Former golf course transformed into nature reserve

A former golf course on the Lincolnshire coast has been transformed into a wetland nature reserve, creating an important new habitat for wildlife and a destination for visitors.

National Trust Sandilands, near Sutton on Sea, officially opens on Saturday following a six-year restoration project.

The site, the equivalent of 42 football pitches, is made up of wetlands, grassland and coastal scrub.

The reserve would support species including lapwing, snipe and terns, while providing a vital stop-off for migratory birds, the charity said.

Katie Scott, area ranger for the reserve, said: "Seeing it evolve from a golf course into a fully-fledged nature reserve has been super exciting.

"Even before the project was officially complete, nature had begun to return. This year avocets and oystercatchers successfully nested and bred, while little ringed plover chicks were recorded on site for a second consecutive year.

"Many of the species we'll see at Sandilands are endangered or rare and depend on places like this to rest, feed and breed.

"Creating this new wetland will extend the safe refuges available to these birds, ensuring they can survive and thrive."

Meanwhile, Nicola Craven, coast and countryside manager, said efforts had been made to ensure the reserve was accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

She said they also planned to graze Highland ponies on the site to remove coarse vegetation, plough up the area and help to move seed around.

"It will make a real difference to the landscape," she added.

The former golf course was acquired by the National Trust in 2020 and transformed with support from partners, volunteers and public funding.

More than 35,000 native shrubs were planted and new wetlands created, while the site now includes accessible paths, boardwalks, a visitor hub, cafe and community facilities.

National Trust director of land and nature, Harry Bowell, said the project showed how restoring habitats and improving access to nature could help people and wildlife thrive together.

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