=========================================== || || 29th September 2021 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, tips 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 - with details of the Whisby Natural History Workshops 12. ...and finally..... don't miss the links... ============================================ 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 from 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 copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: Please note I am expecting some work to our house which may slow or interrupt production of the Bulletin in October. I will do my best to keep to my routine but may have hold-ups, for which I apologise in advance. Please stay aware of updated Covid-19 advice and adapt personal precautions accordingly as understanding and measures "evolve" and perhaps change. See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Below are some October events, news and latest sightings for you to enjoy. The weather is turning autumnal which may encourage fungi to show themselves so I have added a selection of websites at various levels to help with identification. Next LNU Field Meeting: Woodhall Spa Airfield LWT Reserve – Sunday 10th October 2021. Fungus Foray. https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2019-10-13/ If you have news of good starling murmuration sites, please let us know. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/starling/starling-murmurations/ Final update for Lincspirational Plants: Exhibitions, Light Shows and and Auction https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants Aidan Neary writes: "As well as our upcoming light show and exhibition events in October we are also launching our online Lincspirational Plants Art auction to help us raise money so we can create more wildflower rich habitat across Lincolnshire." The auction contains over 130 pieces of original artwork that were submitted by artists from across the country as part of the Lincspirational Plants competition held earlier in the year. The auction is now open for browsing but will not be going live until next Friday 1st October. Why not bid on one of our lots and make a difference to wildlife in Lincolnshire? Items start at £20 + P&P. Auction link: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/lincspirationalplantsauction There are still places on most of this year's Whisby Natural History Workshops. https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Sawflies – David Sheppard - October 9th - FULLY SUBSCRIBED Sawflies are a much less known and studied branch of the Hymenoptera family than the more glamorous Bees and Wasps. This workshop is an introduction to them by Dr David Sheppard, Lincolnshire county Hymenoptera recorder. The workshop will be indoors as there are very few sawflies around by October. An initial talk followed by studying specimens. Lichens – Mark Seaward – October 16th - will go ahead - some places still. An introduction to the subject by Professor Mark Seaward of Bradford University, Lincolnshire county Lichen recorder. An initial talk but then most of the workshop will be out of doors looking at examples in the nature park. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for when we go outside. Owl Pellets - Garry Steele - November 20th - will go ahead - some places still. Dissecting owl and bird pellets can give a fascinating insight into their prey. Garry Steele who has been studying the subject for many years will lead the workshop which will be entirely indoors. Pellets to dissect will be provided. Weather Forecast https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Sunday 3 - Tuesday 12 Oct "Further showers or longer spells of rain to the north and northwest, along with the potential for strong winds. Drier and more settled conditions are expected across the south and east as high pressure builds, however there is still the possibility of some showers and bands of rain here." Here is this week's selection of links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories plus reports and articles sent in by Bulletin readers. I hope there's something for you. Heads up for The Mating Game - Sir David Attenborough - BBC 1 - Sunday 8.00 pm. https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/how-to-watch-the-mating-game/ Celebrations from campaigners as plan for holiday village in nature reserve on the Humber is withdrawn https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politics/celebrations-from-campaigners-as-plan-for-holiday-village-in-nature-reserve-on-the-humber-is-withdrawn-3396989 Norton Disney: Animal rendering plant plans withdrawn https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58681699 Prof Chris Whitty: Deprived coastal towns need redesign https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-58665313 'Mini tornado' rips through Humberston and Thorngumbald https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-58706938 River Avon wild beaver family sighting 'extremely significant' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-58722049 Northern Forest plan for 50 million trees gets £15m funding boost https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-58704125 As autumn approaches here's why we see more spiders in our houses and why wasps are desperate for sugar https://theconversation.com/as-autumn-approaches-heres-why-we-see-more-spiders-in-our-houses-and-why-wasps-are-desperate-for-sugar-167593 Seal pictured off south Devon with crab pot entangled around neck https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-58668061 Northumberland diver finds seal with ring stuck round neck https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-tyne-58678765 Seal disturbances: Second pup dies in Ceredigion - a sad tale https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58638380 Growing bigger prickly hedges can reduce the chance of extreme weather https://theconversation.com/growing-bigger-prickly-hedges-can-reduce-the-chance-of-extreme-weather-and-a-lot-more-167568 Ettrick Marshes: Gates open on 'one of last great wildernesses' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-58669462 Northstowe to blame for empty ponds in Longstanton, says report https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-58667802 Hertfordshire puddingstone put in bypass village of Little Hadham https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-58663801 More links to enjoy in "..and finally ..." Reminder: If you are not yet an LNU member and would like to become one, you will be very welcome to join. The webpage to visit is: https://lnu.org/join-the-lnu/ Please 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/ Please keep your reports coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** October Night Sky! Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Meteor Shower Guide 2021 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide Draconids 8/9th October. Likely the Orionids 21st/22nd will be spoiled by moonlight. *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Len Pick Trust Barn Owls online *** Camera now off until, hopefully, January 2022. Thanks to Bob and his colleagues for an illuminating year. *** 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 - wearing gloves or using a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. BATS ON WALLS Please can I ask any reader who see a bat on an exterior wall in daytime to get in touch with us immediately – see details above. A bat on an outside wall is almost always in trouble. Some may be old animals, but we’ve had far too many underweight bats this year who are clearly not, and some at least can be restored to a decent weight and released, you hope to find enough to eat. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** On Monday 4th October 2021 our area group will celebrate our 50th Anniversary at our indoor meeting where Steve Crosland will give an illustrated talk on "Tetney Blow Wells - A Personal View." This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission is £3. Covid preventative measures will be in place as stated on our area group website. Attendees are requested to book a place with Jennie Redpath on 01472 502858 or email jennifer.redpathgy@gmail.com as numbers are restricted. *** The South Holland Area Group of the Wildlife Trust *** The South Holland Area Group of the Wildlife Trust are resuming their winter programme. The first talk will be given on the 12th October by Amanda Jenkins and is titled “Naturehoods.” Attendees are ask to wear a facemask and note that there will be no refreshments provided at the moment but members of audience are welcome to bring own their if the wish. To pay for the room hire and the speakers' fees and costs there will be a £1 .50 charge, also note a raffle will not be held this time. All meetings will be held as usual at Pinchbeck Village Hall starting at 7.30 unless further notice is given. The annual coffee morning has been postponed until the committee can see how the Corona virus situation develops. *** Online talks - Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service and Heritage Lincolnshire*** Magic and Folklore of Trees - Thursday 21st October 2021 Time: 7pm start online with Q&A's afterwards Weaving mythology, magical practices and tales of woodland wisdom with advice on tree care and the everyday usefulness of woodland products. Trees provide a unique insight into our relationship with the natural landscape and have been an important part of our culture for tens of thousands of years. The speaker will take you on a journey into the legends and myths of trees found in the modern landscape. We will look for tree spirits and gods, superstitions and practical counsel from our ancestors and ask questions such as just why there is such an affinity between people and trees, even today. https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/shop/tickets/non-member-tickets/talks-by-david-rodger-lwcs/ Tickets: £5 Members of Heritage Lincolnshire / £7 Non Members For further information contact Heritage Lincolnshire: htladmin@heritagelincolnshire.org 01529 461499 www.heritagelincolnshire.org *** Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** The successful season of well-received continues on Monday 18th October at 7.30pm ‘A Humber Odyssey’ A Zoom talk by Pete Short Pete Short is the RSPB Humber Reserves Site Manager. In this talk, he will meander down the Humber looking at the spectacular birdlife and the diverse work the RSPB Humber wardening team do to manage the reserves and wider estuary, and how it helps keep it as an internationally important place for birds and wildlife. Plenty of local interest - not to be missed! This Talk will be followed by the AGM’s for the years ending June 2020 and June 2021. (There will be an opportunity to leave the meeting between the talk and the AGMs) 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 16th October, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** The Wolds Fungi Group - Programme of Forays Autumn 2021 *** The aim is to have an enjoyable day out, looking for and learning how to identify the mushrooms & toadstools of Lincolnshire, record them and understand their ecology. Anyone interested in joining the forays should contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com Forays start at 10.00am and last for 2 to 3 hours. Bring along a plastic box (no carrier bags!) A penknife is useful for removing fungi on wood; a culinary fork for prizing specimens out of the litter. A hand lens is always useful, as is a note book. A list of our records for a foray will be provided for those who want them. October meetings: Thursday Oct. 7th Kenwick woods, Louth. The area we will be foraying in is essentially private but members who live on site and are joining the group are happy to host our visit. On entering Kenwick Park proceed to the car park on the right (not to the hotel and golf course) where we will meet before going down into the wood. Tuesday Oct. 19th Ostlers Plantation, Woodhall Spa. Meet and park at the wood Grid ref. TF 216627 Tuesday Oct. 26th Snipe Dales Country Park, Spilsby. Meet in the Country park car park Grid ref. TF330681. Note there is a £1 parking charge Anyone interested in joining the forays should contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. 