============================================ || || 29th December 2021 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, events, news and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - including Chambers Farm Wood 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..... don't miss the links... ============================================ Reports here are open. They 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 from Feb 2009 http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, events, news and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: No doubt we shall look back on 2021 with mixed feelings. A Happy New Year is something we shall be hoping for. I wish you the best for 2022. Onwards! The demands of Christmas and some uninspiring weather seem to have stifled reports this week. Me too! I'm hoping for a bounce back next week, perhaps with interesting house records? Unusual spring-like garden sightings perhaps? If it stays mild, keep a lookout for bats flying. Don't forget a Grid Reference! Winterwatch "1963 The Big Freeze" is a fascinating programme. Chris Packham introduces the classic documentary from the BBC's archive. This takes a look at the worst winter of the 20th century in 1963. 60 minutes. Well worth watching. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01q9d86/winterwatch-1963-the-big-freeze Meanwhile stay aware of current Covid-19 advice. Adapt personal precautions as necessary. Preventative measures can and may well change yet again. Who knows? https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Here is this week's selection of links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories. I hope you find something to interest and entertain. More general links in "..and finally ..." Wildlife's winners and losers of 2021 - and how extreme weather set the tone https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59757497 Floods getting bigger and more frequent, says river expert https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-59726441 Queen's Platinum Jubilee: Lincoln bids for Lord Mayor honour https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59781845 Skegness donkey rejected by mother 'thinks he's a dog' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59650748 How Britain's favourite festive birds got their names https://theconversation.com/how-britains-favourite-festive-birds-got-their-names-173042 Israel tries to contain avian flu outbreak after 5,000 wild cranes die https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-59808888 9 UK household spiders and webs for you to spot https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/9-uk-household-spiders-and-webs-for-you-to-spot/ Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 - 28 to 30th January - RSPB https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Big Farmland Bird Count 2022 - 4-20 February - Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust https://www.bfbc.org.uk/ Song of the Reed - A year in the life of a nature reserve - BBC Sounds https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000x6pk Woodcock ringing at night with Owen Williams - watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bT_2lmGHbw Rare fungus found in Devon woodland https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-59756353 Ancient mass migration transformed Britons' DNA https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59741723 Gold acorn-nibbling squirrel ring found near Ely declared treasure - wow! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-59673942 Red squirrel scheme lands two-year 'booster' funds https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-59740294 James Webb Space Telescope ready to make history - watch launch https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59782057 Do keep using the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. It's best to avoid forwarding your individual Bulletin to others. Use that secure link or you can simply direct people to this link: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ If you are not yet an LNU member and would like to become one, you will be very welcome to join. Please support the effort. The webpage is: https://lnu.org/join-the-lnu/ A big thank you to all contributors who send in interesting news, events info and species reports. Please keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Weather Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Sunday 2 - 11 Jan "...As the cloud and rain clear, northwesterly winds are likely to develop early in the following week. These winds will be strong at times, likely bring showers, and these showers will likely become wintry for at least a short time across the far north. " *** Reminder: Bat rescue instructions *** Annette Faulkner writes... If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box. Remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail. Wear gloves or use a cloth to pick it up with. Phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** Future of LNU Bulletin - a message from the Editor *** I am still hunting for someone interested in taking on the Editorship of the Bulletin. This is not urgent but it is an issue that is not going to go away. For anyone who is OK with a computer and work processing, it is a satisfying task. It's well suited to someone retired or for other reasons has a bit of free time to offer. Do you? Please email me on old.museum@yahoo.co.uk if you have any questions. You may find it useful to look at the Mailchimp website. https://mailchimp.com/ *** Next LNU [Indoor] Meeting *** 'The new Birds of Lincolnshire: trials and tribulations in data recording.' LNU/Lincolnshire Bird Club talk by Phil Espin. 