- Keep to the designated footpaths
- Keep dogs under control
- Anyone using the coastline for water sports must stay away from the salt marsh and sand banks.
Council pleads ‘be kind to the neighbours’ to protect Cleethorpes wildlife
New signs showing the wealth of wildlife living on the North East Lincolnshire coastline have been introduced in Cleethorpes.
The information boards close to Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, Meridian Park, the Thorpe Park exit onto the beach, and the Yacht Club car park, highlight that the Cleethorpes coastline is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the rare and important species to be found there.
A range of important and nationally protected invertebrates, plants, birds and mammals spend their lives here within diverse habitats, such as the sand dunes, saltmarsh, mudflats and lagoons. These habitats provide ecosystem services such as carbon storage, flood defences, and improved water quality, but they require management and protection in order to function properly.
The coastline and the species that inhabit it are very vulnerable to recreational disturbance. This not only means dogs or paddleboarders approaching and disturbing the bird species that live here, but other activities can cause serious damage too. Many of the plants that grow in this area are fragile, and damaging them, even by walking over them, can lead to erosion of the dunes and loss of habitat.
Saltmarsh is a rare coastal habitat. It forms in areas protected from the strongest sea waves, where mud can build up. Saltmarshes protect from flooding, prevent pollution from reaching the sea, and store carbon – more than a rainforest of the same size!
Saltmarshes support rare and protected species adapted to these dynamic, salty environments, and living nowhere else, like the sea aster bee. These peaceful bees dig nests in the dunes, but forage on the flowers of saltmarsh plants, particularly sea aster, the pollen of which they use to feed their offspring.
With a roost of over 20,000 knots close by, it is important to prevent bird disturbance on the coastline. Internationally important numbers of Special Protection Area birds stop here to rest on their annual migration and disturbance means they won’t survive their journey. Disturbance on the coast is monitored and NELC works with Operation Seabird to make sure that resident and visiting birds are protected.
The intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh in this area support tens of thousands of migratory and resident wildfowl and wading bird species, including internationally important species such as curlew, golden plover, and oyster catchers.
The new signage boards provide in-depth information on the bird, wildlife and plant species which thrive in specific areas along the Cleethorpes coastline, and explain in more detail why it is so important to protect them.
The message from North East Lincolnshire Council remains consistent in encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Cleethorpes, but always to observe safety measures to protect nesting birds from disturbance by following these simple steps:
Celebrating outstanding contributions: Lincolnshire Fostering Service to honour foster carers
On April 19th, Lincolnshire Fostering Service will host its annual Foster Carer Celebration highlighting the remarkable dedication and commitment of foster carers to the lives of Lincolnshire children.
The ceremony features the presentation of awards to over 50 different foster carers, recognising long-standing service and special achievements. This year’s event promises to be particularly poignant as one extraordinary couple, Mr. Robert Isdale (81) and Mrs. Margaret Isdale (80), will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Isdales have devoted an incredible 44 years to fostering, nurturing over a hundred babies and young children during this time. As they embark on a well-deserved retirement, Lincolnshire Fostering Service is proud to recognise their outstanding legacy by presenting them with this special award (the first of its kind in Lincolnshire) to be conferred by Head of Service, Deborah Crawford.
“We are honoured to host this annual celebration, recognising the tireless efforts of our foster carers and the profound difference they make in the lives of vulnerable children,” said Deborah Crawford, Head of Lincolnshire Fostering Service. “It is a joyous occasion to come together as a community and celebrate these extraordinary individuals who exemplify compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Our heartfelt thanks to this remarkable group of people.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/o_lypa Telegraph article draws swift rebuttal from farmers’ union President
“The notion that farmers have been benefitting from higher global food prices shows the need for an urgent lesson in how the UK’s food supply chains work. Retail price increases rarely make their way back to farmers and growers which is why we have been beating the drum for fairness in the supply chain for many years.
“Mr. Lesh also suggests that British farmers aren’t facing being undercut by lower standard imports, but there are currently no standards in place to safeguard farming business from imports that would be illegal to produce here. That is why, alongside the WWF, we have written to the three main political parties in England to call for the formation of a core standards commission.
“With war and climate change wreaking havoc on food production across the world, does Mr. Lesh really believe we can feed our nation, and a growing global population, by relying on imports?
“British farmers are not failing. They produce food for the nation to some of the highest standards in the world and have an ambition to produce more. But farms need to make a profit to invest in their businesses to continue producing food, and we need the right regulatory framework to do that. This must be a priority for government because our food security depends on it.”
Horncastle Young Farmers’ fundraising success for local air ambulance
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are giving a huge toe tapping mega thank you to everyone at Horncastle Young Farmers Club for raising £2,000 from their Annual Ball.
LNAA Volunteers Les and Joyce Pert recently visited the club to accept this fantastic donation for LNAA and said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Horncastle Young Farmers’ ongoing dedication to LNAA.
“Their support allows us to be by the side of patients 24/7 when they are having their worst day.”
