Plans for the new National Trust nature reserve at Sandilands, along the Lincolnshire Coast, takes a major step forward – an exciting addition to the county’s nature tourism offer.
Local architects have been appointed and the planning application submitted for the new coastal nature reserve, which will see major wildlife habitat creation and the construction of an eco-friendly and carbon-neutral visitor welcome hub.
The visitor centre will be situated on the northern tip of the reserve and is being designed to complement the nature reserve and surrounding area. Natural materials will be used to create ‘quiet’ structures and much of the fabric from the existing building on site has been retained to reduce the carbon footprint of the build, explains Building Architects Jonathan Hendry.
This building will include a café and a community space. There will also be nearby changing place facilities suitable for children and adults with accessibility needs.
It is expected that National Trust Sandilands will support and improve the local economy. It will be a prime location for visitors travelling between the Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea areas, as well as attract more tourists in and around Lincolnshire.
Chris Baron, Chair of Lincolnshire’s Connected Coast Board, said:
“National Trust Sandilands provides a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors alike to experience our wonderful coastline. The new visitor hub is set to offer a welcoming base, and by helping people to get involved in nature and wide-open spaces it will play an important role in improving people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Further benefits will also be realised through the significant volunteering opportunities that will be made available on the site as a result of the new hub.
This exciting project will allow us to significantly enhance the visitor experience at Sandilands, which will ultimately help to attract people to visit and enjoy our local area.”
National Trust submitted the plans following lengthly and detailed consultation with partner organisations, including the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park partnership and other experts. This helped determine important elements around nature conservation, sustainability and technical design.
In a further bid to deliver a carbon neutral project on Lincolnshire’s coastline, sustainable technologies including solar panels and rainwater harvesting are included in the proposal.
Kirsty James, General Manager for the National Trust at Sandilands, said:
“The project team have developed the proposed plans with careful consideration, ensuring that nature can thrive, and our local community and visitors can connect and access the natural world around them.
I am proud of our collaboration with local contractors, communities, education, and access groups that have supported us in this journey. We want the community to have pride in Sandilands, which is creating a legacy for future generations.”
The plans include forming wetland wildlife habitats with open water, islands, reedbeds and ponds, along with grasslands that have sand dunes and marshy areas. These are all crucial for helping animals and plants to thrive and encourage more wildlife to make its home at Sandilands.
A range of public walkways and boardwalks are also proposed which will provide access across this visionary landscape.
“The Lincolnshire Coast is rich in biodiversity and the National Trust is working hard to protect and enhance the natural world here and make it more accessible for everyone to enjoy” said Shona Hatton, Director of Influence – the local architect firm appointed.
Carl Hawke, Nature Conservation Adviser for the National Trust, explained:
“The new habitats will be especially important for migrating water birds such as spotted redshank and little stint and will continue to provide a home for our well-loved local bird species like skylarks and meadow pipits.
Sandilands is also a great place for rare plants such as birdsfoot clover to grow, so the action we are taking will help support them too.”
The project is backed by Connected Coast Town Deal, which is supporting the development of the new welcome hub with a £2million Towns Fund investment.
To learn more about Sandilands visit their website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sandilands.
