Wildlife Trust Annual Review 2012 – 2013

Lincolnshire

Nature Conservation from the Humber to the Wash Protecting Wildlife for the Future Our vision Lincolnshire and the neighbouring sea and estuaries to be rich in wildlife for the benefit of everyone Banded demoiselle Banded Dean Eades

Although it is an honour to be benefits from volunteers is in the Our Mission elected as acting chairman of the delivery of the Lapwings magazine, Safeguard wildlife in Lincolnshire Trust it is tinged with sadness due the vast majority being delivered and in the neighbouring sea and the fact that Sir John Mason had to by hand saving the Trust £30,000 a estuaries by: step down due to ill health, we have year. It is not just time that members • protecting existing wild places been friends for many years, and he give up but they are also very as reservoirs of biodiversity and was an excellent chairman. generous in other ways and this by restoring and creating wildlife Although membership went down was the case when a member habitats to contribute to healthy during the year it is pleasing to gave the Trust £2,000 to pay for an functioning ecosystems and report that, with a new partnership extension to Rush Furlong in the an environment more resilient of Wildlife Trusts involved in north of the county. to climate change and other recruiting members, membership It is essential that we maintain challenges; has increased by almost five links with other organisations so that hundred since April and now the wildlife diversity and wild places • sharing this vision with others, stands at approximately 25,500. in the county can be enhanced particularly relevant decision In the present economic climate for future generations. It is the makers; this is good news but we must do support we get from landowners, • encouraging more people to all we can to continue to increase businesses, councils and others that enjoy Lincolnshire’s natural membership and raise the profile of help us in our vision. environment and to understand the Trust. We are grateful to all our the need to conserve it; and by Our members are, along with staff, supporters and thank you all for your • encouraging research our main strength and their efforts in continued commitment to the work of projects which lead to a better volunteering on reserves, serving on the Trust. understanding of the complexities various teams, in sales outlets and of the natural world running Area Groups are vital to the Geoff Trinder Trust. One way in which the Trust Chairman Cover image: Six-spot burnet moth at Red Hill nature reserve Rachel Scopes

In 2012 The Wildlife Trusts (originally the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves now Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts) celebrated its centenary. To mark the occasion, and in recognition of “his unique contribution to the first 100 years of nature conservation”, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s founder and President, Ted Smith, was presented with the Society’s Centenary Award (the only one of its kind) by Sir David Attenborough at a ceremony in Woodhall Spa. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust presented the first President’s Awards at events across the county to recognise the outstanding contribution of volunteers. The award, a silver lapwing pin, will continue to be awarded and further nominations are sought. Tom Marshall Tom Inspiring people Bug hunting at Whisby Nature Park Royston Adrian

