More Exciting Wildlife Photography - 20 September 2023

Des Lloyd once again shared a stunning set of photographs with us at our September meeting. He emphasised that the prints were all taken within two miles of Gainsborough. Beginning with mammals, he explained how he managed to capture such intimate views, by studying the habits of the animals and waiting patiently for them to appear in identified locations. From brown hares to badgers, foxes and roe deer, Des described their lifestyle, with an account of the hazards they face in just surviving.

Donna Nook and Grey Seals - 18 October 2023

Matthew Blissett, who is the Outer Humber and Coast warden covering the Saltfleetby - Theddlethorpe dunes and Donna Nook reserves, from Cleethorpes to Mablethorpe, gave the group an engrossing talk in October on the “Seals of Donna Nook”. Describing the dune land habitat’s flora and fauna with many photos, firstly he outlined what a wealth of wildlife the area offers year-round, including butterflies, birds, and flowers in their season.

Known widely for the colony of Atlantic grey seals, Donna Nook attracts an almost overwhelming number of visitors over the winter months when the pups are born on the extensive dune land. It became clear that Matt and his fellow warden, Ruth Taylor, work tirelessly to protect the welfare of the seals. They are supported by a team of up to 60 volunteers who help manage and offer insight into dynamics of the colony to the many visitors.

He described aspects of seal behaviour and life cycle. Female seals can live for thirty-five, and males for twenty-five years, the males weigh up to 320 kg, females are lighter.

It was all fascinating, thank you, Matt.

The Deer In Lincolnshire - 15 November 2023

“The Deer of Lincolnshire” was the title of Chris Manning's talk to the Gainsborough group in November. With a wealth of experience in conservation and landscape ecology, and an obvious passion for deer, Chris gave us a fascinating insight into the history of deer in the UK. As their population numbers are closely linked to human land management and attitudes to hunting, we heard about historic Royal Forests and Parks, including those in Lincolnshire. Roe and Red Deer were a valuable food source.

Fallow deer are regarded as naturalised, following historical introductions from Europe from Roman times onwards. They are grazers and tend to heft to an area.

Later introductions: Muntjac, Pere David, Sika and Chinese Water Deer were kept in exclusive 'parks', and escaped latterly into the wider countryside. Interestingly, as the Pere David deer became extinct in China, the herd based at Woburn Abbey donated animals to repopulate their ancestral homelands.

Outlining their differing physical features and habits, Chris also indicated the problems that their growing numbers are causing for biodiversity in the natural environment, to the extent that central government agencies are examining options for managing deer in Britain.  Their presence on Crowle Moor is one area of concern.

Details of forthcoming events organised by the Gainsborough Area Group can be found on our What's On pages.