Lincolnshire Coast & Marshes
status
back
value
Get involved
Supported by Aggregate Industries
and The Rothschild Foundation
and The Rothschild Foundation
Lincolnshire Coast & Marshes
From the Humber to the Wash, the Lincolnshire coast isn’t just a destination for beach holidays. The coastline includes internationally important habitats including saltmarsh, sand dunes and saline lagoons. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s vision is that coastal habitats will expand and improve and the low-lying lands behind will once again have extensive grassland landscapes rich in wildlife, intersected by a distinctive pattern of water courses. Within this landscape, pastoral farming thrives and local communities have a high quality of life. The area will become more attractive to local people and visitors, with year-round opportunities to experience the natural and historic environment through improved access, helping to develop and sustain a vibrant rural economy.
The Wildlife Trusts
Intrinsic Value
Lincolnshire’s wild coast is one of Britain’s most important havens for wildlife, supporting grey seals and huge numbers of birds as well as a wide range of habitats.
The wildlife of the marshes was once rich and varied, providing grazing for livestock and ideal conditions for birds, water voles, dragonflies and many other species. Today this important landscape needs to be preserved and enhanced so that future generations can appreciate the rich heritage of the area and experience the wonderful array of wildlife that still survives and thrives within it.
The Wildlife Trusts
Emotional Value
Visit these areas and you can still experience the solitude, peace and beauty of this ancient landscape. The spectacle of thousands of golden plover, lapwing, curlew and widgeon is a sight that touches everyone. As a traditionally managed landscape the wildlife and heritage of the Coast & Marshes evokes a sense of pastoral idyll that has been lost elsewhere. We need such places to help connect with our past while realising our future, a future that balances the well-being of both people and wildlife
The Wildlife Trusts
Financial Value
The natural habitats along the coast help protect communities and property from the growing risk of flooding as a result of climate change and sea level rise.
Diversification of the local economy will provide a net benefit to the area. By developing and promoting the Coast & Marshes as a tourist destination rich in history and natural wonders (such as beautiful coastal scenes and unique wildlife habitats) a vibrant visitor economy will be stimulated with a positive impact on local businesses who provide such things as retail, food services, entertainment and accommodation.
The Wildlife Trusts
Societal Value
The area’s culture and history has been closely associated with fishing and with traditional farming methods using livestock to graze fertile, moisture retaining, ancient pastures where species-rich hay meadows were cut for forage. Around the villages, land was cultivated, producing ridge and furrow features. Archaeological evidence shows salt-making dating from the Bronze and Iron ages and impressive churches mark former wealth and patronage. The market towns, villages and settlements of this area are a direct legacy of this deep history, which forms an integral part of their identity and culture.
The Wildlife Trusts
Get Involved
Please help us to secure the future of the Lincolnshire Coast & Marshes as a wildlife haven by becoming a member of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, donating to a project or leaving a legacy. You may also wish to consider volunteering your time to help manage your local nature reserve, or by supporting the wildlife in your back garden.
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust works with volunteers across the Coast & Marshes area on various projects including nature reserve management, wildlife surveys and litter picking. The Trust’s local area groups in Grimsby, Alford and Mablethorpe are made up of volunteers who are involved in various activities in the Coast & Marshes area and who organise local events. Local volunteers also run Wildlife Watch groups for children at Gibraltar Point, Alford, Rimac and Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
You can find out more by visiting the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website www.lincstrust.org.uk, by calling 01507 526667 or by emailing info@lincstrust.co.uk.