Reserves

Lincolnshire’s natural coastline is a haven for nature lovers, conservationists and bird watchers. There are many nature reserves working to protect and nurture the wildlife of the Lincolnshire coast - visitors can come and witness first-hand the incredible work of these reserves and the nature that thrives within them.

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is recognised both nationally and internationally as an area of outstanding importance. Covering three miles of coast from Skegness to The Wash, the ‘Gib’ protects this unspoilt stretch of coastline and its important communities of plants and animals. A network of paths is designed to take the visitor easily around the major habitats whilst keeping disturbance to a minimum.

There is an observation platform at Mill Hill with extensive views of the surrounding landscape, and public hides overlook the Mere and Fenland Lagoon. In 2006 a new Visitors’ Centre opened at the southern end of the reserve.

Lincolnshire's stunning natural coastline

England’s largest breeding colony of grey seals can be found on the Lincolnshire coast at North Somercotes. Each winter from October to December, thousands of seals return to breed on the salt flats which form a bombing range known as RAF Donna Nook – the wildlife have become surprisingly accustomed to the sound of the aircraft bombs on a regular basis!

Close to the town of Boston is the RSPB Freiston Shore Nature Reserve – a fantastic spot for bird watching throughout the seasons. Star species at the reserve include Avocets, Redshanks, Merlins and Brent Geese.

Far Ings National Nature Reserve at Barton Upon Humber was once an area of industrial clay pits -eventually abandoned in the 1950’s but then reclaimed in the 1980’s by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Since then, the trust have developed the reedbeds into a thriving reserve where wildlife such as Bitterns, Kingfisher and Water Voles can be found.