2pm - Saturday January 29th 2022 Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park Free to attend. All welcome. There is a £2 parking charge. More information, including whether an indoor meeting is available on Zoom: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ *** Tried Recording with "irecord" yet? *** More and more people are using irecord. It is recommended by the LNU as the most appropriate platform for on-line recording. It has the best validation and feedback. Please look at the website. While you are there why not create an account so you are set up and ready to try? Tried it yet? Comments welcome. https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** December Night Sky! Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1) surprised astronomers [on 21st] when it suddenly brightened 10-fold. The surge might signal a fragmentation event in the comet's core. Leonard is once again visible to the naked eye in the sunset sky near Venus. [Clouds permitting!] See: https://spaceweather.com/ Meteor Shower Guide 2022: Heads up for the Quadrantids 3-4 January. https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Area Groups webpage *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/area-groups Please let me have your "plugs" for coming events that may interest readers *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** On Sunday 9th January 2022, you are invited to join the group on a bird walk at Covenham Reservoir near Louth with Graham Hicks. They will be looking for resident and winter visitors. Meet at 8am in the main entrance car park TF 340962. Nearest postcode LN11 0PA. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and bring binoculars if you have them. For further details contact Graham Hicks - 07979 089890 On Monday 10th January 2022 you are invited to join us at our next indoor meeting. Graham Catley will be giving an illustrated talk on the wildlife of Vancouver Island. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall DN31 1HX and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £3, tea and coffee will be available. You are requested to wear a mask, maintain social distance and use the hand sanitisers provided. You will be asked to provide your name and contact details for Track and Trace purposes. For further details contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858 or 07901 946010 Please be aware there could be alterations to these meetings if Covid restrictions change which could affect these meetings. For further information and updates you can visit our website www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk or visit our Facebook page. *** Boultham Park Wildlife and Conservation Talks *** Information from Richard Davidson: Boultham Park will be hosting talks by a range of experts in their field throughout December and January in the Linkage Education Centre. There will be 4 talks covering a range of topics, from managing wetland habitats, to building a thriving community green space from scratch, taking place on a Thursday from 6pm. There will be a small fee of £3.00 on the door, and free refreshments for all attendees. To guarantee a seat, please email us at Boultham.Park@lincoln.gov.uk or call 01522 873607, we hope to see you there! The talks are in the Boultham Park Education Centre which is off Rookery Lane, Lincoln. More information: http://www.boulthampark.co.uk/wildlife-and-conservation-talks/ *** Secret Wildlife of the Forest of Dean *** " The successful season of well-received Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group continues on Monday 17th January at 7.30pm "Secret Wildlife of the Forest of Dean” Nick Martin Nick Martin is a naturalist on a mission to enthuse as many people as he can about wildlife and the great outdoors. With a lifelong passion for nature, Nick has forged a long career in conservation, working for several wildlife organisations including the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts. In addition, he is a accomplished wildlife photographer and a regular on the speaker circuit. The beautiful Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire harbours a wide range of woodland wildlife including many secretive and surprising animals and birds. In this talk, we’ll look for the elusive goshawk, the shy dipper and the exotic mandarin ducks. We will find out where adders hide, dormice feed and learn about the exciting return of the wild boar to the woodland scene. The talk is open to everybody. You don't need to belong to the RSPB, or have attended Group Meetings. And don't be put off by Zoom. It is easy to use; you don't need any special equipment like a camera or microphone - just an internet connection, and we may be able to offer help if you request it. To find out the arrangements for getting a link to the talk, please email me at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com before 8pm on Saturday 15th January, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Bear in mind Covid guidelines may change. Please continue to stay informed about new information and advice on Co-19 and 'flu. Adapt your precautions accordingly at indoor meetings and with groups on reserves/ in the field. See: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Road works and hold-ups https://roadworks.org/ Met Office Severe Warnings https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service - worth signing up for this. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Warnings - Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up if a high risk area. https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 22/12 15 Russian White-fronted Geese in first wetland field, Freiston Shore Black-throated Diver flew south past, 3 Velvet Scoters, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, Great Northern Diver, Gibraltar Point 6 Russian White-fronted Geese flew south over Mablethorpe 2 Great Northern Divers, both juvs, Shag, Covenham reservoir 23/12 15 Russian White-fronted Geese, Freiston Shore Long-tailed Duck at northern end of Gibraltar Point 24/12 3 Short-eared Owls at Cradge Bank by White House Farm, Spalding 4 Short-eared Owls at Deeping High Bank, 3 at South Fen Drove and 1 opposite Gull Farm, Deeping St Nicholas Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Hen Harrier, Freiston Shore 4 Long-tailed Ducks on sea, 4 Velvet Scoters, Mablethorpe 10 Snow Buntings on beach, Velvet Scoter with c 1000 Common Scoters, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Siberian Chiffchaff, Water Pipit, by pump drain, no general access, North Hykeham 2 Great Northern Divers, Shag, Covenham reservoir 25/12 c20 Twite on saltmarsh of south side of Witham mouth, 4 Great Northern Divers flew past Witham mouth, Cut End, SE of Boston. 