============================================ || || 8th 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; Dreadful news from Scotland (see below), and a rash of roadkill in Lincolnshire. No Harlequin Ladybirds reported but that is not necessarily bad news. A great opportunity for young naturalists; Field Study Council’s ‘Young Darwin Scholarship’ available this year in Lincolnshire. The spring flora has brought out our wildlife contributors with some very nice lists. Bob Sheppard’s news A very sad week at Loch of Lowes. The male osprey disappeared last week and has now been found dead nearby. The police are investigating the circumstances so no further details have been released. The female has now abandoned the eggs. Two new males have appeared so she may pair up for next year with one of them. Full details of how this saga unfolded are on their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/LochoftheLowes The Len Pick Trust barn owls continue to thrive and now have three chicks. The next one is due tomorrow. Two young rats were brought in by the male yesterday. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ The Louth peregrines should have their first chick today. http://www.louthperegrines.org.uk/latest-news.html Roger Parsons adds: BTO's tracked Cuckoos are on their way northwards. https://www.bto.org/cuckoos and adds further! The Apostrophe came into use for a reason - to make wording clearer. The rules are simple, it is used to show: "Ownership, Omission but NOT PLAIN PLURALS". Now I read this: North Yorkshire Council to phase out apostrophe use on street signs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-68942321 Phil Porter adds; Harlequin Ladybirds anyone? Readers’ replies; ALFORD David Sheppard I spent a lot of time over the winter in cutting back lots of overgrown Buddleia, Raspberry canes and other tall stems and assorted shrubs in my Alford Garden. Almost every day, when I was in the garden, I disturbed Harlequin ladybirds, presumably from hibernation and from memory mostly from woody Buddleia. They were so abundant that I did not make a note of when I saw them. Neither can I remember when I last saw one but would guess February/March because by then I had cut back all of my Buddleias. Currently there are plenty of 7-spot ladybirds but no Harlequins. BARDNEY GARDEN TF117700 Phil and Mary Porter No Harlequins yet. GRANTHAM Anne Gayfer 2 May, 2024 I have not seen a harlequin ladybird yet. I normally have had them in my garden. *** Field Studies Council’s Young Darwin Scholarship *** A Unique opportunity for 16-25 year-olds to apply for a 90% subsidised, Darwin-inspired scholarship, combining environmental education and on-going support. https://www.field-studies-council.org/young-darwin-scholarship-applications/ Applications are now open for 2024. Applications will close at 9pm Sunday 2nd June 2024. The Wilder Doddington Project at Doddington Hall, outside Lincoln is offering the 18-25 year-old option of the Scholarship. Contact Helena Mair helena@doddingtonhall.com for further details *** This week's mostly-local news stories: *** Final stretch of bypass recommended for approval https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czvj7n5x4pvo Charity feather tribute 'to honour loved ones' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c034vlnmz8eo Time Trail sculpture trail comes to Scunthorpe nature reserve https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-68935873 Call for gardeners to help with flood defence https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw0vnkp8rzro Man addicted to collecting bird eggs is sentenced https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx8qg4z0gl4o 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#? Thursday 9th May; A fine start for many, with light winds and good amounts of sunshine, some variable cloud and sunny spells in the afternoon. Staying dry and warm. Maximum temperature 22 °C. Outlook for Friday 10th May to Sunday 11th May; A good deal of fine and dry weather, with variable cloud and sunny spells throughout. Some mist and fog patches each morning. Warm away from the coast. Outlook for Monday 12th May to Tuesday 13th May; Sunday will likely be the last widely dry and fine day for a while, with warm sunshine for most, especially in parts of the south and east where temperatures similar to preceding days, around the mid-20's - warmer than average for the time of year. However, coastal eastern areas could be cloudier and cooler, with an onshore breeze taking the edge off the higher temperatures. After Sunday, the weather is expected to switch back to become changeable across the country, with further spells of rain and showers expected. Rainfall amounts could be above average in most areas. It is also possible that rain will be heavy at times, and any showers could turn thundery. Temperatures are also expected to fall closer to average for May. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** Preventing space contamination rises up the agenda https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c90zndgq571o China rocket blasts off for far side of Moon https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-68949208 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 *** *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes Lincoln Area Group Talk 16th May 2024 : The Butterflies of Great Britain Gill Walsh will give an illustrated talk about the butterflies of Great Britain, including their food plants and the nature reserves where the rarer species can be seen. Preceded by a short AGM. The event is at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2.50 which includes refreshments in the interval. *** 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/ *** The South Lincs RSPB Group *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: South Lincs RSPB group have 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/ *** THE SOUTH LINCS RSPB GROUP *** "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 the weekend of 11th, 12th May. Prior experience is not necessary, enthusiasm is more important. For more information, contact Gwen M. Randall, Volunteer Co-ordinator gwen.randall@ntlworld.com *** Lincoln RSPB *** Volunteer opportunities available for people who are passionate about wildlife and conservation. Lincoln RSPB is running the Peregrine Watch at Lincoln Cathedral again this year. All weekends in June and July. Prior experience isn’t 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 1/5 Anderby Creek, Spoonbill, Garganey, Woodchat Shrike in scrub by Roundhouse. Bonby Carrs, 2 Common Cranes flew over fields. Boultham Mere, Black Tern ad. Covenham Reservoir, 19 Black Terns, 20 Arctic Terns. Cowbit, Turnstone, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits at north end of Cowbit Wash. Frampton Marsh, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Temminck's Stint flew over, 2 Common Cranes flew south over sea bank car park, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s by visitor centre car park, Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt and Red Breasted Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Marsh Farm Grassland in fen, 2 Garganey 1 drk, 1s Little Gull. Gibraltar Point, Wood Sandpiper on lagoons. 2/5 Anderby Creek, Woodchat Shrike 1s fem at Roundhouse, 2 Wood Sandpipers and Garganey drk at Anderby Marsh. Baston + Langtoft Pits, 2 Arctic Terns at Wader Pit. Cowbit, Spotted Redshank, Black-winged Stilt fem at Cowbit Wash from south of Barrier Bank. Deeping High Bank, 2 Grey Plovers on Crowland Wash. Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis on East Pit, Deeping Lakes. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s by visitor centre car park, Spoonbill, Garganey and Little Stint on Marsh Farm Grassland, Little Gull and Red-breasted Goose ad with Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Roads Farm Grassland /Saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point, Caspian Gull 2s on Tennyson's Sands. 3/5 Baston + Langtoft Pits, Little Tern, Kittiwake ad flew NWE over Wader Pit, 6 Arctic Terns over Wader Pit. Boultham Mere, 5 Arctic Terns. Cowbit, Turnstone flew north and Kittiwake flew over north end, Cowbit Wash. Deeping St James, 40+ Arctic Terns, Glossy Ibis on East Pit, Deeping Lakes. Frampton Marsh, imm Little Gull, 5 Arctic Terns, Garganey drk, Black-winged Stilt fem. Red-breasted Goose ad on wet Grassland with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Lesser Yellowlegs SE of Roads Farm Grassland. Gibraltar Point, 5 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Hawfinch near golf course, Arctic Tern, Garganey on lagoons. 3 Common Cranes flew north over Freshwater Marsh. 4/5 Alkborough Flats, 26 Arctic Terns. East Halton Marshes, 3 Common Cranes flew over, Garganey drk at Winter's Pond. Frampton Marsh, Temminck's Stint on Marsh Farm grassland, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s and Wood Sandpiper from path to Marsh Farm, 3 Garganey 2 drks, 1s Little Gull, Little Stint, Black-winger Stilt on South Scrape. Red-breasted Goose ad with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Gibraltar Point, 2 Firecrests at end of Sykes Farm track, 2 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, 2s Caspian Gull on beach, 3 Common Cranes flew SE over ringing hollow and continued over Wash. 5/5 Alkborough Flats, 4 Common Cranes flew north over. Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis on Wader Pit, Deeping Lakes. Frampton Marsh, Red-breasted Goose flew to saltmarsh, Little Stint and Black-winged Stilt on South Scrape, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s, Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, on Marsh Farm grassland, Arctic Tern from Sea Bank car park. Freiston Shore, Spoonbill on saltmarsh from Butterwick car park follow sea wall. Gibraltar Point, Pied Flycatcher at West Dunes near car park, 3 Spoonbills. 6/5 Alkborough Flats, 3 Spoonbills near path to estuary. Frampton Marsh, Wood Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs 1s south of visitor centre car park, Little Stint, Garganey, Little Gull, Black-winged Stilt near East Hide Freiston Shore, Short-toed Lark north of reservoir from sea wall. Messingham Sand Quarry, Arctic Tern opposite Scallow Grove Farm. Stamford, Scaup fem reported, at Holywell on pond. 7/5 Alkborough Flats, 3 Gqrganey, all drks. East Halton Marshes, Wood Sandpiper on marsh just north of Winter's Pond. Cowbit, Wood Sandpiper flew over south side of Cowbit Wash. Frampton Marsh, Little Stint, Little Gull, Garganey drk and Black-winged Stilt on Marsh Farm grassland, Red-breasted Goose. Gibraltar Point, Turtle Dove. Rimac, Turtle Dove. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, 2 Garganey and 2 Wood Sandpipers at Elm House Farm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. BARDNEY CAUSEWAY B1190 TF080681 Phil and Mary Porter 3/5/24 Dead badger FERRY ROAD BARDNEY-FISKERTON TF111721 near Stainfield turn Phil and Mary Porter 5th May 2024 Dead badger FERRY ROAD BARDNEY-FISKERTON TF076719 near Woodlands Farm Phil and Mary Porter 5th May 2024 Dead hedgehog HORKSTOW B1204 SE986341 Jenny Haynes 30 April 2024 Dead badger REEPHAM Village TF038737 Phil and Mary Porter 5th May 2024 Dead hedgehog WEST FEN, STICKNEY TF32256 Gail Cartwright 01/05/2024 Dead Deer Muntjac I think, on the carriageway to Carrington *** 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 04/05/2024 Blue Tit 1+ Great Tit 1+ Robin 2+. Dunnock 1+ House Sparrow 4+ Blackbird 2m 1f 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 Holly blue and orange tip butterflies. Hedgehog on trail camera: 28/4 at 21.45' 22.19. 23.06hrs 29/4 at 02.25, 02.26 and 04.11hrs. Red Kite circling over garden 14.55 hrts on 6/5/2024 BARDNEY GARDEN TF117700 Phil and Mary 1st - 2nd May To our surprise a Barn Owl flew through the garden again on the 1st. Mary spotted Large Red Damselfly, and groups of iridescent long-horned moths Adela reaumurella were dancing around the tips of tree and hedgerow in the sunshine on both days. I also saw my first Batman Hoverflies Myathropa florea for the year. BOSTON TF338441 My garden Tracey Lenton 01/05/2024 Front garden First Orange-tip butterfly of the year, seen on Garlic mustard plant. 04-05-2024 With warm, sunny days, I am leaving doors open. Found a moth on a door this evening - Yellow-barred brindle (id using Collins complete guide to British butterflies and moths and confirmed by David Wright Lincs Butterfly Conservation)) 05-05-2024 Speckled Wood resting on conifer hedge in the sun, this is the second time this year I have seen one, not a frequent sighting in my garden but maybe a result of allowing grasses, around the pond, to grow longer last year. Very encouraging. Also Holly blue x2 and Orange-tip. Total of 9 different butterflies so far this year. CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 2/5/24 First Swifts seen (earliest I can recall): more had arrived by 5th May, as had some House Martins (very late) and the odd Swallow, which are still few and far between. 5/5/24 Cuckoo calling in the morning, not heard again since. ELSHAM QUARRY. Angela Buckle 30th April Solomon’s seal, Green alkanet, Forget-me-not, Cow parsley, White dead-nettle, Lords and ladies, Primrose, Pink flowered ground ivy, Crosswort, Cowslips, Three-nerved sandwort, Cuckoo-flower, Mouse-ear hawkweed, Common speedwell, Red campion, Thyme-leaved speedwell, Columbine, Coltsfoot, Butterbur, Winter cress, Whitlow grass, Dove’s-foot cranesbill. Butterflies. Orange-tip, Small white, Peacock, Brimstone. FAR INGS Angela Buckle 5th May 2024. Ribwort plantain, Common gromwell, common vetch, Hedge mustard, Thyme-leaved sandwort, Smooth sow-thistle, Sea milkwort, Lesser sea spurrey, Celery-leaved buttercup, Doves-foot cranesbill, Pepperwort, Button weed, Common sorrel, Yellow flag iris, Hoary cress, Ragged Robin, White flowered doves-foot cranesbill, Sticky mouse-ear, Parsley peart. Birds. Swallow, Common tern, Cuckoo calling, Bittern booming. FISKERTON FEN RIVER WITHAM from Fiskerton Fen R+A Parsons 6/5/2024 at 14.30hrs approx. Oystercatcher calling in flight over River Witham. Butterflies on reserve: Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock. GRANTHAM Anne Gayfer 2 May, 2024 