Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Annual Review 2012 - 2013 Chairman’s Foreword

It has been another excellent year despite an atrocious summer bracketed by two horrendous winters - however the sun now shines, walking boots are being polished, the cat has been forcibly evicted from my anorak and waterproof trousers and we are looking forward to another season of excellent walking, kick-started with this year's very successful Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival launch held at Scrivelsby Estate. This builds on the success of the 2012 Festival which last year, despite a soggy second week, saw well over 4,500 walking across our Wolds; your chairman enjoyed six good walks last year and looks forward to exploring more of our gorgeous landscape.

Another highlight was the acceptance of the prestigious Bowland Award from the National Association for AONBs at the conference in York. This award was presented to the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project following a vote amongst the UK's 46 AONBs. It is an accolade presented annually for the best project, best practice or for outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it was a very proud day for the whole of the Wolds team. Our thanks go to Ruth Snelson who has so very ably led the project, but also crucially the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and other funding partners, without whom this would not have happened.

Work is ongoing in organising the chance to get Lincolnshire school eld trips out into the Lincolnshire Wolds, the rst of these should start next year. More than £80,000 was awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Down Your Wold project. Over the next two years residents will be involved in discovering, researching and celebrating the heritage and cultural features of the Wolds and its many farms and villages.

Much good work goes on with grants and practical help to organisations and parishes in the Wolds; from a youth centre in Binbrook, notice boards, to replanting hedges and supporting volunteers in protecting our wildowers through the Life on the Verge project. Wherever we can make a dierence, Steve, and his hard working team at the Louth Navigation Warehouse, really punch above their weight.

Thanks to all our partners who loyally support us, there are simply too many to name, also to our Vice Chairman Stuart Parker and the various councillors who attend our meetings in Louth and Horncastle. Finally this autumn we will be holding a conference at Market Rasen Racecourse, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Lincolnshire Wolds designation as an AONB - a nationally important and protected landscape - and discuss how we can best take forward the delivery of the new AONB Management Plan (2013-18). We welcome the views of all who live, work or visit the Lincolnshire Wolds, including thoughts on how we can sustainably develop the area with tourism in mind.

Best wishes and keep everything crossed, for a lovely summer for our hard working businesses in the Wolds, and our visitors who simply wish to enjoy what we take for granted!

Lewis Strange Chairman, Lincolnshire Wolds Joint Advisory Committee

2 Facts & Figures

The Lincolnshire Wolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1973 and is one of the UK’s 46 AONBs. Facts & Figures

Size 558 km² (216 miles²)

Area by Land Use 82% farmland (13% in permanent pasture), 4% woodland, 14% other

Number of Parishes 74 parishes; 97 villages

Population 10,253 (LWCS estimate from 2001 statistics)

Settlement Numerous attractive farmsteads, country houses, hamlets and nucleated villages that contribute to the Wolds’ special character.

Market towns located at the periphery of the AONB - Alford, Caistor, Horncastle, Louth, Market Rasen and Spilsby.

Landscape North west scarp Character Chalk wolds Ridges & valleys of the south-west South east claylands

Special Sites 97 Scheduled Monuments (SMs) 19 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) 21 Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) 282 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) 15 Roadside Nature Reserves (RNRs)

Rights of Way Footpaths – 226,460 metres

Bridleways – 180,780 metres

Restricted Byways – 3,100 metres

Byways Open to All Traffic – 2,700 metres

Long distance walk route – the Viking Way (Humber – Rutland)

National Cycling Route (Hull – Harwich)

Planning Authorities Lincolnshire County Council: 516.5 km² East Lindsey District Council: 397 km² West Lindsey District Council: 119.5 km² North East Lincolnshire Council: 41.5 km²

3 Management Planning

The Lincolnshire Wolds AONB Management Plan (2013-2018)

Following a detailed peer review, extensive public consultation and Strategic Environmental Appraisal the updated Lincolnshire Wolds AONB Management Plan (2013-2018) was circulated to all relevant local authorities in January for its formal adoption. This final stage is nearing completion with an official publication and launch planned for June 2013.

Despite the significant challenges facing all of the UK's protected landscape family, with added pressures through these difficult economic times, the Management Plan sets out an agreed Strategy and Action Plan to encourage

Management Planning and support everyone in working towards the shared vision…

The Lincolnshire Wolds will continue to be a vibrant living and working landscape through the primary in uence of sustainable agriculture, forestry and land management. It will retain its unique and nationally important sense of place: an area of open rolling hills, dramatic views, farmed elds changing with the seasons, tranquil valleys, woodland, pasture, streams and attractive villages.

The Wolds' natural and cultural heritage will be well known, enjoyed and widely respected by both residents and visitors. It will continue to provide a place of tranquillity and inspiration for those fortunate enough to visit the area, whilst meeting the economic, social and environmental needs of those who live and work there.

A sustainable approach to ongoing and future planned management activity will be normal practice with an emphasis on integrated farming and land management providing a wide range of innovative solutions to tackling the issues of climate change mitigation and adaption, carbon storage, food production, water quality and supply, recreation provision and energy demands. Greater connectivity between landscapes and green infrastructure will help to provide and cater for an increasing dynamic environment and help to contribute to a good quality of life for all.

The Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service will continue to work closely with all partners, landowners and community groups to help raise awareness and crucially encourage delivery of the Plan. We look forward to working with everyone with an active interest in the area to ensure that future change will be for the better – not least in safeguarding and enhancing the special qualities of this nationally protected landscape.

"We congratulate you on this huge eort, and for the signicant contribution the review makes to the ensuring that 15 per cent of the land area of is under the protection of a statutory AONB management plan. We look forward to receiving copies of your published plan, and to working with you and the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB partnership during its delivery and monitoring from 2013 and onwards."

Dr Tom Moat, Natural England Area Manager Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Peak District

4 Raising Awareness & Understanding Raising AwarenessRaising & Understanding Wolds News

Two editions of the popular AONB partnership newsletter, Wolds News, were produced in 2012-2013. This gives readers a taste of some of the projects and initiatives taking place across the AONB, whether by the LWCS, its partners or community groups. It is a chance to promote their work, events and grants to all who live, work and visit the Wolds. Once again, this year we reduced the number of printed copies available as more people access it electronically via the website, but still 24,000 copies were distributed throughout the Wolds and further afield over the course of the year.

Articles covered a range of topics including the Festival of Conservation, Lindsey Trail, raptor boxes, local archaeology, news from the AONB family, Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, local produce, the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan, events, activities, snippets and much more.

Current and previous editions of Wolds News are available on the LWCS website.

Publications

All publications are available as pdfs on the website, however they are all reviewed and reprinted as and when necessary.

The leaflet, Making the Most of the Lincolnshire Wolds, had its annual update early in 2013. This popular publication highlights the facilities within the Wolds’ villages and market towns. The parish and town councils are contacted each year for any changes prior to printing, ensuring the most up-to-date information is available.

In addition, one of the Wonders of the Wolds series, Water, has been revised and reprinted in partnership with the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project. The circular walk leaflet around Nettleton, along with two of the Market Rasen and four of the Louth Gateway walks have been revised and reprinted. The Market Rasen walk leaflets now include the Walkers Are Welcome logo to recognise the hard work the community have put in to obtain the award. We would like to thank the continued support of East Lindsey District Council and West Lindsey District Council in assisting with the cost of reprinting the walk leaflets.

The LWCS suite of leaflets is well known and popular amongst walkers, cyclists and anyone with an interest in the Wolds. Last year the new AONB family branding was incorporated and when a leaflet needs reprinting, this format is being used.

Lincolnshire County Council launched the 69 mile Lindsey Trail multi-use route in June 2012. Initially aimed at horse carriage drivers, the Trail is also suitable for horse riders, cyclists and walkers.

5 Raising Awareness & Understanding

Guided Walks, Events and Shows

Throughout 2012-2013, a diverse range of walks, talks and events were hosted or attended by the LWCS; over 22 days nearly 9,000 people were able to chat to staff or view displays and promotional material. 17 guided walks were promoted via Wolds News, including eight led by the Ramblers and the annual Round Louth walk.

In 2012 the LWCS revised all the displays used at shows and events. New topics are now included, with new photos and all display panels are with the AONB family branding, recognising the Lincolnshire Wolds is a landscape for life.

