Watch the birdie: Project to transform golf course into wetlands to benefit migratory birds gets underway

• Former golf course to become 25 hectare (62 acre) wetland nature reserve
• Site sits on “east coast flyway” so will benefit migratory birds such as marsh harriers and curlew sandpipers
• Facilities will include boardwalks and walkways and a new visitor hub
• £7.3 million project due to complete in Autumn 2025

Work starts at Sandilands near Sutton-on-Sea to transform a former golf course on the Lincolnshire coastline into a 25-hectare (62 acre) wetland nature reserve.

The site, cared for by the National Trust, will over time see the creation of open water, islands, reedbeds and ponds to encourage more wildlife and migratory birds to return to the area, including marsh harriers and curlew sandpipers, among others.

The £7.3 million transformation project will also include the creation of walkways and boardwalks for walkers as well as the development of a visitor hub. The aim of the project is to create both a wildlife haven and somewhere for local people and visitors to connect with nature all year round.

Carl Hawke, Nature Conservation Adviser, said: “The new wetlands will provide homes for a variety of wildlife but it will also become an even more important site for migrating birds.

“Sandilands sits on the “east coast flyway” migration route and the reserve will be a vital resting and refuelling stop for birds such as the black-tailed godwit, spotted redshank and spoonbill along with breeding birds like avocet, lapwing, oystercatcher and bearded tit. It will also continue to provide homes to many of our well-loved local bird species like skylarks, meadow pipits, reed buntings and linnets.

“We are expecting Sandilands to become a haven for all varieties of wildlife. It is already a great place for rare plants such as birdsfoot clover and bee orchid and our conservation work will help support them too. Sandilands forms a vital part of National Trust’s increased commitment to protecting nature and tackling climate change, enabling people to connect with nature throughout the year.”

Kirsty James, General Manager for Sandilands, continued: “A lot of work has gone on behind-the-scenes and we are excited now to see work begin on the physical changes at Sandilands.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the area transform to not only create a haven for wildlife, but also provide a peaceful and calm space for people to walk, spend time with friends and family, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature and the outdoors.”

The renovated car park and new visitor hub will include a community space for local people to meet and a café for visitors to the reserve. Funds received through income from the car park and cafe will go towards the conservation of the nature reserve. It will be sustainably managed in a way that will help reduce carbon emissions, supporting the National Trust’s pledge to become carbon net-zero by 2030.

The work will also be phased so that visitors can continue to enjoy walks across parts of the future reserve. The car park will remain open throughout and visitors will be able to continue using the SandiDunes café kiosk at the northern tip of the reserve and visitor facilities.

A range of organised events and activities will also continue that will include weekly guided wellness walks and monthly dog walks, among other activities.

The project is supported by Connected Coast Town Deal, which is supporting with a £2million Towns Fund investment into the development of the visitor hub. This project is also part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in addition to donations from the Trust’s generous supporters.

Work on the infrastructure is due to complete in Autumn 2025 at which point the team will let nature continue to shape the transformation of the landscape while regularly maintaining the site to ensure it continues to develop as a thriving wetland habitat.

To find out more about Sandilands, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sandilands

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