Published by National Trust.
The National Trust at Sandilands is celebrating the approval of plans to create a wetland nature reserve and multi-purpose visitor hub on the Lincolnshire coastline, with work set to begin in late summer 2024.
The transformation of the landscape will bring Sandilands back to its natural roots with open water, islands, reedbeds and ponds complete with walkways and boardwalks. There will be swathes of grasslands and plenty of sand dunes to encourage local wildlife and migratory birds to settle, rest or start families.
They are all essential elements for protecting our local climate and will inspire people to create special memories surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Sandilands will be a haven for wildlife where people can connect with different plants, animals, and environments throughout the whole year.
The existing building on site will be renovated to ensure it is modern and eco-friendly and will contain a cosy café for coastal explorers and a community space for local people. It will be further enhanced by its carbon-neutral operating model, which will help protect the planet and support the National Trust’s pledge to become carbon net-zero by 2030.
We’re seeing real progress towards making a lasting impact on the future of this special place.
We’re excited to see work begin, and we know how important it is that progress is sustainable and respects wildlife and local people.
We want to do the community proud, and we expect some wonderful experiences to take place as the journey unfolds.
Kirsty JamesGeneral Manager for Sandilands
The project is supported by Connected Coast Town Deal, which is supporting with a £2M Towns Fund investment into the development of the welcome hub.
While Sandilands Nature Reserve will continue to grow and respond throughout the National Trust’s initial phase of work, it is expected that essential adaptations to the land as well as the visitor welcome hub will be complete in 2025.
It is fantastic news that planning consent has been approved for Sandilands, meaning that work can move forward with the new visitor hub which is set to enhance the experience for everyone who visits here.
Sandilands occupies a great spot on our Lincolnshire coastline, and gives people the opportunity to enjoy open spaces and get involved in nature, which has significant benefits for mental and physical wellbeing.
The new visitor hub and the further improvements planned by the National Trust will mean that Sandilands has even more to offer, for both local residents and people who are attracted to our area from further afield.
Chris BaronChair of Connected Coast
To find out more about Sandilands, go to their webpage at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Artist impression of welcome hub © Jonathan Hendry Architects.
Impression of wetland habitats created by project © National Trust, Peter Farmer.
Artist impression of areas created and enhanced at Sandilands © National Trust.
Masterplan of wetland areas to be created at Sandilands © National Trust.