Additional specialised events hosted by the LWCS included talks about the Wolds and the work of the LWCS to local societies, Wildlife Trust groups, U3A and Rotary clubs, along with Horncastle Queen Elizabeth Grammar School undertaking work on a nationally important geological site. The LWCS were also present at the Geologist Association event in Newark, showcasing the importance of geology and geomorphology in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The LWCS attended a number of shows and events publicised via Wolds News. LWCS staff and volunteers provided information and advice at:

Raising Awareness & Understanding Raising Awareness Belchford Downhill Challenge Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival Finale Rock & Fossil Show Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival Launch Festival of Conservation, Louth Market Rasen’s Annual Walking Day Lincolnshire Firewood Fair and Auction Open Farm Sunday Lincolnshire Show Revesby Show

Volunteers

Once again the LWCS team would like to show our appreciation to the key volunteers who assist in many ways – from delivering Wolds News to all the villages and towns, back-marking on our guided walks, helping at events and researching history information. Without them, the LWCS would not be able to provide its current level of service. There are many volunteers who assist in other ways – from leaders of the many Ramblers walks included in Wolds News and the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, to members of local communities who turn up whatever the weather to help improve their local environment.

In addition this year the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project (LCSP) took on a volunteer, Rachel Graham, via the Job Centre’s work experience scheme. Rachel approached us because of her interests in the natural environment and to gain hands-on work experience whilst completing her seventh year in an Open University Degree on Environmental Sciences. Rachel spent eight weeks helping not just the LCSP Project Officer but also was involved with the rest of the LWCS team.

We thank you all.

6 Raising Awareness & Understanding Raising AwarenessRaising & Understanding

Fun and Learning

Fast becoming a regular and popular event is our ‘Fun for all the Family’ afternoon, held during the summer half term and the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival. 2012 saw 17 people from five family groups exploring St Andrew’s Church at Utterby. Each year we choose a different churchyard, ensuring that a range of different habitats are enjoyed by the families attending.

Students from Horncastle Queen Elizabeth Grammar School flexed both their physical and mental strength by helping the landowner and the LWCS clear the quarry faces of the disused pit at Welton le Wold. Scrub had become established and was starting to obscure the nationally important glacial tills, crucial in the understanding of the Ice Age story. Educational groups visit the site so keeping the faces clear is vital.

After the students had done the physical work, they were given a tour then used their mental abilities to ‘test-drive’ the updated education information. The old interpretation was out-of-date and didn’t incorporate all aspects of the site, e.g. geologically, archaeologically, historically, economically or biologically. An updated education pack will encourage more special interest groups and schools to have a better understanding of the site and make the most of its important features.

Publicity

The Lincolnshire Wolds AONB continues to be featured in a wide variety of media. During 2012-2013 nearly 50 articles have been in publications. Much coverage has been through local and regional press, covering a range of stories including planning, events, Management Plan consultation and some Sustainable Development Fund and Small Grant Scheme projects. A number of local radio stations have featured the Lincolnshire Wolds during the year, helping to promote events, projects and issues.

In March 2013 the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB featured in both The Guardian and The Times newspapers for the quality of the walking and local produce to be found in the area.

During the year the LWCS developed a new website. Still at the same address, www.lincswolds.org.uk, the new site is brighter, more up-to-date and with lots of information for visitors as well as residents. A couple of the new key features is an interactive map of the AONB and a photo gallery.

To tie in with the new website, the LWCS now has a Twitter account, @LincsWoldsAONB. The team are tweeting regularly with news, events and links as a quick and easy way to share what is happening.

7 Raising Awareness & Understanding

Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival

The eighth Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival (LWWF) ran for 16 days at the end of May into early June. This year the LWWF was a week later than previous years’ to tie in with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend bank holidays. A total of 92 walks were on offer, with the vast majority being led by volunteers. More than 4,600 people took part in at least one walk, despite the weather not being the most conducive for walking.

The launch was held, by kind permission of the National Trust, at Gunby Hall. It was a majestic setting for visitors, with a marquee full of displays and information, informative and entertaining walks, as well as refreshments in the courtyard. A vintage bus, from the Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society provided tours on the country lanes nearby.

