============================================ || || 1st May 2024 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU: http://lnu.org/ || || Please email Editor on: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, events, news and requests - mostly local. 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert. 3. Wildlife reports around the county. Contributions welcome... 4. NNRs, RSPB and LWT Reserves : Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe. 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR: Chambers Farm Wood. 6. Other Reserve Reports - links. 7. Sending in Bulletin Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information - recorders and specialists... 9. Notes about these wildlife reports. 10. Bulletin publicity policy. 11. Events Diary - what's on. 12. ...and finally. Mostly national/international wildlife stories. ============================================ 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]. Compare earlier years/months. Past Bulletins archive [in text] from 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Phil Porter writes; Damselflies emerging, oddities on the coast including stone curlew and white-tailed eagle – it’s all happening!! Both of these birds were flying past, so it’s a good ideal to keep your eyes on the sky wherever you are. The thought is that Harlequin Ladybird populations have crashed? What do you think? Please support or reject this opinion! Bob Sheppard’s news The peregrines at St James's Church, Louth continue to thrive and they are due to hatch around 7th May. http://www.louthperegrines.org.uk/latest-news.html No news yet of any eggs at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham or Boston Stump. The birds are still making occasional appearances but it's getting late for eggs now. This week really is the last chance saloon for this year. Another new peregrine turned up at Grantham this week making nine birds this season! The ospreys at Loch of Lowes have three eggs and the male is busy bringing fish to the nest for his mate. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ There's not a lot of action from the barn owls at the Len Pick Trust tower as the female is sitting very tight. The eggs should begin to hatch during the next few days and it will get much busier then. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ Robert Patchett writes "Understanding the habitat requirements of Short-eared Owls can inform conservation action for this species. Given the vast distances that individual Short-eared Owls can travel over the course of a season, we need to understand how these requirements may vary between locations." Use of dwarf shrubland–grassland mosaics by a nomadic predatory bird, the Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus https://www.bto.org/our-science/publications/peer-reviewed-papers/use-dwarf-shrubland%E2%80%93grassland-mosaics-nomadic *** Peoples Trust for Endangered Species *** National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme https://ptes.org/campaigns/hedgehogs/nhmp/ https://ptes.org/event/an-evening-with-hedgehog-street-nhmp-special-tuesday-7th-may-2024/ *** This week's mostly-local news stories: *** Biodiversity project begins in market town https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cydr8m5vyjpo Pothole vehicle damage claims up by a third https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c80zx863w88o Revised plans for solar farm at ex-RAF Fiskerton site approved https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68909527 Mini traffic delays as equipment removed from Lincolnshire road - Short Ferry https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68905213 Horncastle flooding: Environment Agency defends response https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68894134 Plug pulled on boat race for fifth year in a row https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4n18w4zd5no Unexploded bomb found on Lincolnshire beach https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c51n3p87dj9o Warning not to hunt unexploded bombs on beach https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c289npvy3l4o 'Grand send off' for explorer who named Australia https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv27vx1q3geo RAF fighters carry out night flying exercises over Lincolnshire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68923989 Paddleboarder rescues deer from the sea at Cleethorpes https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-68922425 More than 1,000 objections to large biogas plant https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c72pvjy3gd8o The lost chronometer The timepiece that travelled on board famous ships like Charles Darwin's HMS Beagle, before being lost at sea during Sir John Franklin's doomed expedition to the Arctic https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/lost-chronometer-timepiece-sailed-charles-darwin-sir-john-franklin Phil Porter's email is: philporterento@outlook.com Alex Pickwell is now helping with the Bulletin mailing. There is another side to him! Starting in April, he will be attempting to run three full marathons in six weeks to raise money for a Lincolnshire- based