Nature reserves, events and education programmes 25,010 people supported are providing wide-ranging opportunities for people the Trust through membership providing valuable funds to to experience wildlife and the natural landscape protect the wildlife and habitats of Maintaining a strong Launching new Lincolnshire, and North-East Lincolnshire. formal environmental Wildlife Watch groups education capacity Wildlife Watch groups are 9,000 students from 188 The principal sites of Gibraltar predominantly run by dedicated schools, colleges and universities Point, Whisby Nature Park and volunteers and have been shown to participated in formal education Far Ings were the focus of formal be nurturing the conservationists of visits at Gibraltar Point, Far Ings education activities with 9,000 the future. and Whisby Nature Park. students participating in formal Following the establishment of new education visits. Over half of these groups at Spalding and Grimsby, two were primary students with a quarter further groups were launched at Far being secondary, and others being Ings and Gibraltar Point. higher education and adult. New educational programmes Interpreting the were developed including, for five wildlife of nature reserves and six year olds, investigating seed dispersal using fake fur mittens Panels on nature reserves and much to the delight of the pupils and inside hides help visitors learn teachers involved. more about the wildlife they see. Over 60 schools were visited for Interpretation at the new Willow outreach work, engaging a further Tree Fen Nature Reserve was 5,500 students. completed. Interpretation for the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, incorporating a number of existing Delivering high quality events Trust reserves, is now in place with Staff, volunteers and Area Groups further plans proposed. Mary Porter organised nearly 300 events with over New interpretation has been 10,000 participants. The wide ranging installed at Snipe Dales and Epworth Three dormice were found, events included guided walks, reserve Turbary. A full review of signage measured and weighed by the open days and children’s activities. has been undertaken at Gibraltar Limewoods Wildlife Watch Group The Trust attended over 30 Point NNR along with interpretation when they carried out ‘box checks’ external events including the to the newly opened up woodland at Chambers Farm Wood. Lincolnshire Show and Birdfair, area, providing wheelchair access to both of which took place despite viewing screens, bird feeding areas 3,700 people received a monthly the dreadful weather which saw the and ponds. newsletter via email. cancellation of many events. New visitor facilities at The Big Free Pond Dip at Whisby Donna Nook enabled improved Nature Park attracted over 140 people interpretation for the seal season. Seven families took up the for a morning of free pond dipping A new bird hide with wheelchair challenge of spending 24 hours and bug hunting for all the family, access at Far Ings (overlooking the in a woodland nature reserve and despite the weather the families recently enhanced wetland scrapes learning bushcraft skills. Eight year attended were very enthusiastic and area) was installed. old Conner Marshall described it as amazed at what they found. “a totally awesome experience”. Tom Marshall Tom Matthew Blissett Nature Reserve. were at Far created National Ings (below) reserve the across spreading are they showing and nature reserve Furlong Rush in were counted breaking yields. breaking record with wetthe conditions year for hay good following very was It a work. this us in assisted have who manyto farmers the grateful we very hay are and cut 15,000 1.4 1.4 48 1,600 3,855 Reserve. Nature Point National Gibraltar Nature Park (above). Whisby and Lakes Deeping from scenes of spectacular reports with winter murmurations for the starling aspecial to out be what turned in Day at Far Christmas on dusk Ings at Pit reedbed Ness above the Creating aliving landscape reserves were grazed and the the and were grazed reserves hectares of wet reedbed of wet reedbed hectares brent geese wintered at wintered geese brent green-winged orchids orchids green-winged starlings were seen were seen starlings • • • • • • • including: volunteers. dedicated armyan of and staff byout field carried tasks unglamorous other of multitude the and clearing ditch bashing, scrub control, weed raking, and cutting grass included and apace continued nature reserves Trust’sWork the on ninety-eight people. wildlife and for nature reserves Managing the of heart Living Landscape schemes future of Lincolnshire’s wildlife in their own right and at Our nature reserves are vital in securing the long-term creation. island and creation reedbed rewetting, Far –fen scrapes Ings creation. washland and realignment – Greatfloodbank Eau Saltfleetby Park. Country the in programme re-introduction flora woodland of the Commencement nature reserve. the in re-fencing and migration fish better to allow Dales: enhancements Snipe stream for wet heath. conditions maintain to level structures management Farm: Moor and water Moor Kirkby no coppicing. yearswith 50 after was reinstated regime Wood: coppice Legbourne rainfall. spring record by was aided programme wetting re- The habitat. nightjar improved for thinning birch with reserve, north the in completed enclosure grazing new large Moor: Crowle River Glen. the on refuge of afish creation the and centre, information and hides paths, TreeWillow of Fen: completion projects major saw yearThe also within Living Landscapes Living within Establishing new nature reserves Ostler’s Plantation. Plantation. Ostler’s Commission’s of Forestry boundary southern the from extensively more and nature reserve Moor of Kirkby corner south-west the from viewed be can site The provision. access no currently is there agreements tenancy agricultural and extraction access. visitor improved and sites wildlife other with connectivity of further prospect the offers This complete. are activities CEMEX’s when site the operational Trustthe of remainder the to buy nature reserve. freehold biggest the and nature reserve inland largest Trust’s the it making to west, east 1.75 and to south north miles mile for 2.5 runs now site the axis longest At the holding. land continuous the in abreak forming Lane of Kirkby road minor the only with hectares, of 255 block acontiguous making extension the with aspiration, Landscape’ Living ‘Kirkby the Trust.the by management direct under come yet therefore and to tenancy farming to a subject still is site of the Part Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Trust to an subject (since and 2004) by the management conservation in was already hectares Sixty-three Airfield. Spa at Woodhall hectares of 120 purchase freehold was the year the in acquisition only The Due to on-going aggregate aggregate toDue on-going to enable begun has Fundraising to considerably adds This

Starlings in flight over Whisby Nature Park Neil Roberts Family of tufted ducks at Far Ings West Mandy

