Heathland

Heathland is a precious resource both globally and nationally. It is a special type of habitat with unique flowers and birds. The UK still possesses approximately 20 per cent of the world’s total area of lowland heath. But the UK only has a sixth of the heathland it had 200 years ago. North Lincolnshire Council is working hard to retain, restore and re-create heathland in the region.

The remaining heathland in North Lincolnshire is concentrated around Scunthorpe on an area known as coversands. Ten thousand years ago sand was blown across the area and the coversands landscape started to form. Unfortunately much of the coversands around Scunthorpe have been lost through urban development and what remains is largely fragmented on the edge of the town.

As a result of the urban development North Lincolnshire Council is taking steps to restore and re-create heathlands in the area.

This urban site on the northern edge of Scunthorpe is good for heathland species. You may have seen the hebridean sheep present. The sheep help to keep down invading plants that can dominate the land and reduce the heath. Local volunteers have become sheep wardens. They help us keep an eye on the animals so they can continue to perform their important role.

Next time you visit look out for harebells, common centaury, green woodpeckers, small heath butterfly and, of course, don’t miss the Hebridean sheep.

Although not yet open to the public, important restoration work is taking place on Conesby quarry. The site used to be quarried, before being used as a landfill site. Now work is taking place to restore this site to heathland. Sand has been deposited and seeds planted.

For safety reasons the general public cannot visit the site at the moment. However, we will give updates on progress on this website. The Conesby quarry site is expected to become a haven for wildlife and people.