charity. Central German Shepherd Rescue is a charity dedicated to the rescue, fostering and rehoming of German Shepherds in need. It provides care and treatment for unwanted or neglected dogs and educates people about the German Shepherd breed. Central German Shepherd Rescue is entirely supported by donations and run only by volunteer efforts. If interested you can find out more from Alex. Alex Pickwell's email: mrapickwell@gmail.com *** Weather News and Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#? East Midlands weather forecast On Thursday 2nd May mist and fog will clear by mid-morning with cloud retreating towards coasts. Becoming brighter, with warm, sunny spells inland. Feeling cooler along the coast. Cloud and fog returning overnight. Maximum temperature 18 °C. Outlook for Friday 3rd May-Sunday 5th May; Unsettled on Friday with spells of heavy rain and showers, possibly thundery. Rain easing and clearing northwards overnight. Drier and brighter Saturday. Variable cloud Sunday with showers. Cooler along coasts. UK long range weather forecast Sunday 5 May - Tuesday 14 May An uncertain period through the bank holiday weekend with the most likely result a warm but cloudy day Sunday with a few light showers, then increasingly cloudy with rain spreading from the west, though weakening as it does so, however there remains a broad spread of solutions with the threat of showery spells a common feature. Into the new week all areas are likely to see a mixture of showery periods or spells of rain, though generally drier conditions expected to develop through the following week away from the northeast as high pressure develops to the west. Sunniest conditions across the south, cloudiest in the north and east. Temperatures mostly a little above normal for early May. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** May Night Sky - highlights: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/astronomy/night-sky-highlights-may-2024 Full Moons 2024 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/full-moon-calendar Meteor shower dates 2024 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide BBC Sky at Night Magazine website https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news *** EVENTS *** *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes Birds and Bluebells Walk in Bradley and Dixon's Woods All are welcome to join us on Saturday 11th May 2024 2pm on walk in Bradley and Dixon's Woods near Grimsby looking for birds and woodland spring flowers with Graham Hicks. Please meet in the car parking area. Grid Ref TA 244058 Post Code DN37 0AH. 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 further information please contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890 or Carolyn Davis 07914 924790 or visit our website www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk and details are on our events page. *** South Lincs RSPB Group *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group has released details of their 2024 "Seal and Birdwatching" cruises aboard "The Boston Belle". There are twelve cruises organised for 2024, starting on 5th April and ending on 24th October. Full details are on our website, including ticket prices, booking arrangements, sailing times and dates etc. Booking is essential. https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/ South Lincs RSPB group have also announced an evening SLIDESHOW/ TALK at The Old Kings Head {Kirton, PE20 1EG}. "Birds and wildlife of the Western Cape Provence of South Africa by Garry Steele on Thursday 24th October 2024 at 7-30pm Full details at https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/news-blogs/blog/birds-and-wildlife-of-the-western-cape-provence-of-south-africa-by-garry-steele/ Furthermore, the South Lincs RSPB group have organised an "Early morning Birdsong". A FREE WALK. Saturday 11th May at 7-30am Prior booking essential. Full details at Full details at https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/news-blogs/blog/early-morning-birdsong-walk/ *** Lincoln RSPB *** Richard Davidson writes “Heron-Watch” Volunteer opportunities available for people who are passionate about wildlife and conservation. Lincoln RSPB is running a Heron Watchpoint at Hartsholme Park, Lincoln on two weekends in May 4th, 5th 6th (Bank Holiday Monday), and 11th, 12th. Prior experience is not necessary, enthusiasm is more important. For more information, contact Gwen M. Randall, Volunteer Co-ordinator gwen.randall@ntlworld.com *** Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland *** Charlie Barnes writes.. In case anyone is interested, I'll be leading two visits to Lincolnshire on behalf of ColSoc - the Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland – one to Whisby and another to the coast on the 1st and 2nd June, respectively. You have to be a supporter for insurance purposes but there is currently no fee so you just have to sign up - details below. All abilities/interests welcome! To become a supporter please go to www.colsoc.org/get-involved and sign up. To express an interest in attending a field meeting please send an email to colsocinfo+fieldmeetings@gmail.com. