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Golf Course Reborn as Thriving Wetland
4 Oct
Summary
- Former golf course now a wetland nature reserve.
- Avocet chicks hatched for the first time in July 2026.
- Over 35,000 native shrubs planted to support wildlife.
A former golf course along England's Lincolnshire coast has been reimagined as a new wetland nature reserve, Sandilands. This transformation replaced golfing landscapes with ponds, reedbeds, grassland, and coastal habitats. The reserve officially opened to the public on September 26, 2026, following a six-year development program.
The project, led by the National Trust, involved significant earthworks, moving nearly 52,000 cubic metres of soil. Over 35,000 native coastal shrubs were planted, alongside green hay from a local reserve, to establish species-rich grasslands. This extensive planting aims to provide crucial resources for wildlife.
Sandilands has already celebrated an early wildlife success: avocet chicks hatched there for the first time in July 2026, prior to the public opening. The reserve is designed to support breeding birds like snipe and lapwing, as well as provide refuge for migratory species along the East Coast Flyway.
The site now offers improved public access with new paths and boardwalks. A visitor welcome building, including the Flyway Café and accessible facilities, enhances the visitor experience. The National Trust will continue to manage and monitor the reserve's ecological development.
