle 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 *** 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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..... Dambuster flies over Derwent Valley in surprise Lancaster mission http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-44153005 Royal Wedding 2018: Harry and Meghan's animal kingdom http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44179966 Madagascar emerges as whale shark hotspot http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44151782 Country diary: this cute creature is a cold killer https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/15/country-diary-pine-marten-cute-killer-aigas-highlands Country diary: willow warblers soundtrack a stoat sighting https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/17/country-diary-willow-warblers-stoat-teesdale Country diary: sandhoppers are nature’s refuse workers https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/18/country-diary-sandhoppers-refuse-workers-plastics-langstone-hampshire Country diary: 'I’ve never needed a permit to go for a walk in England before' https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/19/country-diary-permit-walk-in-england-easton-hornstocks-northamptonshire Country diary: adders find their place in the Scottish sun https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/21/country-diary-adders-place-in-sun-aigas-highlands Country diary: the cuckoo in the mining bee's nest https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/22/country-diary-mining-bees-nomad-cuckoo-bees-northamptonshire#comment-116085810 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/