East coast wetlands to become UNESCO site?

Tetney Marshes RSPB Reserve. Credit - RSPB

The east coast of Lincolnshire could be counted among some of the world’s most important heritage sites, including the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The east coast wetlands, which includes Lincolnshire wetlands including Tetney Marshes and Frampton Marshes, have become one of just five new sites added to the UK’s ‘Tentative List’ of World Heritage sites, the first stage towards joining UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The application was initiated in 2022 by the RSPB, National Trust, and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), and an independent expert panel described the east coast wetlands proposal as presenting “a clear and convincing case for the potential to demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value”.

The wetlands play a vital role in supporting migratory birds along the East Atlantic Flyway migratory route which stretches from Yorkshire to Kent.

Lincolnshire black tailed godwits at Frampton Marsh. Credit - Steve Rowland

Michael Copleston, RSPB England Director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the global importance of England’s east coast has been recognised by government and that the east coast wetlands will now be part of the UK’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites.

"These diverse places provide an essential refuge for over 155 bird species, as well as world-leading examples of how we can manage our coastlines in the face of a changing climate, with true value for nature and people.”

Currently there are just two Natural World Heritage sites in the UK; the Dorset and East Devon Coast and the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast.