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Sandilands celebrates planning approval: let the work begin!

Published:
08 December 2023
Last updated:
08 December 2023
Anderby Marsh at Sandilands, Lincolnshire
Anderby Marsh at Sandilands, Lincolnshire | © National Trust Images/John Miller

The National Trust at Sandilands is celebrating the approval of plans to create a wetland nature reserve and multi-purpose visitor hub on the Lincolnshire coastline, with work set to begin late summer 2024.

The transformation of the landscape will bring Sandilands back to its natural roots with open water, islands, reedbeds and ponds complete with walkways and boardwalks. There will be swathes of grasslands and plenty of sand-dunes to encourage local wildlife and migratory birds to settle, rest or start families.

They are all essential elements for protecting our local climate and will inspire people to create special memories surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Sandilands will be a haven for wildlife where people can connect with different plants, animals and environments throughout the whole year.

A birds eye picture of the land at sandilands with wetland ponds created by an artist so show how it will look when work beings on the site
An artist impression of the wetland habitat created by the project | © National Trust / Peter Farmer / Wayne Lagden

The existing building on site will be renovated to ensure it is modern and eco-friendly and will contain a cosy café for coastal explorers and a community space for local people. It will be further enhanced by its carbon-neutral operating model, which will help protect the planet and support the National Trust’s pledge to become carbon net-zero by 2030.

Kirsty James, General Manager for Sandilands, said:

“We’re seeing real progress towards making a lasting impact on the future of this special place.

We’re excited to see work begin, and we know how important it is that progress is sustainable and respects wildlife and local people.

We want to do the community proud, and we expect some wonderful experiences to take place as the journey unfolds."

A picture of an owl swooping around with his wings outstretched at Sandilands nature reserve
A short-eared owl flying around at Sandilands nature reserve | © Garry Wright

A visitor welcome building at the northern tip of the reserve is also included in the plans. This will contain a café and a community space. The building is designed to run carbon-neutrally. The exterior and interior will also complement the nature reserve and surrounding area. Changing place facilities which are suitable for children and adults with accessibility needs will also be created at Sandilands.

Drawings have been released showing what to expect when the project is complete. The National Trust’s own design team formed the initial design concepts which the architects used as inspiration for making the proposals a reality.

An image showing the land at sandilands with a welcome buiding in the background. A big cafe sign can be seen and it is in dark colours.
An artist impression of the new welcome hub at Sandiland | © National Trust / Jonathan Hendry Architects

The architects appointed for the project are Landscape Architect ‘Influence Landscape Planning and Design’ and Buildings Architect ‘Jonathan Hendry’, both locally renowned businesses.

The project is supported by Connected Coast Town Deal, which is supporting with a £2M Towns Fund investment into the development of the welcome hub.

While Sandilands Nature Reserve will continue to grow and respond throughout the National Trust’s initial phase of work, it is expected that essential adaptations to the land as well as the visitor welcome hub will be complete in 2025.