BAP

Lincolnshire's resource of heathland stretches from the Coversands in the north-west of the county, around Scunthorpe, to the fen-edge sands and gravels in Woodhall Spa. These little-known heaths form an extraordinary mosaic of heather, mire and inland sand dunes, some of which are the finest examples of dunes in the country.

The peatlands of Lincolnshire have been extensively exploited in the past, but still remain rich in wildlife as well as ecological history. Raised Bog in Lincolnshire is now confined to the extreme north-west of the county in the Isle of Axholme where Crowle Moors (or Waste) and the Turbaries at Epworth and Haxey are remnants of the vast complex of moor, bog and fen which once surrounded the water-logged head of the Humber estuary.

Vision for Lincolnshire's Heathlands and Peatlands

• Existing heaths and lowland acid grasslands have been extended and are managed in a favourable way, with livestock where possible.
• Heathlands and lowland acid grasslands have been re-created on a landscape scale in areas where this habitat had become fragmented or lost altogether - corridors and stepping stones have been created, and core areas buffered.
• Remaining peatland habitats are protected and have been extended where possible, with management carefully planned to benefit priority species.
• Heathland, acid grassland and peatland sites are appreciated by the public as places to visit to relax and see wildlife.
• No further loss from the county of species that depend upon heathland, peatland and acid grassland habitats.
• All use of peat phased out by 2030 as outlined in The Natural Choice (public sector contracts by 2015; domestic use by 2020; and professional horticulture by 2030).

Action Plans

• Heathland and peatland
• Lowland dry acid grassland (NEW!)

Details can be downloaded from the Documents section.