Former golf course becomes nature reserve

A former Lincolnshire golf course has swapped fairways for wetlands following a major project to create a 30-hectare coastal nature reserve.

The National Trust has officially opened Sandilands to the public after six years of planning, consultation, landscaping and habitat creation.

Located between Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea, the site has been transformed from a landscape dominated by fairways into a network of wetlands, grassland and coastal scrub designed to support wildlife and biodiversity.

Newark-based Influence Landscape Planning & Design acted as lead consultant and landscape architect for the project, helping deliver the ambitious transformation.

New facilities include accessible boardwalks, walking trails, a café, additional parking, Changing Places facilities and a community space.

Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “The opening of Sandilands Nature Reserve marks an exciting milestone, not only for the National Trust but for everyone who has contributed to bringing this ambitious vision to life. 

“We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside the National Trust and the wider consultant team to help transform a former golf course into a thriving coastal wetland reserve.

“The completion represents the culmination of years of collaborative effort. 

“Sandilands demonstrates how thoughtful, sustainable design can create lasting benefits for wildlife, visitors and local communities, ensuring this special landscape can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Sandilands forms part of Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and lies along the internationally important East Coast Flyway, a major migration route used by thousands of birds travelling between northern breeding grounds and wintering habitats further south.

The reserve will provide an additional wildlife refuge alongside nearby habitats managed by Natural England, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and the RSPB.

It will also give local communities greater access to nature and outdoor recreation.

Funding included £2 million from the Towns Fund, £1.5 million from National Highways and £200,000 through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Harry Bowell, director of land and nature at the National Trust, added: “This project reflects our ambition to create places where people and nature can thrive together. 

“From fairways to flyways, by restoring habitats, improving access to green space and inspiring people to engage with the natural world, Sandilands shows how restoring nature can create inspiring places for people to spend time and connect with the outdoors.”

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