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Field Meeting *** Grimsthorpe Park, Saturday 25th May 2024. West of Bourne. Access courtesy of Grimsthorpe Estate 11.00 for 12.00 start and finish about 16.00. Car parking nearby off Scottlethorpe Road. Parking arrangements to be confirmed. Grid reference: TF 04638 20565 What3Words: rebounder.publisher.firmly nearest postcode: PE10 0LW. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub. Leaders: Luke Hartley 07399 322211 hartley026@gmail.com and Sarah Lambert 07784169260 sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com https://what3words.com/rebounder.publisher.firmly STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Bird flu: Defra advice to the general public is to leave corpses alone and report the findings - but that landowners should dispose of birds themselves. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain Lyme Disease reminder https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/zoonoses-data-sheets/lyme-disease.pdf 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 - sign up 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 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 their pager reports. A big thank you from us all. Readers interested in a pager - look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 20/4 Cowbit, Turnstone, 2 Garganey 1 drk, on southern section of Cowbit Wash. Deeping St James, 2 Glossy Ibises reported, Deeping Lakes. East Halton Marshes, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 male, Garganey at Winter's Pond then flew to Humber near Killingholme Haven. Frampton Marsh, Black tern, 2 Little Gulls ad and 1s, Litle Stint and Red-breasted Goose on Marsh Farm Wet Grassland, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s by visitor centre car park. Freiston Shore, Spotted Redshank, Salfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR, Blue-headed Wagtail at Elm House Farm by track on scrape before hide. Pyewipe, Spoonbill, Novartis Ings. 21/4 Anderby Creek, Green-winged Teal from viewing screen, Anderby Marsh, Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Cowbit, 2 Garganey 1 drk on Cowbit Marsh. spotted Redshank, 2 Grey Plovers. East Halton Marshes, Ring Ouzel male in scrub, Garganey drk on track leading to bungalow on scrapes.. Frampton Marsh, Little Stint, 1s Little Gull, Red-breasted Goose, Spotted Redshank on Marsh Farm Grassland, Black-winged Stilt 1s fem, Black Tern, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point, Short-eared Owl, 4 Water Pipits. 22/4 Anderby Creek, Green-winged Teal from viewing screen, Anderby Marsh. Cowbit, Spotted Redshank at north end from Cradge Bank. Grey Plover. ad Little Gull, fem Garganey. Frampton Marsh, 2 Little Gulls ad + 1s, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s by visitor centre car park. Little Stint. Black Tern ad, Black-winged Stilt 1s fem on wet grassland, Red-breasted Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Marsh Farm Grassland. Freiston Shore, Ring Ouzel male. Gibraltar Point, Caspian Gull on Tennyson's Sands opposite beach car park. Harborough, South Killingholme, Ring Ouzel male. Messingham Sand Quarry, Arctic Tern flew through opposite Scallow Grove Farm. 23/4 Cowbit, Spotted Redshank at north end from Cradge Bank. 4 Little Gulls, 2 Grey Plovers. Deeping St James, Glossy Ibises on East Pit, Deeping Lakes. Baston & Langtoft Pits, 4+ Arctic Terns at Wader Pit. Frampton Marsh, 2 Garganey, 2 Little Gulls, Black Tern ad., 1s fem Black-winged Stilt, Red-breasted Goose ad with Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Marsh Farm Grassland, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point, Velvet Scoter on sea, Spoonbill. Willow Tree Fen, Arctic Tern. 24/4 Anderby Creek, Green-winged Teal from viewing screen, Anderby Marsh, Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Stone Curlew flew south over dunes. Baston & Langtoft Pits, 12 Arctic Terns over Wader Pit briefly. Covenham Reservoir, 29 Arctic Terns. Cowbit, Spotted Redshank at Cowbit Wash from Cradge Bank, + 2 Little Gulls, Grey Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Turnstone, 5 Arctic Terns flew NE. Deeping St James, Glossy Ibises on East Pit, Deeping Lakes. Frampton Marsh, Black Tern ad, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s by visitor centre car park, Little Gull. 25/4 Anderby Creek, Woodchat Shrike fem west of Roundhouse in scrub, Green-winged Teal from viewing screen, Anderby Marsh, Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbill. Boston, Ring Ouzel male at Scrane End near Corral. Cowbit, Grey Plover from Barrier Bank at Cowbit Marsh. Frampton Marsh, 3 Spoonbills, 1s fem Black-winged Stilt on Marsh Farm wet grassland. Black Tern over reedbed, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s on Marsh Farm grassland in fen. Spotted Redshank. Blue-headed Wagtail probably fem by visitor centre car park, 1s Little Gull, Red-breasted Goose ad by River Welland on saltmarsh.. Freiston Shore, Woodlark, Ring Ouzel, Spotted Redshank. Gibraltar Point, Green-winged Teal drk on Freshwater Marsh from Mill Hill. Velvet Scoter flew south past. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, Nightingale, Serin near Crook Bank car park flew SSW over dunes; 2 Ring Ouzels north of Rimac Car Park. 26/4 Anderby Creek, Green-winged Teal at Anderby Marsh from viewing screen, Blue-headed Wagtail at Anderby Marsh, Spoonbill. Covenham Reservoir, Caspian Gull 1w Cowbit, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Turnstone at Cowbit Wash. Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis in East Pit, Deeping Lakes, then flew west. Frampton Marsh, Little Gull1s, White-tailed Eagle imm flew high over, Black Tern on South Scrape, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s and Wood Sandpiper on Marsh Farm grassland in fen, 3 Spoonbills. Gibraltar Point, Hen Harrier ringtail Grimsby, Dotterel with Golden Plovers, north on A180 west of Beechwood Farm pun at Europarc. Messingham Sand Quarry, Cuckoo opposite Scallow Grove Farm Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, Nightingale singing in scrub east of Crook Bank car park. Whisby, at Thorpe Landfill at quarry in lake at Job's Lane, Bar-tailed Godwit. 27/4 Anderby Creek, Woodchat Shrike fem in hawthorns just west of Roundhouse, Caspian Gull at Anderby Marsh. Baston & Langtoft Pits, Wood Sandpiper. Cowbit, Turnstone at Cowbit Wash, Spotted Redshank from Cradge Bank, fem Garganey, 2 Sanderlings at north end, Cowbit Wash. Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis on east Pit, Deeping Lakes. East Halton, Ring Ouzel male, East Halton Marshes, Wood Sandpiper. Frampton Marsh, Little Gull 1s, Wood sandpiper and Black-winged Stilt fem on Marsh farm wet grassland, Red-breasted Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, on saltmarsh by River Welland. Freiston Shore, Red-breasted Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, on saltmarsh. Whisby, at Thorpe Landfill at quarry in lake at Job's Lane, Bar-tailed Godwit. 28/4 Anderby Creek, Woodchat Shrike fem in hawthorns just west of Roundhouse, 3 Ring Ouzels, 2 Garganey 1 drk Anderby Marsh. Baston & Langtoft Pits, 9 Arctic Terns at Wader Pit - then 6 flew off. Boultham Mere, 3 Arctic Terns flew NW through, along south side of drain. Covenham Reservoir, Ring Ouzel by entrance, then flw south along bank. Cowbit, fem Garganey, Spotted Redshank, 6 Black Terns flew through, 5 Arctic Terns and Purple Sandpiper at north end of Cowbit Wash. Frampton Marsh, 2 Little Gulls, Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt 1s fem on Marsh farm wet grassland, Spotted Redshank, Red-breasted Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese by The Haven. Freiston Shore, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper on North Scrape.. Gibraltar Point, Black Redstart. Huttoft Bank, Ring Ouzel. Pyewipe, 13 Scaup flew upriver. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, Wood Sandpiper on Sea View washlands. 29/4 Anderby Creek, Woodchat Shrike in scrub by Roundhouse. Baston & Langtoft Pits, 6 Arctic Terns at Wader Pit. Cowbit, [Bar-tailed Godwit report was erroneous] Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis on East Pit, Deeping Lakes. Frampton Marsh, 2 Little Gulls, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s near visitor centre car park, Red-breasted Goose ad on saltmarsh with Dark-bellied Brent Geese. Gibraltar Point, Garganey drk flew to Jackson's Marsh, Little Gull at lagoons. Mablethorpe, Spoonbill flew north over Quebec Road. Cattle Egret flew north. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. A1077 SE992212 Jenny Haynes 24 April 2024 Dead badger *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in observations and welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY - THE GREEN TF120694 R + A Parsons Hedgehog on trail camera: 2024 22/4 at 23.34hrs 23/4 at 01.48 and 03.33hrs. again at 22.04-22.2hrs and 24/4 01/20, 03.50 and 04.50hrs Possibly 2-3 different individuals. 26/4 12.06-12.35, 01.52 and 02.52hrs. 28/4 2 Goldfinches if garden collecting wood from an old piece of rug the Jackdaws had been "working". Blackbird fledgling in garden - first time seen. 29/4/2024 Blue Tit 1+ Great Tit 1+ Robin 2+. Dunnock 1+ House Sparrow 4+ Blackbird 2m 1f + 1 Fledgling. Chaffinch 2 Goldfinch 2 Wagtail m+f Starling 12+ Jackdaw 8+ Wood Pigeon 8+ Collared Dove 2 Domestic pigeon 6+ up to 9 Black-headed Gull absent Hedgehog on trail camera: 28/4 at 21.45' 22.19. 23.06hrs 29/4 at 02.25, 02.26 and 04.11hrs. Sense is 2 to 4 individuals may be involved. No hedgehogs night of 29/30th. BARDNEY GARDEN TF117700 Phil and Mary Porter Once the cold weather broke, we were able to find some of the more interesting invertebrates that the garden can hold. On 29th May we saw our first Speckled Wood butterflies which were backed up by Brimstone, Peacock, Holly Blue and Small White and our first Mint Moth, Pyrausta, which becomes very common around marjoram as summer approaches. The Latticed Heath moth, which habitually flies during the day especially where there is clover, also appeared for the first time this year, later in the day. The 30th May was even better. The butterflies and moths were all present again plus Orange-tip, Green-veined White and Small White, and a fine Large Red Damselfly was resting on tree foliage. A Woundwort Shield-bug was resting on Lamb’s-ear Stachys lanata, which is part of the woundwort family. Two raptors finished the day excellently; a