This year, as well as a huge variety of walks, there were some special events organised. One of the most popular was at Scrivelsby Estate by kind permission of the Dymoke family. To tie in with the Queen’s jubilee celebrations a beacon was lit and a barbeque on offer. Another first for the LWWF was a night-time walk, to experience the dark skies and stars of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Unfortunately after a day of heavy rain, the clouds failed to break, but the walk was still enjoyable and the tranquillity a

Raising Awareness & Understanding Raising Awareness powerful experience.

The finale was held at the market town of Caistor. The town turned out in force to help run the walks and support the event. The day culminated in a mass-cake cutting ceremony with a joint celebration; the end of the LWWF and the town achieving Walkers Are Welcome status.

Throughout the Festival, participants are asked to submit evaluation forms to help enable the organisers to constantly review and improve the event. More than 1,400 forms were returned, with 98% of respondents saying they would like to take part in another Festival in Lincolnshire and 87% said their walk was very enjoyable.

Some of the comments received included: I have a different view of Lincolnshire after this week’s walks Very enjoyable even though it rained Night walk – great shame no stars but impressed it went ahead despite awful forecast. In the end remained dry and good walk. Leader was superb – very knowledgeable It was fabulous. I would like to come again next year and will look on the internet.

The Festival is overseen by a steering group with staff from organisations, local authorities and volunteers from the Ramblers, East Lindsey Heart Support Group and the NFU. Funding was secured in 2009 through the Lindsey Action Zone (Rural Development Programme for England using the LEADER approach) for the Festival to continue until 2013, including a dedicated part-time Project Officer employed by Heritage Lincolnshire, and based in the LWCS office.

8 Projects Projects

Community Involvement and Updates

During 2012-2013, 63 visits and meetings were organised and attended by the LWCS to community groups in the Wolds.

A significant part of the LWCS work is to provide encouragement and support to communities who are exploring ways to help protect, enhance and promote the AONB. Many projects follow requests directly from communities contacting the LWCS for advice and help to develop local projects. Assistance often involves providing guidance, helping to source funding, and when appropriate, helping to identify possible contractors to undertake the work. Community projects are invariably reliant upon local volunteers and may take several years to reach completion. For more about projects in the community of Utterby, please see page 13.

This year further support has been given to Market Rasen and Caistor who have both achieved Walkers Are Welcome status. Market Rasen held a well-supported walking day in September 2012, with many more events planned.

Practical guidance has been given to numerous communities to aid appropriate land management and advice has been given to many community groups preparing interpretation material, including boards, leaflets and websites. Many projects involve much planning and preparation before coming to fruition.

It is not just the individual church community groups that are interested in the God’s Acre Project; a successful summer event was held for Spilsby U3A in conjunction with the local churchyard and warden at Mareham on the Hill. The concept of the God’s Acre Project appeals to many people and often ideas are passed on to help inform and advise other activities. Many groups are keen to discuss ideas, whether it’s on a sunny summer afternoon outside, or during a dark winter's night inside, to see how they and their churchyards can make a difference.

9 Projects

Advisory Visits

One of the mainstays of the work of the LWCS includes advisory visits which provide advice and support for Projects land management of the AONB. Of the 48 visits undertaken with farmers and landowners during 2012-2013, many have developed into Small Grant Schemes, Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) and English Woodland Grant Schemes (EWGS).

As the LWCS is a statutory consultee on HLS and EWGS, site visits are always carried out to look at key issues relating to landscape, nature conservation and access, often undertaken alongside advice from other key partners such as staff within the Historic Environment, Natural Environment and Rights of Way Teams at Lincolnshire County Council and North East Lincolnshire Council. During 2012-2013, 14 HLS schemes were commented on, highlighting the management, enhancement and creation of important biodiversity features, traditional farm buildings and archaeological features, all of which form an integral part of the AONB landscape.

The LWCS has continued to work closely with the Forestry Commission, commenting on eight Felling Licence applications and six English Woodland Grant Schemes, including the Woodland Improvement Grant Scheme. Further advice and comments have been provided on Hedgerow Removal Notices and tree safety work on prominent trees near public highways.

The Campaign for the Farmed Environment

The Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) phase 1 has now almost come to an end. Originally launched to mitigate the loss of the environmental benefits of set-aside, the CFE has become a key tool in negotiations between Defra and the agricultural industry in shaping future agri-environmental policy.