26/12 Hen Harrier ringtail, Saltfleet 27/12 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh 2 Great Northern Divers, both juvs, Shag, Covenham reservoir Siberian Chiffchaff from hide, Marston Sewage Works Siberian Chiffchaff, North Hykeham 28/12 2 Long-eared Owls at Main Lake, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 2 Short-eared Owls at Gull Farm, Deeping high Bank, Deeping St Nicholas 2 Great Northern Divers, Shag on jetty, Covenham reservoir ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work and drop-in sessions at the Queen in the West pub! *** Links "not to be missed" *** Bourne Barn Owl Webcam: camera now active - owls using the box. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project Starling murmurations: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/starling-murmurations Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Lincs Bird Club https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation - Lincolnshire Branch: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/ Which moth species might be on the wing tonight in your area? You can find out easily using ‘What’s Flying Tonight’. https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/whats-flying-tonight BTO tracked cuckoos: latest updates: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. *** 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/ *** 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. BARDNEY - The Green R+A Parsons TF120694 w/o 20/12/2021 Blackbirds and woodpigeons have been raiding our holly berries. Driving home from Woodhall Spa on 21st I noticed 2 soaked Buzzards perched on roadside hedges. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs and Nature Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of which LWT reserves are open and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus RSPB Reserves: RSPB Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore are listed as Open. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list RSPB Freiston Shore https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Weekly seal update from Donna Nook 24/12/2021 Three pups were born this week, bringing the total number of pups born this year to 2,122. There are now 89 bulls, 69 cows and 506 pups. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook/weekly-update Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report - none this week - the team is recovering! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area. Records from them are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. The Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com *** Lincs Dormouse Group update *** Gemma Watkinson writes: The winter work party dates for this winter are below. Sunday 16th January Saturday 19th February Sunday 20th March We meet at 10am at the wood centre car park, and normally stay until around 3pm with a packed lunch break. All tools are provided, but recommend to bring your own work gloves/ gardening gloves if you have them. Please note that Forestry England have still not opened the toilet facilities at Chambers. We have a lot of winter tasks to catch up on including box repairs and replacements, cutting back a few of the pathways that have become overgrown and coppicing work as part of the management of Ivy Wood. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Many are also designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nature Reserves - Lincolnhire County Council https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coast-countryside/nature-reserves Nature reserves in North Lincolnshire https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/local-nature-reserves/ South Humber Heritage Trail, Alkborough Flats - LWT leaflet https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We aim to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders. The Bulletin is a 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! Please help us to help you. 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.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. It usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given on the website. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ *** Love Lincs Plants *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants Love Lincs Plants: Herbarium Hub Aidan Neary writes: we have launched our online herbarium knowledge hub to help organisations to develop their own herbarium. See: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/herbarium-hub https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants/status/1457735102046384133 *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** All of the LNU specimens that have been processed and digitised to date can now be viewed here: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/lincs-plants *** The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons - LNU downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List - LNU *** Paul Kirby has produced a list which details all the vascular plant and stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database. This is for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ *** 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 Recorder Phil Hyde - County Recorder, Lincs Bird Club recorder_south@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/ *** South Lincolnshire Flora Group *** https://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** The Wolds Fungi Group *** Contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com *** Lincolnshire Dormouse Group *** Contact: lincsdormousegroup@gmail.co FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE: 07768-501895 PAGER: 07654-330877 Related