RSPB Info Leaflet January 2013 · An exploration of the amazing coastal wildlife that inhabits or visits one of the most varied, dramatic and internationally important coast lines

WHAT’S ON

May 2013 to April 2014

EVENTS LISTING

SOUTH LINCSLocal Group

Godwits

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654.

a million voices for nature

DECEMBER 2013

TALK – Thursday 12th SNMC 7.30pm

COAST AND ISLAND by Paul Hobson

An exploration of the amazing coastal wildlife that inhabits or visits one of the most varied, dramatic and internationally important coast lines globally, that of the UK. We will start with the muddy waters of The Wash and work north to gaze with wonder at some of the finest seabird citadels on the rocky shores of northern Britain. We will spend some time visiting two of Europe's wildlife hotspots in the far north - Iceland and Svalbard both famous for wildlife and staggering scenery.

Sponsored by ARCHIE HARDWICKDelicatessen & Coffee Shop – Boston Tel: 01205 365098

CAR TRIP – Friday 20th

Details can be found on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk

JANUARY 2014


WILDLIFE OF THE NENE WASHES AND THE CORNCRAKE by Charlie Kitchen

The Nene Washes are of national and international importance for seven species of wintering wildfowl and hold some of the countries highest densities of breeding waders that are associated with lowland wet grassland and Fenland habitats. Charlie will highlight the importance of management of this unique landscape and the success in attracting wildfowl and waders. He will outline the future plans for the reserve and in particular he will cover the key breeding projects including cranes and corncrake re-introduction programs.

Sponsored by SHARMAN BURGESSEstate Agents, Boston - Tel: 01205 361161

CAR TRIP – Monday 27th


FEBRUARY 2014


TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO by Steve Keightley

Steve, Lincolnshire born and bred, has a life long interest in birds and wildlife. He is a qualified bird ringer, County Bird Recorder for 14 years and a founder member of the Lincolnshire Bird Club. He has been on numerous bird watching trips around the world but his talk tonight will focus on the birds and wildlife in the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Tobago. This includes a visit to the world famous Asa Wright Birdwatching centre!

Sponsored by SMITH ELECTRICAL LTDAshwood House, Red Cap Lane, Boston, Lincs. PE21 9LY

Tel/Fax: 01205 319175 Mobile: 07881 918933 www.smithselectricaluk.com



MARCH 2014


PUFFIN AROUND SHETLAND by Richard Ashby

Shetland is the most northerly place in the UK and is made up of 100 islands, of which 15 are inhabited. Many magnificent seabird colonies can be seen including Hermaness and Noss. A wide variety of migrants arrive in Spring and Autumn including Red Necked Phalarope, Great and Artic Skua, Whimbrel & Storm Petrel. It's easy to see why this is such a great place to visit.

Sponsored by MARITIME CRUISES - BostonTel: 07776 251878

CAR TRIP – Monday 31th


APRIL 2014

WALK – Saturday 5th Boston Cemetery 10.00am

This early spring walk will provide a carpet of wild flowers and foliage. Early spring migrants will be in abundance. Park and meet in the crematorium car park.


MONTANA USA by Alan Knight

Wildlife of the wild west, in the Rockies and Prairies of Montana. Saddle up and enjoy a 2000 mile trip around Montana, "Big Sky Country". We visit both Yellowstone and Glacier Parks in search of birds, bears and bison and also appreciate the wonderful scenery. Alan is a farmer and training instructor and has been a member of the South Lincs Group for many years. He was weaned on westerns and yogi bear so the American wild-west has always interested him. He has a passion for not only birds but other wildlife and the countryside.

Sponsored by ANDY PRIESTLEYVermin Control Services – Ewerby, Sleaford

Tel: 07770 797436



MAY 2014

WALK – Saturday 4th Boston Cemetery 10.00am

Looking for early butterflies, spring flowers and recently returned migrant birds in this splendid Gothic Victorian cemetery. Park and meet in the crematorium car park.

WALK – Sunday 18th Freiston Shore 10.00am

Simon Rummery, RSPB Lead Field Teacher, will lead this walk around the lagoon and on to the salt marsh to look at the plants and animals. Summer nesting birds including Avocets, Ringed Plovers, Common Terns are among the many species on show!

Meet in the car park at 9:45am – the walk starts at 10:00am

THE OLDE BARN HOTEL- THE PERFECT VENUE FOR EVERY OCCASION -

Marston, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2HTwww.theoldebarnhotel.co.uk Telephone: 01400 250909

INDOORSam Newsom Music Centre, South Street, Boston, PE21 6HX

Admission: Local Group members £2.00 (Cards please)Non-Members £3.50p Children half price

Talks are illustrated / Refreshments

RSPB Lincolnshire Wash Reserves Office : 01205 724678

Boston Wildlife Explorers and Phoenix Groups for junior and young people have their own events. Contact Adrian Slater 01205 360858, www.rspb.org.uk/groups/boston

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all.

The RSPB South Lincs Group was formed in May 1987 and is run by volunteers to promote the work of the RSPB and for the enjoyment of members and all nature lovers locally.

Though based in Boston our membership area covers the whole of South Lincolnshire. Annual Local membership costs £2 Single/£3 Family on the production of a valid RSPB membership card. Benefits include reduced admission at SNMC events, 2 newsletters per year and a programme of events sent to you. Non-members are welcome to all events.