So what has CFE achieved so far? Nationally, the area of key in-field Entry Level Stewardship options has risen by over 57,500ha against the baseline set in 2009. Voluntary measures recorded by farmers have amounted to some 214,000ha although, perhaps unsurprisingly, un-cropped land has fallen in the same period in response to higher commodity prices.

Defra have been sufficiently impressed by these figures and also the willingness of many environmental and farming organisations to work together, that they are now willing to fund an extension; in effect a CFE phase 2. Less target driven, the future CFE will act more as a collation of good practice for the industry, with nutrient planning and carbon management coming into play. It will also potentially cover grassland farms, whereas CFE 1 was predominantly arable. Due to begin in August 2013, CFE phase 2 will aim to avoid future regulation of the industry by adopting a smarter approach to voluntary initiatives.

For further information, contact the Lincs CFE co-ordinator, Barney Parker on [email protected]

10 Projects Projects

Down Your Wold

During 2012 the LWCS and Heritage Lincolnshire (HL) joined forces to develop an exciting new community heritage project in the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The LWCS applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund under the Your Heritage programme. In January 2013 we heard that Down Your Wold could progress thanks to a HLF grant of £82,600 and a contribution from the LWCS budget.

Over two years, Down Your Wold will help people to discover and learn how their villages, settlements and communities have changed throughout the centuries. Part of the project will involve exploring local construction styles, building materials and discovering more about some local influential people. It will look to see how the landscape has shaped our communities, and how communities have shaped our landscape.

To help focus the project, a dedicated Project Officer will be in post from spring 2013, employed by HL but based in the LWCS office in Louth, to inspire people to get involved in a whole host of different ways, including online, through special events and surveys.

What makes Down Your Wold more exciting is that it will be shaped by whoever wants to get involved. The project merely provides the guidance, tools and expert advice to help everyone discover more about their local heritage.

Traditional Roadsigns in Lincolnshire (TRiL)

For 10 years work has been undertaken to maintain the historical black and white road signs. The work initially focussed on refurbishing the old signs, before expanding to include reinstatement of old-style posts in specific locations.

TRiL is overseen by a working group, with the LWCS acting as secretariat and Heritage Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) Highways, LCC Historic Environment, Technical Services Partnership and a local historian (who was instrumental in instigating the project) all providing specialist support. The group assess requests for reinstatements according to clear policy guidelines, to ensure resources are used effectively and appropriately.

As budgets and staffing have been reduced, the group are having to consider any requests for work even more carefully and are having to seek further offers of funding. A significant survey of TRiLs was undertaken in 2012 to asses the condition and to help guide future work.

Much of the work during 2012-2013 in the Wolds has focused on maintaining and repairing some of the old roadsigns previously refurbished. One sign was reinstated near Fulletby. The group were grateful to the Parish for their contribution to enable this to go ahead.

11 Projects

Shaping Nature on a Landscape Scale

The Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was delighted to be co-host of Projects the national AONBs conference in July 2012. The Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service (LWCS) worked closely with colleagues from the Howardian Hills AONB, Nidderdale AONB and the AONB and the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB) to jointly organise the three day event, centred at York University. The conference was titled ‘Shaping Nature on a Landscape Scale’; a topic very relevant to all 46 AONBs across England, and .

Professor Sir John Lawton, author of ‘Making Space for Nature’, opened the conference with an overview of his report and emphasised the role the AONB family play in nurturing the UK’s natural environment. Further speakers from national bodies, government agencies and private organisations demonstrated the importance of AONBs and how together they are a crucial national asset. Delegates were privileged to hear speakers including Maddy Jago, Head of Landscape for Natural England, William Worsley, Former President, CLA and a specially recorded message from Richard Benyon MP, Defra minister, who emphasised his continuing support for AONBs.

There were a range of workshop sessions for the 160 delegates to hear, discuss and input to. Topics included examples of projects delivering on-the-ground results, communication tools and securing resources.

Around 30 delegates visited the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB as part of the conference, learning about work the LWCS has undertaken, as well as some of the projects we carry out with our partners. The two field trips discussed numerous topics and took delegates to different parts of the AONB. The first visited the north-west scarp from Walesby to Stainton le Vale discussing community involvement, agriculture and promotion. The second group walked from Ludford to Goulceby. The main topics discussed included chalk streams, as we followed the River Bain for much of the day, and the importance and value of the heritage of the Wolds. Despite rain and thunder it was a useful day to share ideas and information with staff and representitives from other AONBs.