Kestrel flew through the garden at tree-top height and at dusk, a Barn Owl also passed through at about 5 meters. BARLINGS PARK TF067749 Phil Porter 27th April 2024 Craneflies from LNU Field Meetings Euphylidorea dispar https://ccw.naturalis.nl/detail_images.php?id=5458&image_ Limonia flavipes https://ccw.naturalis.nl/detail_images.php?id=10558&image_ Limonia phragmitidis https://ccw.naturalis.nl/detail_images.php?id=10646&image_ Tipula varipennis https://ccw.naturalis.nl/detail_images.php?id=16463&image_ CHAMBERS FARM WOOD TF 147739 Margaret Westcott 29.04.2024 Large Red Damselfly (next to pond in the Butterfly Garden) Hairy Shieldbug Longhorn moth Interesting beetle Nursery Web Spider FISKERTON FEN TF084718 Phil and Mary Porter 25th April 2024 Cuckoo Reed Bunting x2 Black-headed Gull x4 Whitethroat Robin x2 Willow Warbler x4 Blackbird Wood Pigeon x6 Goldfinch x4 Chaffinch x2 Reed Warbler Cetti’s Warbler x2 Greenfinch Blue Tit Barn Owl x1 (possibly 2) Little Egret House Martin x2 Mallard Mute Swan x3 Kestrel Grey Heron Skylark Sedge Warbler x2 Swallow x3 Marsh Harrier female FRITHVILLE TF 298489 Margaret Westcott 30.04.2024 Finally we have Brimstone eggs on the Alder Buckthorn, as many as 12 per leaf. The Orange -tips are buzzing around, no females seen yet. Green -veined are pairing. In the garden, Forget - me -nots seem to be the favourite for nectar, with Dusky Cranesbill coming next. Sweet Rocket is just opening. The pulmonarias and comfrey are loved by the bumblebees. HORKSTOW SE987279 Jenny Haynes We have robin, wren and dunnock nesting in the garden. At least, they’re the ones we know about but there are probably many more we don’t! There was a very scruffy blue tit on the shed, looking as if she was taking a well- deserved rest! NETTLETON LODGE GAME FARM Ben Jacob 28th April 1st swallows of the year seen at this afternoon last year first seen on 13th April SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 17/04/24 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Jackdaw x 4 Mute Swan x 1 over Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Starling x 4 Willow Warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 6 Yellowhammer x 1 Grey Squirrel x 1 Orange Tip x 1 female Great Burnett leaves just coming through lots of Cowslips (more than last year) SLEAFORD – our garden TF069451 Diane Maltby 25/4/ Grey heron flying overhead, 26/4 Song thrush searching for food on lawn. Several years since one has been seen, although they’ve been heard singing in the nearby lane that runs alongside the Cricket club. A robin feeding on mealworms allowed me to come very close. Goldfinches, chaffinches, greenfinches, starlings, blackbirds, feral pigeons, wood pigeons & collared doves are daily visitors. Difficult to record numbers as our garden borders 5 others, so there’s a lot of coming and going. SOUTHREY WOOD TF137684 Phil and Mary Porter 1st May 2024 A visit to the north-eastern corner to see the Bluebells also yielded some of the wood’s less common plants under the canopy of Beech that dominates this section. The Bluebell display was in fine fettle around the edges, and was replaced further inside the wood by several hundred plants of Lily of the Valley growing quite thickly among the emerging shoots of Bracken and distinctly favouring this ‘companion’ situation, but with virtually no indication of flowers. It has recently been very much scarcer than this. As we wrote recently, the wide carpets of Wood Anemone were as they should be, but also without having bloomed properly this year. We would love to know why this should be. There didn’t seem to us to have been any grazing effect, for example, and this has never happened in the 20 years we have visited the wood. There was one good patch of Three-veined Sandwort in flower, and scattered plants of Climbing Corydalis, Pignut and Goldilocks. The roadside pathsides were decorated with Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort and Bugle. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 16/04/24 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 2 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 1 Greenfinch x 1 Mallard x 2 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Rook x 6 in fields around Thurnholmes Skylark x 2 Tree Sparrow x 7 including 2 on nests in hole boxes Wood Pigeon x 4 Willow Warbler x 1 19/04/24 Blackbird x 1 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Long-tailed Tit x 2 Mallard x 3 over Thurnholmes Magpie x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 on nest Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Tree Sparrow x 2 Wood Pigeon x 4 21/04/24 Tawny Owl x 1 calling from house chimney 22:00hrs, 2 calling later at 03:00hrs Woodcock x 1 did 2 laps of paddock 'roding' 21:30hrs 23/04/24 Blackbird x 3 Blackcap x 1 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 3 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Jackdaw x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 02:20hrs Magpie x 2 Mallard x 7 over Thurnholmes Mute Swan x 1 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 2 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 fledged young from nest box in chicken run Tawny Owl x 1 calling 02:20hrs Tree Sparrow x 5 Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 1 30/04/24 Blackbird x 2 Blackcap x 1 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 nest with young Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 1 Greenfinch x 1 Heron x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Jackdaw x 1 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 nest with young in barn, x i on eggs in wood shed Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Swallow x 1 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:10hrs Tree Sparrow x 2 on nests in boxes Willow Warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 Brimstone x 3 males Holly Blue x 3 Epworth SE786038 Small White x 1 WILLINGHAM WOODS Angela Buckle. 