To date we have contributed £71,200 to the RSPB conservation projects with much of it spent locally.

Our 2013/14 program is for everyone interested in nature – beginners or experts – why not try attending one of our events.

Group Contact 01205 360858 (after 6.30pm only)Group Website www.southlincsrspb.org.uk

OUTDOOR

Car Trips and Walks are FREE unless specified otherwise, although a small donation to the group would be appreciated.

Note: Please wear stout footwear and suitable clothing, waterproofs etc., appropriate for the weather. Bring binoculars etc. if you have them (we have a few pairs that may be borrowed). Children must be accompanied by an adult.

CAR TRIPS

This season of car trips will be run in a different format, we would like to visit places, which are off the main visitors' sites. We are looking for ideas for places, which you feel would benefit us all. Please email your suggestions to [email protected] They must cover the following criteria, parking, access to the general public and within 30 miles of Boston! The trips are dependent on the weather and what birds are about so destinations may change at short notice. Please check the web site (www.southlincsrspb.org.uk) for details of the planned trips. In adverse weather conditions a trip maybe cancelled. Bring a packed lunch and drink as it is usual to be out in the field most of the day although cafes and pubs have been used. Booking is essential – there is a maximum of 15 people on any car trip.

MAY 2013

WALK – Tuesday 14th Willow Tree Fen 6.30pmA late spring evening walk round this newly created Lincs Wildlife Trust reserve between the River Glen and the Counter Drain to observe flora and fauna. We hope to see breeding and migrating birds, raptors and owls along with possibility of badgers. Meet at the reserve car park opposite Bank House Farm on the Pode Hole to Tongue End Road, near Spalding. To book call 07849 178729.

JUNE 2013

CAR TRIP – Monday 24thDetails can be found on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk

JULY 2013

WALK – Friday 26th Boston West Golf CourseA walk round the Wild West - Richard Owens, the head green keeper will be our guide as we take a walk around Boston West Golf Course. Richard has developed an amazing habitat that has attracted a range of wild life! Meet in the Car Park a 6:30pm.

CAR TRIP – Monday 29thDetails can be found on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk

SEPTEMBER 2013

WALK – Sunday 8th Freiston ShoreSimon Rummery, RSPB Lead Field Teacher, will lead this walk around the lagoon and everyone including adults will also have the opportunity to go pond dipping! By now the autumn migration will be in full swing with many species of birds calling into the reserve on their way south to warmer climes.Meet in the car park at 9:45am – the walk starts at 10:00am

CAR TRIP – Monday 23rdDetails can be found on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk

OCTOBER 2013TALK Thursday 17th SNMC 7.30pm

RETURN OF THE RED KITE by Chris AndrewsRed Kites are magnificent birds of prey that were almost wiped out by persecution. Through re-introduction schemes, including one in the East Midlands, they once again grace our skies. This illustrated talk follows their story. Chris Andrews gave up a career in chemistry to follow his true love, wildlife. He has spent the past 5 years working for the RSPB in the East Midlands, telling the kites' story

Sponsored by G HOWSAM & SON – Millers & Grain MerchantsOld Leake Mill. Tel: 01205 870232

CAR TRIP – Friday 25thDetails can be found on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk

NOVEMBER 2013WALK – Sunday 3rd Boston Cemetery 10.00am

Looking out for winter migrants including Redwing, Fieldfare and hopefully Waxwings in this splendid Gothic Victorian cemetery. Park and meet in the crematorium car park.

TALK – Wednesday 6th Spilsby Special 7.30pmJoint event with LWT Spilsby Town Hall

WILDLIFE OF GAMBIA by Geoff and Liz White

This tiny sliver of a country, just over half the size of Wales is bound by the meandering course of the mighty River Gambia.The illustrated talk endeavours to capture some of the culture of the people of “The Smiling Coast” and some of the flora and fauna of undoubtedly one of the best wildlife locations in the world.Geographically it sits in a perfect location for migrant species making the long journey from Europe to South Africa and it is the ideal location for the those wishing to get close to nature.

TALK – Tuesday 12th Spalding Special 7.30pmJoint event with LWT Pinchbeck Village Hall

CAIRNGORMS, THE YORKSHIRE DALES AND BEYOND by Steve Rowland

A look at the wildlife of two of the British Isles finest landscapes the Cairngorms and Yorkshire Dales national parks and a third surprise location. Steve Rowland works for the RSPB in Eastern England as Public Affairs Manager and started his RSPB career at Loch Garten as a volunteer.


THE SUPERNATURAL HISTORY by Dr. Michael Leach

Wildlife is not just part of our natural heritage, it also belongs to our cultural history. Although many folk tales are misleading, they can be illuminating and highly entertaining. Find out why badgers were believed to be indestructible and why pigs were tried for murder. Misguided beliefs still colour some of our views of animals today. We are still totally convinced that the owl is wise and everybody knows about the big bad wolf! Dr Michael Leach is a full time wildlife author & photographer and had spoken to the group many times before.

Sponsored by FENLAND FASTENINGS – BostonTools, fastenings, fixings and architectural ironmongery

Tel: 01205 350756

CAR TRIP – Monday 29th NovemberDetails can be found on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk

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RSPB Info Leaflet January 2013 · An exploration of the amazing coastal wildlife that inhabits or visits one of the most varied, dramatic and internationally important coast lines