Greenfinches have re-emerged in fairly large numbers looking very smart and healthy. We have not had them here for maybe 5 years. HOOP LANE VERGES, WRAGBY Phil Porter TF157766 4th May 2024 In the 1.5 kilometres westwards from the junction with A158, the verges and hedgerows held 70 species of plants/trees that were identifiable at this time. Among the more interesting flowering species were; Cowslip, Greater Stitchwort, Goldilocks, Crosswort, Water Avens, Lady’s Smock, Bugle, and, unexpectedly, Green-winged Orchid, just 5 plants. Also found in young growth; Great Burnet, Yellow Rattle, Lady’s Bedstraw. Despite Hawthorn blooming throughout, only 3 white butterflies seen in 2 hours. Although concentrating on the plants, I heard Blackcap, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat singing. Blotch-winged hoverfly Leucozona lucorum HARMSTON SK 95381 62693 Jeremy Hutchinson 7/5/24 Female Hobby flying steadily North (first Hobby this year). HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 1 May 2024 Male brimstone and orange tip butterflies in garden in the sunshine. Peacock on 2 May. Nuthatch on feeder on 5 May. Young Robin on decking two days running. KETTLETHORPE SK 847757 Alison Brownlow 04/05/2024 Cuckoo Holly Blue, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Peacock, Green-veined White. WATER RAIL WAY, BARDNEY TF111693 Phil and Mary Porter 3rd May 2024 A very short walk towards Branston Lock produced a couple of surprises; some healthy patches of Corn-salad flowering alongside the path and a drake Shoveler on the R. Witham. 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 1st – 7th May 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 010524 - Single male great spotted woodpecker and siskin at Sea View. 020524 - Paradise lagoon: 5 little egrets, 3 redshank, 3 tufted duck, 1 moorhen, 1 shoveler, 2 coot and 10 mallard, one with 2 ducklings. 030525 - 4 stock doves around Sea View, tawny owl calling late afternoon nearby. 040524 - 15 whimbrel on the saltmarsh and 3 flew east over the dunes. Red admiral at Sea View. 050524 - Elm House Farm: drake garganey, wheatear, 2 greenshank, single red-legged partridge and 11 shelduck on nearby stack of round straw bales. Grey heron and 3 ruff were seen on Sea View Washlands late evening plus 1 yellow wagtail. Orange-tip butterflies at Sea View. 060524 - 3 wall browns on the wing near Rimac, wood sandpiper on flooded field north of Rimac car park. Large red damselflies emerging at Churchill Lane. Silverweed and yellow flag iris in flower. Wall butterfly at Sea View car park. 070524 - Tawny owls calling mid-day at Sea View, 9 whimbrel on the saltmarsh. Other Local Reserves 010524 - Welton le Wold: Cowslips, ribwort plantain, coltsfoot, ground ivy, red campion in flower. Skylarks singing. Muckton Wood: Bugle, lesser celandine, greater stitchwort, cuckoo flower, primroses and violets in flower. Butterflies – 11 orange tip, 12 small white, red admiral. Peregrine flew over, song thrush, nuthatch, tawny owl, black cap. Fir Hill Quarry: Lords and ladies, lesser celandine, cowslips, dog’s mercury and violets in flower. Buzzard overhead. Legbourne Wood: Willow warbler, bullfinch, nuthatch, greenfinch. Brimstone butterfly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 date: 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. 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/ *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** National or international stories *** Bumblebee nests are overheating to fatal levels, study finds https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/04/bumblebees-overheating-threat-global-heating-temperatures-aoe Exceptional’: rare books of illustrations from Darwin’s ‘bird man’ on sale for £2m https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/may/04/exceptional-rare-book-of-illustrations-from-darwins-bird-man-on-sale-for-2m Climate change: Is the UK on track to meet its net zero targets? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/58160547 Squirrels may have given medieval Britons leprosy https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj7mry8yvrmo Government defeated in High Court over climate plans https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68947242 Farmer fined for ignoring bird flu restrictions https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1vw6gldgqqo Wounded orangutan seen using plant as medicine https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68942123 ‘Pesticides by stealth’: garden soil conditioners killing worms, experts fear https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/04/pesticides-by-stealth-garden-soil-conditioners-killing-worms-experts-fear *** Mail Fails *** None ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/