North Lincolnshire's heathlands
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.
Atkinson's Warren
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.
Conesby quarry
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.
Coversands - restoring the cover project
The work at Atkinson's Warren and Conesby quarry are part of
the coversands - restoring the cover project. The council, with
English Nature, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission,
West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council aim
to restore 700 hectares and re-create 250 hectares of heathland.
The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Aggregates Levy
Sustainability Fund and project partners to deliver important
national biodiversity targets.
The project also will improve access to heathland sites and
encourage greater awareness about heathlands. The Access and
Interpretation Officer works with local communities around the
area.
