Saltfleet Walk Two

Lying between the coast and the Wolds, Lincolnshire’s coastal grazing marshes are a nationally threatened habitat supporting a rich variety of wildlife with a distinctive landscape and rich cultural history. Big skies and long views dotted by churches give the grazing marshes a unique character,  this special landscape is full of untold stories and hidden clues that tell of how this landscape has been shaped through history.

Saltfleet is believed to have been one of the biggest ports outside London during the 12th to 15th centuries, providing important trade links to Europe. Lincoln Longwool fleeces, revered for their long yarn, and salt were shipped to Europe whilst tobacco, spices, gin and building materials would be brought back on the returning ships. The import of building materials during this period explains why many local buildings are constructed from European stones. The port contributed to the wealth of local market towns such as Louth, Alford and Burgh le Marsh, but was also responsible for a rise in smuggling and a wealth of folklore that now surrounds these communities.

Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve is a major coastal reserve of international importance. There is a wealth of wildlife including displays of cowslips, lady’s bedstraw, viper’s bugloss and field mouse-ear on the dunes, marsh orchids in the freshwater marsh and on the saltmarsh look out for sea thrift, sea lavender and sea aster. During the spring and autumn the sea buckthorn can attract migrating birds. On warm, sultry evenings in late spring the distinctive churring calls of male natterjack toads may be heard.