============================================= || || 2nd September 2018 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every LNU Bulletin. Invite new readers to give it a try. We really need your help with this. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** I have just received my new SwiftAlert pager from Rare Bird Alert and I am very impressed with it so far. See the reports in section 2. Wildlife Highlights. If you are interested, see: "SwiftAlert" on the RBA website: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/SwiftAlert_Announcement.aspx? Mailchimp keeps a record of which Bulletin links are used so I can do a better job of matching content to your interests. It is fascinating how different people read the Bulletin. We are well above the "Industry Average" for opens and for links clicked too, which is encouraging. Some readers limit themselves to a quick scan for items of interest. Others work through a selection of links which catch their attention. I try to achieve a mix of information, events, records, and news. There ought to be something for everyone. Your input here is a great help. This week I have been "Blitzing" GDPR compliance, sending email prompts out to remind people who are still failing to "opt in". These will shortly be removed. I am reading Francis Pryor's excellent book Seahenge, where he explains the significance of prehistoric sacred sites like Fiskerton Fen, and offerings that were made, such as weapons. Surprisingly, such traditions survive today. On a visit last Thursday I found, in the thatched hide, a stack of drink cans and other rubbish offered to the gods/ancestors by visiting pilgrims. Smaller items, mainly soggy tissues and plastic bottles were left along the "sacred way" down to the river. One can only guess at their meaning and significance. https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/features/down-by-the-riverside-exploring-iron-age-rituals-in-the-fens.htm To be serious for a moment - one wonders how anyone could consider this littering to be acceptable. Why take the trouble to go to a nice place to give it your garbage? Reminder: Jan Rousseau's Plant Galls workshop on the 8th Sept has been cancelled. However, there are some places still, 2 on the Bryophytes on October 6th and 4 on the Fungi workshops on November 3rd. Details below. The next LNU meeting will be near Sutton Bridge on Sunday 2nd September. See https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-09-02/ Have you any news? I will be pleased to receive your reports and contributions and to give a "plug" for Lincolnshire natural history activity. The usefulness of the Bulletin depends on what is sent in. If you can add to the interest, that will be great. As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Don't forget to click. Heckington Windmill death: Man's 'fleece caught in crankshaft' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-45329752 Visitors flock to see stilt sandpiper in Frampton Marsh https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-45296062 http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/gallery.asp?SpeciesID=5150 Botanical exploits: How British plant hunters served science https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42239463 What did the dolphin say to the porpoise? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45348036 Abandoned baby hedgehog numbers 'rise', says hospital https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-humber-45274199/ Lies, damned lies and favourite stats https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45285615 Use honey first for a cough, new guidelines say https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45270134 National Gallery WWF Thomas Cole Instagram competition https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/thomas-cole-events/thomas-cole-instagram-competition? Dinosaur DNA clues unpicked by researchers at University of Kent https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44711974 Bee 'backpacks' monitor flights to aid decline research https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45320997 More links in "..and finally..." Thank you for all your contributions this week. Please keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Willow Emerald Damselfly *** From Nick Tribe, county dragonfly recorder. Can Bulletin readers look out for willow emerald damselfly in August and September? Willow emeralds are best seen in August and September basking on small branches, usually above water. They lay their eggs into young wood so the larvae can fall into the water on hatching. They are large all-green ‘emeralds’ with pale pterostigma on the wings. They were first recorded in Lincolnshire in 2016 and have been seen at Kirkby on Bain and Frampton for the first time this year. Some more detail and some pictures are here https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/willow-emerald-damselfly *** Barn Owl Nest Box Webcam. The story continues.....*** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Heritage Open Days 2018 *** Your once-a-year chance to discover some of Lincolnshire's rarely seen historic treasures, with exciting experiences that bring local history and culture to life, for free! Over 180 free events across Lincolnshire during September https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/heritage-open-days *** Heritage Open Days - Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/heritage-open-days/ *** Picturing the Past: Lincolnshire Wolds Railway *** Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days event in September. The theme of this year’s event is “Picturing the Past” and we will be opening the doors at Ludborough station on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September between 11am and 3pm. https://lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk/ *** Whisby Natural History Workshops - Reminder *** At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau - CANCELLED A few places are still available on: Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. [2 places left] Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead [4 places left] [Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available.] Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ [Note: Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm.] Field Meetings 2018 - details on: https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Sutton Bridge area, east of Long Sutton Sunday 2nd September 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-09-02/ 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at layby/verge on minor road at TF483210 which is first turning immediately on left after crossing Sutton Bridge from Long Sutton direction. Nearest postcode: PE12 9YN NB. Some steep slopes and busy roads present plus deep waterbody (River Nene). Nearest public toilets in Sutton Bridge (on Bridge Road). Habitats: River Nene, grassland and saltmarsh with some scrub and plantation blocks Leader: Charlie Barnes 07931 259418 charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** LoveLincsPlants Webpage: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants #LoveLincsPlants Botany ID training for 18-35 year olds Aidan Neary writes: Trees in Leaf Identification session 18th September: We will be running a Trees in Leaf identification session on Tuesday 18th September at Whisby Nature Park in Lincoln. More details to follow. Confirm your booking: To book onto either of these training session please send an email with your mobile telephone number to the following email address: lovelincsplants@gmail.com Requirements: Attendees must be aged 18-35 to satisfy the requirements of The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) who are funding this project. Developing the botanical identification skills of the next generation of botanists is a key aim of the project. Please note that other botany training such as informal botany walks for over people aged over 35 will become a regular fixture of the project in 2019 and 2020 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/ *** September Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. At our first indoor meeting for the 2018 - 2019 "season" on Monday, 10th September, Professor Alastair Fitter, the eminent, botanist, ecologist and co-author of the popular book "Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland" visits us to give his talk on "Flowering time and Climate Change". Professor Alastair Fitter, CBE, FRS, is a British ecologist at the University of York whose special areas of expertise are in ecology, soil biology and the biological impacts of climate change. His illustrated talk about the timing of the blooming of plants comes in a year when we have become much more aware of the effects of climate change. Starting at 7.15pm the meeting will take place in the St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is ample free parking at the Church which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. There is no entry charge to the meeting but a donation bowl is provided. For any further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** CPRE event with Chris Packham. *** Jenny Haynes writes: CHRIS PACKHAM, the well known TV presenter, naturalist and film maker, will be presenting his new show, called Pictures from the Edge of the World, at the Baths Hall, Scunthorpe on 1st November 2018, starting at 7.30pm. Chris loves the challenge of finding beauty in ugly places and travelling to some of the world’s wildlife hotspots he wants to see them in a new way, to put some art into his photos. But at the core of all his work is conservation so expect tales from the frontline and the full-frontal truth about how we get it wrong and get it right. Funny, inspiring, irreverent and packed with information it’s a romp through the wild mind of Chris Packham. This event is being promoted by CPRE Northern Lincolnshire and we would love to see you there. Tickets, priced at £25 are available from the Baths Hall, either in person at the Box Office, by telephone 08448542776 or online at www.scunthorpetheatres.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 South Lincs. RSPB "Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash" 2018 programme. 12 cruises scheduled for 2018 starting 11th May and ending 16th October. Further details,ticket prices and booking arrangements at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/news/450628/ Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** LWT Reserves *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves *** LWT Get Involved page *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Sunday 9th September 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Pyewipe starting from the junction of Gilbey Road and Pyewipe Road. Grid ref. TA259111. Meet Ray Hume at 7am.Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For more details contact Ray Hume 07814 840682. *** 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: 25/8 Curlew Sandpiper at Lagoon, Spoonbill on mud by saltmarsh, Freiston Shore Black-necked Grebe juv, Baston/Langtoft GPs Stilt Sandpiper, 3 Spoonbills, 10 Black Terns, Frampton Marsh 26/8 Stilt Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 2 Black Terns, off Gibraltar Point Spotted Crake, Mere Hide, Gibraltar Point 10 Spoonbills, Garganey, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Arctic Tern, Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper, 12 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Garganey, Barton-upon-Humber 27/8 Spotted Crake, 2 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Stilt Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Black Tern offshore, Gibraltar Point 28/8 Long-billed Dowitcher ad, Stilt Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Black-necked Grebe juv, Baston/Langtoft GPs Spotted Crake, 9 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore 2 Roseate Terns, Black Tern 6, Arctic Terns, Common Tern, North Cotes Point [LATE REPORT] 29/8 Long-billed Dowitcher, Stilt Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 12 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Osprey, Tetney Marshes Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Fillingham SK 95496 85686 Peter Morrell 24.08.18 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398 Hemswell Cliff SK 94805 89705  Peter Morrell 25.08.18 Hedgehog roadkill on A631 Yaddlethorpe SE 88910 07055 Peter Morrell 25.08.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Moorwell Road Harpswell SK 93385 90110 Peter Morrell 06.08.18 Hedgehog road kill on A361 Welton TF 01710 79998 Peter Morrell 06.08.18 Hedgehog road kill on Ryland Road *** 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. Parsons 26 and 7/8/2018 Very active/low feeding by House Martins and a few Swallows, centered on Sycamore tree and low over old churchyard. Still happening 29/8. BARTON-UPON-HUMBER Stuart Britton 21/8/2018 21st August we took the grandchildren to the Old Tile Works at Barton. There were a large number of House Martins (c200) both on the Electricity wires and, more unusually, clinging to the vertical walls of one of the outbuildings" BOSTON 24/08/2018 Kathleen Pearson Despite having lived here for forty-two years, today was the first time I observed two Woodpecker species in the garden together - a Green Woodpecker eating ants on the lawn joined by a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a nearby tree. FISKERTON FEN R & A Parsons 23/8/2018 Brood of young swallow chicks seen perched inside thatched hide. Circa 200 Greylag geese circling/overflying fen. HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 23 August 2018 I’ve seen two painted lady butterflies this week so far (may have been the same one twice, though), one I released from my greenhouse. Also a few red admirals, large and small whites and speckled wood. A buzzard was seen on the ground in the new stubble field opposite my house, presumably after something killed by the combine. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 27/8/2018 Hawthorn shieldbug  1 28/8/2018 Woodmouse 1 Wren 1 29/8/2018 Blackbird 1 Robin 1 - hurray, the birds are returning! RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 23.08.2018 2 Grey Herons 24.08.2018 Brown Hare (TF296861) 25.08.2018 2 Woodpigeon fledglings Robin song (TF303851) 26.08.2018 Grey Squirrel traversing on power cable Common Frog 27.08.2018 3 Pseudoscorpions found on removable boards near bottom of the compost bin 28.0.2018 1 Woodpigeon fledgling Buzzard mewing Tawny Owl Robin song, still tentative, first of this autumn and 2-3 weeks later than usual Roe Deer (TF296849) Buzzard mewing (TF296849) Sand Martins, 10-12 over large pond (TF293849) 29.08.2018 Dead Woodpigeon fledgling on drive - cat or road kill??? THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 24/07/18 Wren x 4 fledged from old swallows nest in stables Comma x 1 Peacock x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 30/07/18 Grey Partridge x 1 adult, 5 young Comma x 1 Red Admiral x 1 Small White x 3 07/08/18 Common Pipistrelle x 2 Common Shrew x 2 Field Vole x 4 Wood Mouse x 1 10/08/18 Roe Deer x 1 Owston Ferry Grass Snake x 1 dead in a garden in East Lound 16/08/18 Orange Swift moth x 1 in conservatory 20/08/18 Barn Owl x 1 hunting 01:50hrs Blackbird x 4 Goldfinch x 4 Tree sparrow x 17 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Common Pipistrelle x 2 Rabbit x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 4 Small White x 2 Large Yellow Underwing x 15 on evergreen hedge 27/08/18 Pygmy Shrew x 1 Wood Mouse x 2 28/08/18 Blue Tit x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 23 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 Mute Swan x 4 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Red Legged Partridge x 2 Tree sparrow x 35 Common Pipistrelle x 2 Rabbit x 3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/far-ings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/gibraltar-point See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 22nd August 2018 – 29th August 2018 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett and Ruth Taylor. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 220818 – Numerous small white, brown argus 18, common blue 18, speckled wood 9, large white 1, small copper 1, peacock 1, small heath 1, tortoiseshell 1 in the Brickyard area. 230818 - At least 12 blackbirds, 6 willow warblers, 5 chiffchaffs, 5 common whitethroats, 4 lesser whitethroats, 2 blackcaps, 1 reed bunting and a female great-spotted woodpecker all in scrub near to Sea View. A weasel crossing the road near Sea View. 240818 – A single muntjac seen in the sand dunes. 250818 - Male marsh harrier hunting over saltmarsh. 260818 - On Paradise lagoon were 8 mallard, 16 teal, 1 black-tailed godwit, 3 common snipe, 1 dunlin, 19 black-headed gulls, 1 common gull, 1 moorhen, 15 redshank and 1 pied wagtail. During late evening 18+ house martins all feeding amongst the sycamores at Sea View. 270818 - Single black-tailed godwit and 7 redshank at Paradise lagoon. Around Sea View tawny owls hooting and calling. The large numbers of Setaceous Hebrew Character moths caught in moth traps continues with 1050 overnight in the Brickyard Area. 280818 - Kestrels hunting, small whites and speckled woods on the wing in the Crook Bank area. Emperor dragonflies flying around Sea View and Churchill. 290818 – On Paradise Lagoon: 4 greenshank, 4 common snipe, 1 common sandpiper, 1 lapwing and 2 redshank. Single short-eared owl hunting over saltmarsh. Near Sea View 3 lesser whitethroats plus several willow warblers and chiffchaffs. 1350 Setaceous Hebrew Characters caught overnight again in Brickyard area. Juvenile marsh harriers seen during the week. Kestrel and sparrow hawk and a great spotted woodpecker seen in the Brick Yard area. Parties of up to 5 Whitethroats and a few Chiffchaffs in the bushes. 70+ Sandwich Terns on the beach. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/get-involved/ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Meetings The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. Examples: SNIPE DALES https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/snipe-dales WHISBY https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/whisby WILLOW TREE FEN https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/willow-tree-fen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This slot is for those cracking reserves which don't get the regular mention they should. Reports welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as 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/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Phil Hyde - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Webpages: Hare coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** EasyTide *** http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service *** http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as 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 InsideEcology: Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ British geology maps now free to explore on web http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lincs-environmental-awards *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for ALL nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Field Meetings 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 14th October 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-10-14/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve, northwest of Alford Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at wood entrance which is at TF421777. Nearest postcode: LN13 0ED which is east of the wood. NB. Very restricted parking so please car share where possible. Likely need for reverse parking along entrance track (first in, last out policy). Verges near entrance are Roadside Nature Reserves so please no parking on them, especially if arriving earlier than 12.00. Nearest public toilets in Alford town centre. Habitat: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk 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. Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau - CANCELLED Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** Mail fails: Lyn Moore - hard bounce - account has been disabled or discontinued. I am about to delete mailing list addresses that are not yet "opted-in". You may get a note from me reminding you to do something about it. Please check your details now as explained in "Editor writes". If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of current and past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally..... The bladders made from other body parts https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-hereford-worcester-45303430/ Boats collide over scallop fishing https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-45336132/ Four African spurred tortoises stolen from college: Squirtle, Wartortle, and Blastoise, all aged 11, and Jeffery, 24. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-45287472 Country diary: more slithering predators, please https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/28/country-diary-more-slithering-predators-please#comment-119864032 Cave girl was half Neanderthal, half Denisovan https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45271644 The festivals mixing music and science https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45284935 Colombia's improbable reef offers hope for coral worldwide https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-45129579 Tax haven link to rainforest destruction and illegal fishing https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45172671 Denmark to tag wild wolves after shooting row https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-45260528 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/