Lincolnshire boasts some of the most beautiful nature reserves in the UK and is home to a wealth of wildlife. There are almost 100 nature reserves run by the RSPB and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to explore across the county.
Explore a world on your doorstep
A nature lover’s paradise there is plenty of wildlife to spot; from animals to birds to flora and fauna, across a whole host of habitats. Suitable for most people and a perfect way to escape the everyday. Lincolnshire is a county rich in nature due to it’s rural heritage. The county boasts some of the most impressive open spaces to explore, including great spots to visit for the day but also explore on treks and hikes across comfortable terrain that is appropriate for all abilities.
Snipe Dales Country Park & Nature Reserve
For those who love a mix of woodland, valleys, and streams, Snipe Dales is a must-visit. Just a short drive from Horncastle, this stunning reserve offers a variety of walking trails through diverse habitats, making it perfect for spotting wildlife throughout the seasons. Whether you’re looking for a gentle nature walk or a more adventurous hike, the rolling countryside of Snipe Dales won’t disappoint.
After the walk, take some time to explore Horncastle and enjoy a well-earned meal at one of its cosy cafés or traditional pubs. With its charming market-town atmosphere and welcoming eateries, it’s the perfect place to relax and refuel.
Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Just a short drive from Stamford, Rutland Water Nature Reserve is one of the best places in the region to experience wildlife and stunning landscapes. Spanning over 4,200 acres, this vast nature park is a paradise for outdoor lovers, home to walking and cycling trails, birdwatching hides, and peaceful picnic spots.
The reserve is famous for its Osprey Project, where visitors can see these majestic birds of prey during the breeding season. With over 30 bird hides, it’s a fantastic place for spotting a wide variety of wildlife, including egrets, kingfishers, and waterfowl. For families, the Lyndon and Egleton visitor centres offer interactive exhibits and nature trails, making it a great educational day out.
If you’re looking for more adventure, Rutland Water also offers cycling routes that loop around the reservoir, with bike hire available on-site. The surrounding woodlands and meadows provide scenic walks throughout the year, whether you’re after a short stroll or a full day’s exploration.
The nearby Stamford is a must-visit destination for food, shopping and historic wonders.
Woodhall Spa Airfield Nature Reserve
Once a busy RAF base, Woodhall Spa Airfield Nature Reserve has been transformed into a haven for wildlife. The mix of grasslands, wetlands, and woodland makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching, with a range of species thriving in this peaceful setting. Take a stroll along the open trails and imagine the history beneath your feet while enjoying the tranquillity of nature reclaiming this once-active airfield.
Don’t forget to visit Woodhall Spa for a well-deserved meal at one of its welcoming pubs, where you can relax and enjoy the town’s unique character.
Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes
For a truly unique landscape, head to the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve, located along the Lincolnshire coast near Louth. This stunning reserve is home to vast sand dunes, saltmarshes, and rare coastal plants. It’s a fantastic place for birdwatching, with waders and wildfowl often spotted in the area. The reserve’s winding coastal paths also make for a refreshing walk, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea and a real sense of wild, untouched beauty.
Freiston Shore
Freiston Shore found in the wilderness of the Wash is one of the UK’s most important estuaries for wildlife. This RSPB reserve offers excellent views of water-birds on the salt water lagoon, especially at high tide when wading birds roost, sometimes in their thousands. Tree sparrows, yellowhammers and skylarks are common around the reserve throughout the year, with mad march hares in spring, ringed plovers in summer and Brent geese and hunting harriers in winter.
