Work begins on creating £7.3m wildlife haven

National Trust hopes the Sandilands nature reserve will benefit more birds including skylarks

Work has begun on a £7.3m project to transform a former golf course on the Lincolnshire coast into a wildlife haven.

The scheme at Sandilands, near Sutton-on-Sea, will see open water and islands as well as reedbeds and ponds at the 25-hectare (62-acre) site.

National Trust said the wetland nature reserve would encourage "more wildlife and migratory birds to return to the area, including marsh harriers and curlew sandpipers".

The construction, which also includes walkways and a new visitor hub, is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2025.

The grassland and sand-dunes would encourage wildlife and migratory birds to settle, the trust said

Sandilands lies under the path of what is known as the Atlantic Flyway, a globally significant migration route for birds.

Nature Conservation Adviser Carl Hawke said the reserve would 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.”

An artist's impression of the wetland habitat

The nature reserve will also include a community space and a café for visitors.

Income generated from the café and renovated car park will fund the conservation of the wetland, the trust said.

Kirsty James, general manager for Sandilands, said: “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 trust said ongoing work would not impact visitors to the reserve with some of the existing facilities and scheduled activities running throughout the construction.

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