"Hugely exciting milestone" for new nature reserve in Lincolnshire as bird species hatches
The arrival of new chicks at a new nature reserve in Lincolnshire has been hailed a ‘major milestone’.
Sandilands Nature Reserve was only completed a year ago – with the former golf course being transformed into a coastal habitat over the course of six years.
Now the National Trust, which managed the site is celebrating the arrival of avocet chicks at the site for the first time.
“The arrival of the chicks marks a significant achievement in the transformation of Sandilands into a thriving nature reserve,” a Trust spokesperson said. “It is a powerful sign that the newly created lagoons, wet grassland and coastal habitats are already delivering real benefits for wildlife.”
Once driven to extinction as a breeding bird in the UK during the 19th century, avocets naturally returned to parts of the country after the Second World War and have since become a symbol of nature recovery.
The spokesperson went on: “Sandilands sits on a unique stretch of the Lincolnshire coast and has been carefully redesigned to create habitats that benefit a wide range of species. The successful breeding of avocets is one of the clearest signs yet that these habitats are functioning exactly as intended.”
Nicola Craven, Coast and Countryside Manager at Sandilands, commented: “Seeing avocet chicks hatch at Sandilands for the first time is a hugely exciting moment. Just a few years ago, this was a golf course. Today, it is supporting one of the UK's most iconic species conservation success stories and providing vital habitat for wildlife along the Lincolnshire coast.”
Katie Scott, Area Ranger at Sandilands added: “Avocets nest on the ground in open coastal habitats, where their eggs and chicks can be vulnerable to disturbance. Visitors can help give these newly hatched birds the best possible start by following signs on site, keeping dogs on leads, avoiding nesting areas and observing wildlife from a respectful distance.”
Alongside avocets, Sandilands is attracting an increasing variety of coastal birds and other wildlife as the landscape continues to develop.
"Work to enhance Sandilands remains ongoing, with further improvements still to come,” the spokesperson continued. “The new café is expected to open in September 2026, offering visitors another way to experience and enjoy this special place.”