27th April. Broom, Ground ivy, Field speedwell, Marsh marigold, Red campion, Wavy bittercress, Greater stitchwort, Wood sorrel, Bugle, Winter cress. Lots of Alder leaf beetles. WITHAM WASHLANDS PUMPING STATION (North Hykeham) SK95226394 Brian Hedley 24.04.2024 Whooper Swan 1 adult Mute Swan 19 including an adult with a yellow ring L241 (presumably from Brayford Pool ringing scheme) WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH Jane Ostler April1st - 27th 2024 The wet weather continued on from March and very cold strong winds with a late frost overnight 25-26 April BIRDS A single swallow was seen on 15th April and again on 25th April. It was flying in the area where there had been unsuccessful nesting in 2023. On 15th April and again on 24th April Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat were noted in the Nature Trail area. In the garden a pair of Blue Tits earlier seen exploring the bird box they had reared young in last year now are in occupation in second week in April and taking it in turns to come out to feed. Fledgling Blackbirds were being fed on the lawn on 8th April. A Song Thrush which sang throughout March has not been heard this month and it has not been feeding at its anvil. A Robin still in full song and nesting. A Sparrowhawk was in the garden on 10th April and has visited since but the feeders are so placed that it cannot lurk in the bushes to mount a surprise attack. In torrential rain on 5th April large twigs were washed off the roof. Inspection later revealed that Jackdaws were attempting to nest under the solar panels, where there also appeared evidence that some bird had been roosting here. Mixed parties of Finches are regulars staying for a time in a tall tree. There is some return of birds to feeders after a quiet time. Many people in the parish have commented on the drop in numbers of garden birds. INSECTS I have never known an April like it for both the low numbers and diversity of species of insects in my own garden and for local sites I have visited regularly. On April 1st there was a Holly Blue in my garden which was seen occasionally in the following week. I have only had one Orange Tip butterfly in the garden and had reports of just one pair on the Nature Trail. This is in contrast to last year when they; were everywhere and in numbers. There have been some Small White Butterflies about and an opportunity to distinguish a Green Veined White in the garden in a brief spell of sunshine. On 25th April a Speckled Wood was seen on the Nature Trail. Although six species of Bumble Bee Queens have been seen in my garden this year no workers have yet been noted and there have been few Honey Bees. The gooseberry bushes have fruits forming on them but there has been an absence of Tawny Mining Bees which are usually their chief pollinator. With few hover flies and a late frost in early hours of 26th April we are waiting anxiously to see if we have yet another bad year for apples. Ladybirds are by contrast everywhere. Mainly Seven spot, but also some Two spot and only one or two Harlequins when two years ago there were whole swarms of them emerging. A flowering branch of Mahonia brought indoors had dozens of small black beetles emerging from the flowers. The Grey Mining Beetle emerged in the first week of April from its previously known site, a bank on the Nature Trail. 4. NNRs and NATURE RESERVES 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 Reserves: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 24 – 30th April 2024 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor, Owen Beaumont, Cliff Morrison and Dean Nicholson. Thank you to all other contributors. Daily News and Wildlife Sightings Note: After ten continual days of very cold winds from a northerly sector the direction changed on the 29th with a fresh, blustery south-westerly. The maximum for the 30th was 17.5 degrees centigrade and even warmer away from the cool breeze. 240424 - Sea View Washlands: 2 avocets, 10 shoveler, 1 whimbrel, 4 curlew, 3 moorhen, 2 ring ouzel, 28 teal, 14 tufted duck, 12 redshank, 8 lapwing, 2 black-tailed godwit, 3 pied wagtail, 4 white wagtail, 3 yellow wagtail, 2 oystercatcher, 8 mallard, 6 shelduck, 2 mistle thrush. Late afternoon 11 whimbrel flew over Sea View and veered off in a westerly direction towards Elm House Farm, a further 17 birds were seen to fly in, high from the east, circle over the Haven and then land in that area. 2 marsh harriers hunting over the saltmarsh. Barn owl, short-eared owl and male hen harrier early morning MOD. Male sparrowhawk and tawny owl at Churchill Lane. Green woodpecker at Brickyard Lane. Tawny owl and barn owl hunting at Sea View. 250423 - 10 avocets, 1 ringed plover and 1 black-tailed godwit on Sea View Washlands. Serin flew low south-west over Crook Bank, where the nightingale was still in song. Black-tailed godwit north of Rimac car park. 30 swallow, 2 sand martin, 60+ goldfinch, 20+ linnet, 4 siskin, yellow wagtail flew north. 