Through Living Landscape schemes we are thinking 64 Roadside Nature Reserves bigger and more joined-up to restore the natural were managed by the Trust on behalf of Lincolnshire County environment across the wider countryside Council. Working strategically with Standing up for wildlife at a partners to develop Living regional and county level 2,000 people attended Marshes Landscape schemes Approximately 8,200 planning Month in July; a month of events focusing on the Lincolnshire During the year the Trust has applications were reviewed and Coastal Grazing Marshes and co- strengthened partnerships and responses made to 276. As a result ordinated by the Project Team that plans across the county. of a significant increase in requests are hosted by District The delivery phases of from some local authorities for Council. the Heritage Lottery Funded advice a strategic approach was Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing adopted from July 2012 to direct Marshes project and the resources more effectively. 12 black oil beetles were spotted Humberhead Levels Nature The Trust has continued to work on a road verge near Grantham; Improvement Area project are closely with all the county’s local the first time this threatened now underway. planning authorities and contributed species of beetle had been seen in In November, Willow Tree Fen to many development documents the county in 28 years. was the venue for the launch of a and strategies. The Trust also plays an active role in national new Strategic Plan for Fenland. Two large mosaics illustrating issues through The Wildlife Trusts, Produced by the Fens of the Future the wildlife of Willow Tree Fen contributing local case studies and Partnership, the plan identifies top were created by members of the examples of best practice to the priorities for action alongside the public, They are displayed in the development of national policies projects, funding and partnership interpretive centre. working that can deliver them. In south-west Lincolnshire action Playing an active role in the has focussed on the continuation Biodiversity (now Nature) of the Life on the Verge project. Partnership Over four years, 170 volunteers The Trust has made a significant have helped survey 1,433km of contribution to one of the first and road verge. Key discoveries have probably the strongest Local Nature been the High Dike Waddington Partnerships through hosting to Colsterworth and Limestone and engagement with its steering Heath, east of Grantham, and group. Launched in November 2012 connecting stretches between the Greater Lincolnshire Nature Roadside Nature Reserves near Partnership (GLNP) represents the Rutland border. almost 40 organisations working Life on the Verge in the together to achieve more for completed nature. It replaces the successful a second year of surveys. Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership. Eighty volunteers have surveyed The Trust is also playing an active 150 employees from Cargill of 727 km of verge with Hemingby/ role in the establishment of the Witham St Hughes near Lincoln Fulletby area highlighted as Humber Nature Partnership which provided a total of 500 hours of having stretches with high would be well placed to tackle the volunteering at Tunman Wood restoration potential. complex issues around the estuary. nature reserve. Restoring living seas Queen scallop swimming Queen Naylor Paul