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. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 21/9 Pacific Golden Plover, 5 Short-eared Owls, 2 Ruddy Shelducks on reedbed, Little Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper on North Scrape, Frampton Marsh 25 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Shore-eared Owl, 2 Bramblings flew over, Gibraltar Point 4 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper briefly, on beach, Theddlethorpe 2 Little Stints, Tetney Marshes 2 Common Scoters flew over, Hen Harrier, Scopwick Slavonian Grebe, Covenham Reservoir Little Stint on beach, briefly, Humberston 14 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough flats 22/9 Red-breasted Goose for 3rd day on flooded saltmarsh, with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, at Sea Lane, Wrangle Flats near Butterwick 26 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 4 Short-eared Owls from sea wall, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers on North Scrape, 2 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh Wood Sandpiper, Donna Nook 28 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats 23/9 Red-breasted Goose [unringed/escaped] for 3rd day on flooded saltmarsh with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, at Sea Lane, Wrangle Flats near Butterwick Spotted Crake, Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, 13 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 29 Spoonbills, Glossy Ibis, 5 Spotted Redshanks and 30 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sandpiper, Cleethorpes 24/9 Red-breasted Goose on flooded saltmarsh with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, at Sea Lane, Wrangle Flats near Butterwick Pectoral Sandpiperson North Scrape, Short-eared Owl, Spoonbill, 2 Little Stints, 7 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 5 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, 22 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Caspian Gull, Middlemarsh Wetlands, Skegness [late report] Glossy Ibis reported in flight, Killingholme 3 Little Stints, 9 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 25/9 Red-breasted Goose [unringed/escaped] for 3rd day on saltmarsh with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, at Sea Lane, 2 Short-eared Owls, Wrangle Flats near Butterwick 2+ Little Stints, 3 Short-eared Owls, Spotted Crake NE side of reedbed, Pectoral Sandpiper on North Scrape, 3 Spoonbills, Bittern, Spotted Redshank, Osprey, Frampton Marsh 3 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, 20 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Garganey, Marston sewage works Black Tern, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Tetney Marshes Osprey near East Halton, Skitter 26/9 4 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, 19 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper on North Scrape, then flew towards Marsh Farm, Bittern, 2 Little Stints, 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Caspian Gull subadult, in field south of Willingham by Stow 3 Bitterns.,Far Ings 27/9 Little Stint on North Scrape, Frampton Marsh American Wigeon ecl drk, on lagoon, Freiston Shore 13 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Ruddy Shedduck in field with 1000+ Pink-footed Geese, Saltfleet Garganey, Marston sewage works Spotted Redshank on grass, East Halton Skitter 28/9 6 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, 19 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 2 Little Stints, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh American Wigeon ecl drk, on lagoon, Freiston Shore Garganey, Marston sewage works Little Stint, Donna Nook ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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" *** Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: excellent photos and information. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Lincs Bird Club - latest sightings: superb website https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch - check the latest sightings: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/lincolnshire-latest-sightings 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. MESSINGHAM - correction Northmoor Road: 893 052 Should have read: "Northfield Road" Keith Scarrott 17/09/21 Small Hedgehog Roadkill *** 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. ASHING LANE TF 04287 78832 Ashing Lane Nature Reserve 21 Sept 2021 15:30 Su Colman & Mark Townsend Alder beetle (alder leaf beetle) - four observed and many holes in leaves are evidence of a larger population. BARDNEY - The Green R+A Parsons 22/9/2021 TF120694 19.50 hrs - bat echolocation signals at 21, 45 and 55 kHz. Probably 2 ssp of Pipistrelle: Soprano and Common, and Noctule. BOSTON My garden TF338441 Tracey Lenton This month has been notable for caterpillar sightings: 03/09/2021 Elephant Hawk moth on elder leaf. 08/09/2021 Caterpillar on pond iris leaf which might be either a Knotgrass or Brown Tail (Martin Gray/John Davison). Knotgrass can be found in damp areas like ponds where this one was seen. 26/09/2021 Toadflax Brocade on purple toadflax, id by Martin Gray and John Davison of Lincolnshire Butterfly Conservation. Buff Ermine moth, several under plant leaves in the borders. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 28/09/2021 Pair Red Kites to the east of us, flying south into the wind. Still the odd House Martin around, occasional butterflies, Red Admiral this morning. 27/09/2021 23.00: Barn Owl making hideous sounds nearby. General note: does anyone have any thoughts about where all the Earwigs have gone? When I was a child they were very numerous at this time of the year, but this is no longer the case; I've seen about 6 in recent months, and very few in recent years. KIRKBY-ON-BAIN Kirkby on Bain pits David Robinson 22/9/2021 male willow emerald damselfly, Chaloclestes viridis. Nick Tribe identified this from a photograph. "That’s a male willow emerald damselfly, Chaloclestes viridis. It’s an emerald damselfly and it has pale spots in the wing and that points to the above species. Flight period is right too." There were loads of Dragon and Damsel flies about. I had a lovely time sitting and watching, several times dragon flies landed on my arm, shoulder and shoes. I must have been a good heat source because they kept coming back time after time and didn't mind if I jiggled about, wonderful. SUDBROOKE SCOUT CAMPSITE (east of Lincoln) TF047762 Report by Brian Hedley 12th September 2021 The fifth LNU field meeting of 2021 was to the Sudbrooke Scout Campsite located to the east of Lincoln. It was a new meeting location with access kindly permitted by Lincoln District Scouts. Fourteen LNU members attended who were led by Brian Hedley on a dry, mild and partly sunny afternoon. The relatively small site has a mixture of grassland (amenity and rough), woodland and two ponds. About 160 plant species were recorded by Tim Smith and Brian Hedley. Highlights included Golden Dock, Tutsan, Square-stemmed St.John's-wort, Many-seeded Goosefoot and Yellow Loosestrife. One of the ponds had dense New Zealand Pygmyweed unfortunately. Sixplant specimens were collected for the LoveLincsPlants herbarium. Twenty-one bird species were heard or seen including Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Little Grebe, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Amphibians were well represented with frequent Common Frogs, three juvenile Great Crested Newts and singles of Common Toad and Smooth Newt. Many of these were found under logs. A Fox was also seen. Butterflies were uncommon with only Speckled Wood being frequent. Moths included Snout, Brimstone, Silver Y plus leaf mines of Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner and Dark Hornbeam Midget. A caterpillar of Dark Dagger was also found (and well photographed). Four species of odonata were recorded including a single Willow Emerald Damselfly (yet another new Lincolnshire site for this recent colonist). Other insects included Hawthorn, Birch, Green and Bronze Shieldbugs (the last species is uncommon nationally and found species by Charlie Barnes). Beetles included Lesser Stag Beetle, Alder Leaf Beetle (abundant). Harlequin Ladybird, Figwort Weevil, Tortoise Beetle and Uleiota planata. The distinctive pattern on elm leaves eaten by Zig-zag Sawfly were noted by Richard Davidson. Other sawflies included Alder (adult and larvae), Figwort (larvae), Lesser Willow (larva) and Pristiphora ruficornis (larva). Galls were frequent and included those made by Psyllopsis fraxini (on Ash), Eriophyes inangulis (on Alder), Eriophyes laevis (on Alder) and Andricus quercuscalis (on Oak). Avery attractive orange and black cranefly Metalimnobia bifasciata was found by Phil Porter and is the second county record. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 22nd – 28th September 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings:   220921 - 6 little stint on the foreshore over the morning high tide and a black-throated diver flew north over the sea. On Paradise lagoon were 5 greenshank, 4 redshank, 41 lapwing, 5 snipe, 1 green sandpiper, 1 common sandpiper, 30 teal, 4 shoveler. 240921 - Ivy very busy with many bees, wasps, hoverflies and various flies. Butterflies seen: comma, red admiral, speckled wood, small copper, small white and large white. Dragonflies: migrant hawker, ruddy and common darter 250921 - Wheatear near Paradise wood, 500+ pink-footed geese flying over towards fields in the Elm House Farm area late afternoon. Marsh harrier over the saltmarsh. C20 migrant hawkers in the Churchill Lane area. 260921 - 41 wigeon over saltmarsh and 38 golden plover flying south. 270921 - On Paradise lagoon: 58 teal, 13 shoveler, 2 moorhen, 1 mallard, 5 greenshank, 24 redshank, 2 black-tailed godwits, 1 common sandpiper, 2 common gulls and 45 black-headed gulls one of which had a red darvic ring with white digits 2AP7. A party of 10 swallows flew south over Sea View. Good numbers of pink-footed geese flying over towards Elm House farm land early morning, at least 800. 280921 - 2 porpoise were offshore from the south end of the NNR. A black-throated diver and an Arctic Skua flew south. On the sea were 9 red-throated diver, 7 guillemot, 250 common scoter and a great crested grebe. Finches, including Siskin and brambling, and meadow pipits were flying south in small numbers. Daily passage of hundreds of pink-footed geese over and c 600 roosting on NNR foreshore ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 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/ The Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports 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! 