World Heritage Status for Lincolnshire east coast step closer

World Hfor eritage Gibraltar Point. Photo: James Turner.

However, the English east coast could soon be part of that prestigious list.

After a joint application by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the National Trust, and the Wetlands Trust, the country’s east coast wetlands have been added to the UK’s tentative list of World Heritage sites.

If accepted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), they could join 33 other UK sites that have also been granted such prestigious recognition, including Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Hadrian’s Wall.

The area that will be considered as part of the site is the collection on existing designated Special Protection Areas shaded yellow. Image: LCC

Under the proposal, the site—referred to as the East Coast Flyway — is part of the broader East Atlantic Flyway, one of eight major migratory routes for billions of birds each year. This particular route stretches from North Kent to the north bank of the Humber.

The area to be considered as part of the site encompasses a collection of existing designated Special Protection Areas, including Gibraltar Point in Skegness, alongside The Wash and the Humber Estuary.

During a Lincoln County Council Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday, the Head of Environment, Chris Miller, explained: “Every ten years or so, the UK government invites applications for inclusion on what’s known as the tentative list of proposed UK sites to add to the World Heritage sites list.”

He added: “Having a prestigious designation on the East Coast is of value to us and will help underpin our obligations for biodiversity and habitat protection.”

Miller noted that while “signs are encouraging” for an early bid onto the list, he also warned that it could be a lengthy process and that they are simply “past the first hurdle.”

Councillor Ian Fleetwood (Conservative) described it as an “excellent concept to take forward.”

Councillor Ashely Baxter shared his thoughts, remarking: “I definitely welcome this, I think it’s a great idea.”

After an in-depth discussion, Committee Chairman Ian Carrington (Conservative) highlighted that the committee was “very much behind” the proposal and wished it well. The committee later agreed to endorse the project and provide assistance to the project leads.