14,000 Petition Fish signatures For too long we’ve taken too much with too little care gathered in Lincolnshire, along of our seas. We are working to restore our seas so with 250,000 from across England wildlife can thrive from the depths of the ocean to the were presented to MPs in January. coastal shallows Chief Executive Paul Learoyd and North Sea Living Seas Manager Increasing awareness of Furthering our knowledge and Kirsten Smith presented a Petition marine wildlife understanding of the marine Fish to Austin Mitchell MP for Over 5,000 people visiting the environment Great Grimsby. Lincolnshire coastal resorts A second Seasearch dive off the including Cleethorpes and Skegness Lincolnshire coast, this time in the participated in Living Seas proposed Marine Conservation roadshows to raise awareness of Zone offshore from Donna Nook, marine species and habitats and produced exciting results. A full their conservation. Holiday makers programme of Shoresearch (beach discovered more about the starfish, surveys) along the Lincolnshire shells and mermaid’s purses found coast has started to establish on the beaches, created giant animal some good data, notably after the scultpures from found items and saw large wrecks of shell fish along with live crabs, shrimps and fish caught other animal groups in the spring in the shallows. of 2013. The Trust’s website and Facebook In partnership with the charity sites included regular stories Unfortunately no Lincolnshire sites MARINElife staff and volunteers and images to promote the often undertook training in the were proposed in the first tranche overlooked North Sea wildlife. identification of cetaceans and of Marine Conservation Zone A highlight was the success in participated in survey trips from Hull designations. Lincolnshire of the national Whale to various European destinations and Dolphin Watch in July with across the North Sea. This work good sightings of harbour porpoises will complement the Seawatch work Nine harbour porpoises were generating local and national interest. already underway. seen off the Lincolnshire coast during the Whale & Dolphin Helping to conserve the wildlife watching weekend. Seawatching habitats of our seas events and working with Specialist staff working jointly with MARINELife and Sea Watch other Wildlife Trusts have been Foundation has resulted in a instrumental in the Trust’s work significant increase in harbour to identify and safeguard marine protected areas. porpoise sightings along the coast. Further work has focussed on the significant wind farms proposed 30 Trust staff, volunteers and vets across the North Sea including attended a British Divers Marine Dogger Bank and the new spatial Life Rescue course held at Gibraltar planning pilot. Point and learnt how to rescue Edible crab and common sunstar photographed offshore from Donna Nook stranded whales, dolphins and seals. University of Hull, CEMS a bequest in their wills. wills. their in a bequest by leaving countryside Lincolnshire the of protecting importance the recognise who members those Trust the and grateful to most is interest ofof conservation sites purchase the a key facilitating in role manyfor appeal years. first –its to members Appeal an launch Team Trust the encouraged and to Finance of the minds the exercising currently is supply short in are grants when time at a this finance site. ofto the How remainder the CEMEX for with negotiations in leaves Trustand the well placed area important this in holdings our landto addition a significant represents This of £903k. a cost area at Landscape Living Moor Kirkby the in of land hectares of 120 acquisition the completed year, financial the During the Trust 1072 In the past, legacies have played legacies past, the In Other income Inspiring people income income conservation Wider countryside income Nature reserve Investment income income and consultancy Merchandising Legacies donations Subscriptions, aid and gift Thank you to everyone us this who has year supported Income Total £2,774K Total 194 293 217 141 diversity and reduce risk. risk. reduce and diversity greater of to provide investments spread abetter delivering whilst portfolio, by the generated of income level the review was tothis maintain of purpose The Accounts. Audited the in out set are new policy of the details and Investment Policy of its Trustthe areview undertaken has future.the in line ways income to improve this Team at further looking be will A newly Marketing formed impact. abeneficial having is recruitment that focused to see good is it end, year- at the reduce did numbers membership Whilst to finance. difficult be otherwise that would acquisitions and projects support Trustof the us to allow and income” “unrestricted the boosting in role play amajor also income During the course of the year, of the course the During Investment and Membership 113 163 581 564 Financial overview In addition £905K nature reserve acquisition nature reserve £905K addition In 497 Merchandising and consultancy costs and consultancy Merchandising Governance costs income voluntary generating of Costs Nature acquisitions reserve Inspiring people conservation Wider countryside management Nature reserve 905 Expenditure from the Trust’s the from Headquarters. obtained be may statements financial and report annual full ofthe Copies TreasurerHonorary David Cohen course. due in realised to be is Landscape Living Kirkby of the part as Airfield Spa of Woodhall potential full the if funding for increased need a but Sheet Balance astrong with leaves Trust This of the £405k. sales property of and our investments value the on by gains augmented year, the in of £73k surplus modest a year with successful another Trust, forward. going to the contribution to make apositive able be will café business and retail that our expectation an now is there and have addressed been accounts, company, last referred to the in Total £2,701K Total In summary,In Trust the enjoyed has subsidiary the within difficulties The 2012 -2013 59 18 220 1343

ChaffinchSallow moth Amy Lewis Future Plans Acknowledgements The Trust is a voluntary, charitable organisation whose work is dependent on the goodwill, • Deliver Kirkby Moor extension financial support and voluntary input of individuals, businesses, local authorities and voluntary (airfield acquisition phase II) bodies. We acknowledge with thanks the help of all our supporters. We are grateful to the – fundraising requirements following for substantial financial support in 2012/2013 through donations, grants and the sponsorship of projects: and opportunity for increasing profile arising from the project Anglian Water Forestry Commission North Lincolnshire County Council Anglia Regional Co-op Heritage Lottery Fund RSPB and anniversaries. Biffaward HSBC Bank Plc RSWT Cargill PLC Lincolnshire County Council South Holland District Council • Continue delivery of Living Centrica Lynn Wind Farm Limited Vine House Farm Landscape projects on which DEFRA Ministry of Defence Wash Fens Rural Development Programme we lead or are a partner: East Lindsey District Council Natural England Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN) significant input on Life on the Environment Agency North East Lindsey Drainage Board Wolds AONB Verge 2 (the Wolds), South The European Union District Council Lincolnshire Fens, Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Legacies and Coastal Country Park, Receipts from legacies form a substantial part of our unrestricted income, allowing us to find Witham Valley Country Park match funding for a variety of projects and to maintain our Conservation and Development Funds. and Humberhead Levels. A During 2012/2013 the Trust has been notified of bequests from the Wills of the following: particular focus on securing Pauline Sandra Hopkins John Monks James Gordon Wallace Iris Mary Bauckham Joan Rosaline Thomas William Arthur Markham continuity funding for key Frank Wilson Charles Ian Lee Neil Anthony Taylor project posts and new officer for Mary Holt Judith Ann Bartlett Alexander George Parker the Fens.