A highlight was the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project (LCSP) being recognised for its achievements by winning the Bowland Award. This national award is presented annually by the NAAONB for ‘the best project, best practice or outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)’. Phil Smith from the Environment Agency received the trophy with both the current and former Project Officer on behalf of the LCSP Steering Group.

At the end of the conference delegates left York aware that AONBs are indeed landscapes for life.

12 Village Focus Village Focus

Utterby St Andrew’s Heritage Project

St Andrew’s Church has existed since the early 14th century. It is a beautiful and atmospheric Grade II* listed building, situated in the small village of Utterby, which lies on the main A16, adjacent to the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB. For years St Andrew’s has struggled to remain viable and its people have worked tirelessly to sustain it. However, in 2011 income was not meeting running costs and there was little money for repairs and maintenance. It was recognised that unless the church changed in its approach and appeal, it was, like many village churches, facing a steady decline and eventual closure.

The church is transformed

The churchyard, with support from the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service (LWCS) has been restored, and a wild flower meadow with a seated reflection area created. The church interior has been cleaned of flaking paint and redecorated. New pew cushions and chairs provide more comfortable seating. Windows have been repaired and restored. Drainage and water has been connected, allowing toilet and kitchen facilities to be installed. Displays of local history, heritage and guide materials are available to visitors. Organised groups are benefitting from these improvements and booking visits, with an events programme for 2013 planned. The faith role is enhanced and congregations have increased.

All of this has been achieved through the Heritage Project

The Heritage Project aims to generate extra income by establishing an exhibition in the church of aspects of local history and heritage, and by offering heritage activities and events to the wider community. A committed steering group, aided by volunteers from the village, has undertaken research, local fund raising, grant applications, repair projects and event planning.

To date over £50,000 has been raised and spent. Plans for the future include masonry repairs, replacement heating and lighting, and permanent exhibition features. The success of the Project is due to the vision of its leaders, to the 'can do attitude' adopted at the village meeting in May 2011 and to the determination and persistence of the many volunteers of all ages who enjoy being involved.

These volunteers have been encouraged and supported by the village community and by grants from the Big Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire County Council, the LWCS, local councillors and Lincoln Diocese. They have been sustained by each other, much coffee, the results and it being Utterby, the odd glass of wine.

13 Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project

The 2012-2013 term is the sixth year that a dedicated Project Officer has been in post, actively delivering enhancement works for the Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Project (LCSP) and thanks to the partners, the post will continue to be supported until May 2014. This year has seen the largest amount of funding brought in by partners and in turn, the most on-the-ground habitat improvements delivered. A big thank you to the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, Environment Agency, Natural England, Anglian Water, The Wild Trout Trust and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for their contributions this year, not only financially, but for their specialist input and support of the LCSP work.

A big thank you also to Rachel Graham who was a volunteer for several weeks with the LCSP, assisting the Project Officer in various tasks. We wish Rachel well in her studies and the future. Please also see page 6.

A highlight was the LCSP being recognised for its achievements by winning the prestigious national Bowland Award from the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is presented annually for the best project, best practice or for outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Chalk Streams Lincolnshire

Chalk Stream Enhancements:

Donington Mill, Donington on Bain – Phase 2 The River Bain flows via an old mill house which acts as a barrier to fish migration, impacts on water velocity and encourages silt deposition. Following an Environment Agency funded feasibility study and consultation with The Wild Trout Trust, the LCSP partnership and landowner have taken this opportunity to investigate the re-naturalising of the channel to improve fish passage. The work is planned for late summer 2013.

Laceby Beck, Laceby – Phase 2 Completed in February, phase 2 of Laceby Beck is a substantial 2.4km section, funded by the Environment Agency via the LCSP. It continues downstream from the Laceby Manor Golf Course work undertaken in 2012. This section retains its natural meandering channel with exposed gravel riffles but is classified as in ‘poor’ status through the Water Framework Directive. The enhancement work involved scrub removal on both banks with sensitive felling and crown lifting of trees, creating a more manageable site for the landowners and allowing sunlight to reach the bed. This will improve the chalk stream habitat for aquatic and terrestrial fauna and flora, in particular the brown trout, and also extends the habitat for water vole downstream.

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