Seed Collecting and a Coffee Morning

BUMPER TURNOUT AT RED HILL FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Eleven of us turned up at Red Hill on this wonderfully sunny morning. Our aim was to collect the seeds of the Autumn gentian flowers which was a delicate process. One had to identify the flower and then gently shake the seeds into a container whilst protecting them from the breeze. The seeds are so tiny and after an hour I had only collected about an egg-cupful. I was relieved to learn that was about as many as most of the others had obtained.

Harry Turner was very pleased and told us that the seeds were very valuable. They will be planted in the meadow adjoining the Coronation Meadow. RW 

 

INFORMATION COFFEE MORNING SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 1000 – 1200

CONOCOPHILLIPS ROOM, LOUTH LIBRARY

Each year the main fund raising event for LAG is the October Coffee Morning. In order to extend the interest and to attract more visitors we shall be having an Information Coffee Morningwhich will involve:-

A time to meet like-minded people for a chat whilst enjoying coffee and biscuits.

An opportunity to learn how the local wildlife sites are maintained as you meet the volunteers who carry out this work. Volunteers from Donna Nook, Red Hill, Toby’s Hill and our woodland sites have agreed to come along.

There will be a Raffle.

You will have a chance to purchase wildlife publications, Christmas Cards and gifts.

You will be fascinated to see how wild flower seeds look under a microscope.

You are welcome to bring your seashells for identification as you see what the tide has washed up.

The admission including refreshments will be £1.50 and there will not be a charge for children.

We do need Raffle prizes and a few helpers on the day. So please let me know if you can contribute.

With very best wishes

Ray Woodcock Chairman LAG

Seed Collection and Frampton Visit

SEED COLLECTION CORONATION MEADOW

Harry Turner tells me that the weather will be good on this Friday 25 September and that he has a lot of Autumn gentian seeds that need collecting. It is just a matter of shaking the seeds from the seed heads into a small plastic box - not bags. If you are able to help, please come along at 10.00 am to Red Hill for about an hour.

Harry and the LWT Mid-Lincs Warden, Kevin James really appreciate our help. This has enabled Harry to sow 4 acres of land with the Cowslip seeds that we collected last month.

LOUTH AREA GROUP VISIT TO RSPB FRAMPTON MARSH SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

The weather forecast for next Sunday looks promising too and the migrant birds have started to arrive on the Marsh. The venue is well signed off the A16 south of Boston. Please meet in the car park MR TF 365392 at just before 1100 hrs. There is a charge of at least £2 for parking to help towards the upkeep of the RSPB site. Toilets are to be found in the Visitors’ Centre where we shall meet at 1100 hrs for a site briefing by Dr Chris Andrews.

We then explore the Marsh. If you wish, you may make your own way round the pathways or you can straggle along slowly with me! Bring your binoculars and telescopes as well as your lunch. There are plenty of large hides and grassy banks that will make good picnic spots.

Best wishes

Ray Woodcock Chairman LAG

Ted Smith

I regret to announce the death of Ted Smith CBE, President of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. He died yesterday, Sunday 13th September, at Boston Hospital. His daughters Alison and Helen were with him.

Ted, a founder member of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is also described as the architect of the modern Wildlife Trust movement.

Sir David Attenborough said in 2012 “Ted is quite exceptional. This countryside of Britain may not be as rich as Ted knew it as a child in the 1920s and 30s but it is immeasurably better than it would otherwise have been without him and The Wildlife Trusts. I believe that work will continue and be increasingly important to all of us living in this beautiful but crowded archipelago."

Back in the 1940s Ted Smith recognised the urgent need to save Lincolnshire’s most special places for nature. He fought to save our unspoiled coast, ancient meadows and heaths and to halt the destruction of native woodland. Ted campaigned on almost every front from saving roadside flowers from being sprayed with chemicals to pressing for legislation to protect otters.

His influence extended far beyond Lincolnshire. He travelled the length and breadth of Britain, lecturing on his vision for nature and for local Wildlife Trusts to champion it. Most importantly, he saw the need for local nature organisations which could own land and for them to derive support from a wide section of the community.

A short film about Ted was made in 2012 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/who-we-are/ted-smith

I offer my deepest sympathy to his family and to his friends and colleagues, he will be so greatly missed. Dear Ted, rest in peace.

Paul

Paul Learoyd Chief Executive
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust