Landscape Recovery Projects - Lincoln & Witham Valley
The Lincoln and Witham Valley Landscape and Recovery Project is a pioneering initiative to restore and transform 6,276 hectares of land across Lincolnshire. This ambitious project seeks to rejuvenate diverse habitats, enhance local biodiversity, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and improve the well-being of communities by increasing access to nature.
Habitat Creation and Restoration
Our approach to landscape recovery is rooted in the creation and restoration of a variety of habitats tailored to both the local environment and the species that call it home:
Target Species
The Lincoln and Witham Valley Landscape and Recovery Project places a strong emphasis on supporting and restoring populations of key target species that are integral to the region’s biodiversity. Among these species, corncrakes and nightingales are particularly significant due to their decline in the UK, with habitat restoration offering them critical breeding grounds. Golden plovers and lapwings are priority species of open grassland habitats, benefiting from the creation of wet meadows and grazing marshes. The curlew, with its distinctive call, is another iconic species that the project aims to support through the restoration of coastal and floodplain grazing marsh. Similarly, the crane, which is slowly returning to the UK, will find a welcoming environment through the restoration of wetlands and floodplains. Nightjars, a rare bird species in the UK, will thrive in heathland and scrub mosaic habitats created within the project area. In addition to birds, the project also focuses on the recovery of species like the large marsh grasshopper, whose populations benefit from the restoration of damp meadows and heathland, and the water vole, a key species for riparian habitats that will benefit from wetland creation and floodplain restoration. The marsh fritillary butterfly, a species in decline across the UK, will see its habitats expanded with the restoration of traditional meadows and wetlands. Lastly, brown trout, vital to the health of local rivers, will be supported by improving riparian habitats and enhancing water quality and stream connectivity. By restoring and enhancing habitats for these species, the project aims to ensure the survival and thriving of these iconic and ecologically important creatures, contributing to the overall biodiversity and resilience of the Lincoln and Witham Valley landscape.
Corn crake - Crex crex
Golden Plover - Pluvialis apricaria
Lapwing - Vanellinae
Water vole - Arvicola amphibius
Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus
Nightingale - Luscinia megarhynchos
Riparian Areas
Floodplain Realignment: Reconnecting and restoring floodplain dynamics to better manage natural flooding and support biodiversity.
Ponds, Scrapes & Wetlands: Establishing water-rich habitats to support species such as brown trout and water voles.
Paleo-Channel Restoration: Reconnecting ancient watercourses to enhance ecological corridors.
Floodplain Complexity Modelling: Designing dynamic floodplains to increase biodiversity and improve flood resilience.
Strategic Offsets: Mitigating environmental impacts through targeted habitat creation and restoration.
Wet Habitats
Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh: Rehabilitating marshlands to provide critical habitat for species like lapwings and curlews.
Lowland Fens and Wet Woodland: Restoring wetland ecosystems to support marsh fritillaries, willow carr, and water voles.
Floodplain Meadows: Developing diverse meadows that enhance habitat quality and provide food for a wide range of species.
Paludiculture: Introducing wetland farming techniques that support both local biodiversity and sustainable farming practices.
Mesic (Damp) Habitats
Lowland Meadows and Neutral Grassland: Expanding habitats rich in flowers to support pollinators and diverse bird species.
Scrub and Wood Pasture: Developing habitats that provide a rich environment for a wide variety of wildlife.
Agroforestry Orchards: Integrating fruit orchards into regenerative farming systems, combining productivity with biodiversity.
Dry Habitats
Lowland Heathland and Dry Acid Grassland: Restoring habitats for species such as the nightjar and large marsh grasshopper.
Heathland Woodpasture and Mixed Deciduous Woodland: Enhancing upland biodiversity and carbon storage through sustainable woodland management.
Peri-Urban and Urban Opportunities
Floristic Verges and Swales: Creating green corridors that support pollinator populations and manage urban water runoff.
Increased Tree Cover and Wild Gardens: Planting native species to increase urban biodiversity and provide green refuges for wildlife.
Circular Walks and Orchards: Establishing easily accessible walking trails and green spaces that encourage community engagement with nature.
Functional Connectivity
Hedgerows and Linear Corridors: Expanding wildlife corridors along public footpaths and rights of way, improving connectivity across the landscape.
Green Bridges: Constructing safe crossings over the A46 to reconnect habitats and allow both people and wildlife to move freely across the region.
Future Farming Opportunities
In line with the project’s commitment to sustainability, we are embracing modern farming practices that prioritise ecological balance and long-term resilience:
Soil Restoration: Rebuilding soil health through regenerative farming techniques such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments.
Integrated Livestock and Agroforestry: Developing landscapes where livestock and trees work together to improve biodiversity and increase productivity.
Regenerative Agriculture: Implementing net-zero farming practices, precision farming, and catchment-sensitive techniques, to reduce emissions and build a sustainable future for agriculture in the region.
Addressing Community Needs
This initiative aims to address these challenges by improving access to nature and encouraging healthier lifestyles through:
Tourism and Green Prescribing: Using nature to improve physical and mental health through outdoor activities and green spaces.
Improved Access Links: Connecting urban and rural areas through Sustrans routes, circular walks, and green bridges to improve access to the countryside.
Community Engagement: Offering opportunities for local people to engage with and enjoy the landscape, improving their connection to nature and overall well-being.
Collaboration and Impact
The Lincoln and Witham Valley Landscape and Recovery Project is a collaborative effort involving key partners, including Lincoln City Council, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, Forestry England, Anglian Water, LEAF, and others. Together, we are working to restore the landscapes of Lincolnshire, increase biodiversity, and provide a model for integrated environmental and community regeneration.
By engaging with local stakeholders and fostering a stronger connection between urban and rural areas, this project will not only restore the natural environment but also enhance the lives of the people who call Lincolnshire home.