• Deliver marine planning and Corporate Members Marine Conservation Zone Corporate Membership of the Trust is designed to provide an effective means for companies to advocacy and data collection. demonstrate care for the local environment. The following were Corporate Members during the reporting period: • Input to the critical South Humber Aggregate Industries Cupit Print, Horncastle Mortons of Horncastle Limited Bank mitigation strategy. Alfred Enderby Limited Exeter Street Veterinary Centre Natureland Seal Sanctuary Andrew & Co LLP Fenland Laundries Limited North East Lindsey Drainage Board • Maximise opportunities arising Anglian Water Services Gardman Limited Novartis Grimsby from the establishment of ARH Tucker & Sons Growing Wild Limited Omex Agriculture Limited two Nature Partnerships in Associated British Ports Hornsby Travel Services Limited Page Paper Limited B A Bush & Son Limited Humber Bridge Board Riva Construction Lincolnshire. Badley Ashton & Associates J E Piccaver & Co Rowhire Limited Limited J W Ruddock & Sons Limited S Betteridge Paving Contractor • Actions to achieve Cargill PLC John E Haith Limited SCS Technology Solutions Limited membership growth. Chapel Garden Centre John Kinch Group Sibelco UK Cleethorpes Builders Merchants Jolly Common Caravan Park Singleton Birch Limited • Enhance web and social Clugston Group Limited Kes Building Maintenance Tata Steel UK Limited media presence. Conoco Philips (UK) Limited Lincolnshire Co-operative Society TCS UK Spraying Cray Valley Products Limited Limited Truelove Property & Construction • Commence strategic planning for Creative Nature Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited Yara (UK) Limited next five year period (2015-20). Crowder & Sons Ltd Lowfields Leisure Limited

Headquarters/Registered Office Snipe Dales Nature Reserve Board of Directors and Trustees Banovallum House and Country Park Dr A E Smith CBE MA President Manor House Street Lusby, PE23 4JB Mr D F Wright MSc MSB Vice President (Resigned 1 May 2013) Horncastle Tel: 01507 588401 Mr B Tear BSc Vice President (Resigned 1 May 2013) Lincolnshire LN9 5HF Mr D N Robinson OBE MSc Vice President (Re-appointed 1 November 2013) Whisby Nature Park Sir J Mason CBE DL Chairman (Resigned 24 April 2013) Tel: 01507 526667 Tel: 01522 500676 Mr G L Trinder ARPS Chairman (Appointed 25 June 2013) Fax: 01507 525732 Education Centre Mr T S Sands Deputy Chairman Email: [email protected] Tel: 01522 696926 Dr D A Sheppard BSc PhD Deputy Chairman Website: www.lincstrust.org.uk Thorpe-on-the-Hill, Lincoln LN6 9BW Mr D Cohen Honorary Treasurer Mrs M A S Bates BSc Far Ings National Nature Reserve and Mrs C E Harrison BSc Visitor Centre Mrs J Mellor MSc Barton-on-Humber DN18 5RG Senior Staff Mrs A Quigley BA Tel: 01652 637055 P Learoyd Chief Executive Mr E J Redshaw FLS D Bromwich Head of Reserves Mr C Morrison CSci (Appointed 1 May 2013) C Steel Head of Conservation Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Mr J Purvis BSc FCA (Appointed 1 May 2013) and Wash Study Centre Head of Finance Ms T Smalley MSc (Appointed 1 May 2013) Skegness PE24 4SU P Thorpe (Retired 31 December 2012) The Earl of Yarborough Patron Tel: 01754 898057 S J Smith (Appointed 21 January 2013) Baroness Willoughby de Eresby Patron

The Trust is a company limited by guarantee (No. 461863) and is a registered charity (No. 218895)