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. The Bulletin 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 *** Events and activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants Aidan Neary - LoveLincsPlants Project Officer writes: "I am in the process in coordinating the project’s Lincspirational Plants light show/ projection events and online art auction in October. I will provide more details in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed." Lincspirational Art light show events in October - dates for your diary Final update link for Love Lincs Plants project events: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2021-10-02-lincspirational-plants-light-show https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2021-10-08-lincspirational-plants-light-show https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2021-10-09-lincspirational-plants-light-show Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed - active... https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants *** 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 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 - we can expect post-harvest 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. *** Some identification links for Fungi: *** How to identify British woodland fungi - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/british-woodland-fungi-id-guide/ British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/how-to-identify/guide-to-british-fungi-where-to-find-and-how-to-identify/ The NHBS Guide to Fungi Identification https://www.nhbs.com/blog/the-nhbs-guide-to-fungi-identification Fungi - Nature Spot - gallery https://www.naturespot.org.uk/gallery/fungi Fungi Families/Types Identity Parade - gallery https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/~id-guide.php https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ British Mycological Society https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/ LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ 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. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: 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 - wearing gloves or using 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 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/ *** 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 - 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://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-geology-of-lincolnshire-h-h-swinnerton-and-p-e-kent.pdf *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** UKGE - Geological Supplies *** https://www.ukge.com/ *** British Geological Survey at Keyworth *** https://www.bgs.ac.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 instances 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. When sending in reports, e.g. unusual plants, it will be good if you can report any sensitive news directly to recorders rather than via the Bulletin please, as we don't want to spoil things with untimely/unwise publicity. Thank you. https://lnu.org/specialists/ 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 Responsible 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 update *** "LNU 2021 field meetings - May - October are now running." We will post any changes to LNU events through the Bulletin, the LNU Twitter feed, LNU Facebook page and LNU meetings webpage. 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 Richard Davidson says : Arranged in partnership by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) and the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union. At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building on Saturday afternoons from 13.00 pm until 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments not included but please feel free to bring your own. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. Places are limited. Find out more about the various subjects from our local experts. Sawflies – October 9th – David Sheppard - FULLY SUBSCRIBED Lichens – October 16th – Mark Seaward Dissecting Owl Pellets – November 20th – Garry Steele See: https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** Paul Hamshaw - soft bounce - over quota so I can't contact him to help - does anyone know him? Advice is: if your Service provider or network can't or won't allow the Bulletin through, use a free email account instead. In the event of a mail failure I will be happy to send you the error report to pass on to your "Help Desk". Just ask. ....and finally... Half a million acres in Highlands to be 'left to nature' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-58663615 Earliest definitive evidence of people in Americas https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58638854 How land birds cross the open ocean, news via @RareBirdAlertUK https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/How_land_birds_cross_the_open_ocean.aspx How to build a hedgehog home - The Wildlife Trusts https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-build-hedgehog-home Firefighters try to save sequoia trees from wildfires with blankets https://www.zmescience.com/science/firefighters-try-to-save-sequoia-trees-from-wildfires-with-blankets/ 4 links from Avaaz recommended by Annette Faulkner The insect apocalypse: ‘Our world will grind to a halt without them’ (The Guardian) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/25/the-insect-apocalypse-our-world-will-grind-to-a-halt-without-them UN sets out Paris-Style plan to cut extinction rate by a factor of 10 (The Guardian) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/12/change-is-coming-un-sets-out-paris-style-plan-to-cut-extinction-rate-tenfold Study: Farm pesticide killing more bees (Dhaka Tribune) https://www.dhakatribune.com/world/2021/08/05/study-farm-pesticides-killing-more-bees Bee Kind: Imperial scientists’ efforts to protect pollinators (Imperial College London) https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/221513/bee-kind-imperial- ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/