The Wilds of Lincolnshire

Summary

Lincolnshire, one of England’s largest and least densely populated counties, is not as well known for its wildlife, yet with extensive rural areas and farmland, and long stretches of undeveloped coastline, it is well worth a visit, especially during the winter. Staying in the grounds of Doddington Hall Estate, we will gain unique, first-hand knowledge of the work being done here by the Wilder Doddington team, as well as being well situated to explore both inland and coastal habitats of this quiet part of the country.

We begin with a tour of Doddington Hall itself, a red-brick Elizabethan mansion built at the end of the 16th century, and a fine example of its era with formal gardens and extensive parkland. The following day we head to the coast and visit Donna Nook Grey Seal colony, which at this time of year is busy pupping season (in November and December). Scores of seals are hauled out on the sandy beaches with mothers tending newborn pups, while many birds are also attracted to this stretch of coastline. We will spend the rest of the day in the area, where we can expect to see wintering Pink-footed Goose, Brant and Whooper Swan, as well as good numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwing, plus maybe species such as Twite, Redpoll and even Snow Bunting if lucky. In January and February departures of this tour, we will instead visit RSPB Frampton, on the most southerly stretch of the Lincolnshire coastline, and home to many wader species in the winter, numbering in their thousands. 

The next day we spend inland visiting RSPB Langford Lowfields, an expansive floodplain habitat, home to large numbers of wildfowl and other wintering species, and LWT Whisby Nature Park which combines reedbeds, scrub, and open water. Amongst many others we are likely to see Great, Little and Cattle Egrets; Goldeneye, Pochard and Pintail; various finches and thrushes, plus birds of prey patrolling overhead such as Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. There is also the possibility of a Starling murmuration and a Barn Owl quartering.

The holiday concludes with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Doddington Hall Estate, where we will learn about Wilder Doddington – a flagship rewilding project. Doddington is the largest inland nature site in Lincolnshire and we will explore the varied mix of parkland, woodland, and pasture, seeing how the site is managed by various different grazing livestock. This mix of cows, pigs, horses and deer is crucial in maintaining open habitats, encouraging natural regeneration, and supporting a diverse community of birds and small mammals.