22 swallow, 9 house martin and 1 sand martin feeding over Rimac scrape. On wet grassland south of Crook Bank: 4 white wagtail, 2 whimbrel, 2 bar-tailed godwit, 8 little ringed plover, 2 pink-footed geese and much reduced wildfowl numbers. 2 male ring ouzel in pasture north of Rimac car park and 2 male wheatear in nearby dunes. Fieldfare Mablethorpe North End. Chiffchaff and curlew over Sea View dunes. 2 house martins at Rimac. 260424 - Nightingale still singing at Crook Bank. Cuckoo singing and grasshopper warbler reeling south of Crook Bank. 5 white wagtail, yellow wagtail, 8 little ringed plover, 3 'tundra' ringed plover, 8 shelduck, whimbrel, bar-tailed godwit and 2 pink-footed goose still on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. Butterflies - holly blue, speckled wood, red admiral, green-veined white, peacock, green hairstreak, orange-tip. Cuckoo heard and long tailed tit seen at Sea View. Lapwing pair on Washland and Sea View. Swallows over Washland. Cuckoo at Rimac dunes. Skylarks over saltmarshes. Grasshopper warbler at Rimac. 270424 - 2 black-tailed godwits, 2 curlew, 3 redshank, pair oystercatchers, 8 lapwing and 2 male gadwall Sea View Washlands. 10 whimbrel with 6 curlew in pasture field Elm House Farm. 280424 - 6 brambling at Sea View, some feeding on buds from nearby apple tree. 6 wheatear Sea View Washlands and another 2 birds on the saltmarsh. A total of 54 whimbrel feeding on the saltmarsh between Rimac lagoon and northern most pillbox. Single barn owl hunting over saltmarsh and 3 marsh harriers over the area. A fly-over peregrine flushed everything off Sea View Washlands, which included a vocal wood sandpiper and 2 black-tailed godwit. 40+ mixed hirundines also feeding over the Washlands. 2 swift flew north, siskin and 2 yellow wagtail flew south. At least 23 wheatear on saltings north of MOD, including a group of 21, plus a yellow wagtail. Female stonechat outer dunes ridge MOD. 2 grasshopper warbler Churchill Lane to MOD, 1 outer dune ridge and 1 Rimac saltmarsh viewing platform. Greenshank on flooded area next to Rimac car park. 9 wheatear and a ring ouzel at Saltfleet Haven. Redshank over saltmarsh. 290424 – Greenshank and 6 wheatear on Sea View Washlands, 3 wheatear on dunes at Rimac and cuckoo over, 20 whimbrel on saltmarsh. Green hairstreak near Rimac and at Sea View. Also seen: orange tip, holly blue and peacock butterflies. Swallows over Sea View dunes. Cuckoo at Crook Bank. 3 small bats at Sea View. 300424 - Short-eared owl hunting over dunes near Rimac. Wryneck briefly at Elm House Farm along access track. Male whinchat, hobby and wood sandpiper also there. Green sandpiper flew over Rimac. 3 wheatear MOD foreshore and redpoll flew north. 2 pink-footed goose with feral geese Sea View washlands. Common sandpiper, cuckoo and tree pipit Saltfleet Haven. First odonata sightings of the year, with hairy dragonfly and 5 large red damselfly. Butterflies - wall brown, green hairstreak, peacock, red admiral, orange-tip, speckled wood, holly blue, green-veined white, small white, small tortoiseshell. 3 small bats at Churchill Lane. Other local reserves 240424- Donna Nook: 200+ brent geese at Pye’s Hall. 300424 - Tetney Blow Wells: In flower: cowslips, bulbous buttercup, lesser celandine, cuckoo flower, red campion, herb robert, marsh marigold, ribwort plantain, hawthorn. Chiffchaff, song thrush, Cetti's warbler, sedge warbler, stock dove, blackcap, buzzard, marsh harrier, reed warbler, Butterflies: 3+ speckled wood, 2+ peacock, 2+ small white, large white, 3+ orange tip, 2+ green veined white. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These cover a huge area. Reports always welcome. The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ The Forestry Commission visitor advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Chambers Farm Wood - Butterfly Garden - gardening dates and times: Next dates: 7th May, 21st May 2024 https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/chambers-farm-wood-butterfly-garden Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Gemma Watkinson writes "This summer, as there are forestry works being undertaken by Forestry England over the summer at Chambers Farm Woods, we will have limited access to the woods this year, and things may need to change at short notice. To manage visitor numbers, we are going to need to limit non-licenced visitors to around 10 people, and will require those who are interested in joining each session to email through to 'sign-up' no later than a week before each session. Please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us. The summer dates we so far have approved with FE for nest box checks are: Sunday 19th May Saturday 15th June Sunday 21st July Saturday 17th August As always for the summer sessions, we will meet at 9.30am, and this will be outside the wood centre in the car park, but this may need to change. Looking forward to another dormouse filled summer! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Discover Woodland Trust woods near you - including the best woods for walks, wildlife watching, family fun and heritage. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/#=undefined&view=map Lincolnshire County Council - Local Nature Reserves https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coast-countryside/nature-reserves Links to "Other Reserves" are welcome. Your suggestions, please. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. SENDING IN BULLETIN REPORTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We aim to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders or via iRecord. https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ 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 may vary. 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. CONTACTS AND USEFUL WEBSITES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Links "not to be missed" *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. CONTACTS LIST Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union LNU Website: http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: https://twitter.com/LincsWildlife Lincs Bird Club: https://twitter.com/Lincsbirding LBC County Bird Recorder: recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society: https://twitter.com/sirjosephbanks Lincolnshire Bat Group: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch: https://twitter.com/BC_Lincolnshire Lincsbirders: https://twitter.com/lincsbirders Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project: https://lincolnshirechalkstreams.org/events/ Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Trust: https://lincolnshirechalkstreamstrust.org.uk/ 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.com FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME Wildlife Crime https://www.lincs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wc/wildlife-crime/ SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ Recording with "iRecord": https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ iRecord is recommended by the LNU as an appropriate platform for on-line recording. Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: 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: 01383 669 124 Email: chris.r.dufeu@gmail.com When asking for help: Please give 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. Lincolnshire Badger Group https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093647842292 Email: lincolnshirebadgergroup@hotmail.com Lincs Environmental Records Centre: http://www.glnp.org.uk/ Natural England: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ NHBS Natural history equipment or books. https://www.nhbs.com/ The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons: downloadable LNU book Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire: *** For the Geologists *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Enormous ancient sea reptile identified from amateur fossil find https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68831349 Fossil of ‘largest snake to have ever existed’ found in western India https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/18/fossils-largest-snake-found-western-india Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/special-features/geology The Geology of Lincolnshire: downloadable LNU book ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. BULLETIN PUBLICITY POLICY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 unwise or untimely 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. [Views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU EVENTS DIARY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events *** https://lnu.org/meetings/ https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** National or international stories *** Bluebells spring into life across county - Gloucestershire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c72pdz6r74no The bluebell woodland turned 'desolate wasteland' - Kent https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czq5nd45p8zo Beavers back for the 'first time in 400 years' - Suffolk https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6pyrklnj23o Conservation slowing biodiversity loss, scientists say https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68897433 Plant apocalypse: how new diseases are destroying EU trees and crops https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/24/plant-apocalypse-how-deadly-imported-diseases-are-destroying-eu-trees-and-crops-aoe Mosquito-borne diseases spreading in Europe due to climate crisis, says expert https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/25/mosquito-borne-diseases-spreading-in-europe-due-to-climate-crisis-says-expert Giant rat found trapped in Glasgow garden bird feeder as homeowner left horrified https://uk.yahoo.com/news/giant-rat-found-trapped-glasgow-093042475.html *** Mail Fails *** None ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/