Webpages: Lincolnshire Police Advice on Hare Coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ Rural Crime News https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ 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 For current records please refer to the Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire by C. J. Manning, LNU Mammal Recorder. You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf Spiders, Pseudoscorpions, Harvestmen Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Email: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Contact: Ashley Butterfield : learningoutdoors@btinternet.com Please have a look at https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php It's an easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. You can send any records to Ashley Butterfield (Lincolnshire Amphibian and Reptile Recorder) at LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Bat rescue instructions: If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box . Remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail. Wear gloves or use a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** 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 Email: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk Non-Marine Molluscs Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: mrapickwell@gmail.com 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 welcomed. USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) http://www.glnp.org.uk/ *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ BioLinks Courses – Field Studies Council https://www.field-studies-council.org/biolinks-courses/ *** InsideEcology *** Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ *** NHBS *** Should you need natural history equipment or books, a good place to start is: https://www.nhbs.com/ *** Bird Friendly Coffee Shade-grown from RSPB *** https://birdandwild.co.uk/ For the geologists... Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 Lincolnshire Geology https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/special-features/geology The Wolds AONB https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/maps/geology *** Cracking up in Lincolnshire - our roads - Geological Society *** https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Geoscientist/Archive/March-2014/Cracking-up-in-Lincolnshire *** The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable LNU book *** https://lnu.org/publications/books/the-geology-of-lincolnshire/ *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting. However, records are sent in by a variety of reporters; from complete beginners to professionals. They may vary in reliability and occasionally may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed please 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. https://lnu.org/specialists/ When sending in reports, e.g. unusual plants, please report any sensitive news directly to recorders. Not the Bulletin. We don't want to spoil things with untimely or unwise publicity. Thank you. 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. *** Codes of Conduct *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. BSBI Code of Conduct https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/BSBI-Code-of-Conduct.pdf Code of Conduct for Collecting of Fungi http://www.davidmoore.org.uk/Assets/fungi4schools/Reprints/Pickers_code.pdf RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ [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 https://lnu.org/meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important updates *** We will post any changes to LNU events through the Bulletin; the LNU Twitter feed; LNU Facebook page and LNU meetings webpage. Please refer to the LNU website for details of any Zoom arrangements for watching online. Indoor Meetings 2022 https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ 'The new Birds of Lincolnshire: trials and tribulations in data recording.' LNU/Lincolnshire Bird Club talk by Phil Espin. 2pm - Saturday January 29th 2022 Species Recording Meeting Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders; it will finish at 4pm. 12 noon – 19th February 2022 Annual General Meeting – 12th March 2022 2pm – Followed by the Presidential Address by Owen Mountford For details and any necessary subsequent updates or changes please visit: LNU Website: https://lnu.org/meetings/ LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ Whisby Natural History Workshops See: https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. Places are limited. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** None this week. Advice is: If your Service provider can't or won't allow the Bulletin through, use a free email account instead. In the event of a mail failure ask me for the error report to pass on to your "Help Desk". I am glad to help. ....and finally... Oxford river swimmers criticise Christmas Day sewage release https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-59801299 Climate change: Lapland reindeer gone astray in search for food https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59742359 Leading American naturalist EO Wilson, dubbed 'Darwin's heir', dies at 92 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59803766 EO Wilson talks evolution and Richard Dawkins spat. 7min watch. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-29959821 Climate change: Huge toll of extreme weather disasters in 2021 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59761839 World's oldest family tree created using DNA https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59774315 Seagulls, songbirds and parrots. What new research tells us about their cognitive ability https://theconversation.com/seagulls-songbirds-and-parrots-what-new-research-tells-us-about-their-cognitive-ability-173954 Five of the most exciting telescope pictures of the universe https://theconversation.com/five-of-the-most-exciting-telescope-pictures-of-the-universe-169877 ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/