Majority of children get first-choice primary school
The vast majority of Lincolnshire children (99%) have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools this year.
There are around 6,781 children needing a primary school place this year, and 6,490 (95.70%) will receive their first preference school. This is similar to last year’s 95.23% and 2022’s 95.75%.
A further 217 children (3.20%) have been offered their second preference, and 9 (0.13%) their third preference. A small minority of children, 65 (0.97%), will be offered a local school that isn’t one of their three preferences.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “I’m delighted to see so many children getting their first-choice school. It’s always our intention to support as many parents as possible with their preferences, and, yet again, the overwhelming majority of families have been successful in gaining admission to the school of their preference this year.”
Parents have until noon on 14 May 2024 to lodge an appeal against a school’s decision not to offer a place. If they return the appeal by the deadline, it will be heard before the start of the school year. If it is received late, it will still be heard, but this may be in September.
Because of appeals and movement on the reserve list, it is usual for the percentage of first preference to increase by the time children start in September.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com Are you ready to celebrate World Curlew Day?
This Sunday it’s time to celebrate some of Europe’s largest wading birds along the coastline around Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham.
April 21 is World Curlew Day, designated to draw attention to the plight of a bird population in decline.
there used to be eight species of curlew worldwide and two are now assumed extinct, with the Eskimo and the Slender-Billed varieties having not been seen for decades.
The Eurasian Curlew was once a common sight across the UK, but numbers have drastically declined over the last 40 years. On average, 60 per cent of the curlew population in England and Scotland has been lost since 1980. They are now a red list endangered species, with only 58,500 breeding pairs in the UK.
The Humber Estuary has been classed as an internationally important habitat and is protected in law. Here in North East Lincolnshire, the natural habitat of mud flats is perfect for curlews, who use their long legs and curvy beaks for finding food in our thick estuary mud.
More than 1% of the Humber Estuary’s curlew population can be seen on the North East Lincolnshire coast. That number is likely to be even higher as they also use sites further inland, and they love boggy playing fields.
At Novartis Ings, a unique Mitigation Site, there are flocks of up to 90 birds, which also use the agricultural land around. Loss or change of habitat has been a major factor in the species decline, but sites like Novartis Ings provide a safe habitat for curlews and other birds to rest and feed.
These tall wading birds arrive along our coastline from July onwards with their numbers peaking in January. A group of curlews is called a curfew, a salon or a skein. You can often spot them on football pitches along our coastline, looking for food in the torn-up turf.
Their ‘cur-lee’ call is distinctive, along with their long, down-curved bill that has a flash of pink underneath. They use this curvy bill to eat worms, shellfish and shrimps from the mud flats. Due to their eating habits, female curlews have a longer bill than the males.
Once Curlews make it to adulthood, they are very hardy birds, but many don’t survive to fledging age. This is due to changing landscapes, habitat loss, recreational disturbance, climate change and natural predators. Curlews take 90 days to nest successfully, they need a variety of tall and short vegetation to provide cover and food.
Celebrate our curlew population this Sunday in North East Lincolnshire by respecting our birdlife. Please observe safety measures to protect nesting birds from disturbance by following these simple steps:
- Keep to the designated footpaths
- Keep dogs under control
- Anyone using the coastline for water sports must stay away from the salt marsh and sand banks.
Harlaxton Manor opens its doors to host two days of events and opportunities for local businesses
Harlaxton Manor, a premium British country estate and college dedicated to fostering community engagement and diversity, is joining forces with marketing and events company Globella to host two consecutive days of opportunities for local businesses across Lincolnshire.
The first event, the Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show, slated for Wednesday 15 May 2024, promises to be a dynamic event focused on networking, innovation, and entrepreneurial inspiration within the hospitality realm.
Entrepreneurs, business owners and industry leaders from various sectors of hospitality will converge to share insights, forge valuable partnerships, and explore opportunities for growth.
Featuring keynote speakers renowned for their expertise and success stories in the hospitality industry, the Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show is poised to be an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality businesses.
In contrast, the second event, The Big Business Event, scheduled for Thursday 16 May 2024, offers attendees a unique blend of creativity and inspiration within the business world.
Showcasing pioneering ideas, cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking solutions, The Big Business Event promises an immersive experience brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
From thought-provoking presentations to interactive workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the diverse landscape of business innovation and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of talent within our community.
“We are so pleased to be the venue for both the Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show and the Big Business Event,” said Dr Holly Carter, Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton College.
“These events showcase business in Lincolnshire, where we call home. Harlaxton Manor wants to support business and industry in the county and help everyone to thrive. We welcome everyone to the event and know it will be a great success.”
Local businesses are encouraged to seize this opportunity to engage with their community, foster meaningful connections and support other local businesses in Lincolnshire.
By participating in these events, businesses can strengthen their ties to the community, showcase their commitment to diversity and innovation and gain valuable exposure among a diverse audience of potential customers and collaborators.
To reserve your spot at the Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show and The Big Business Event, please visit:
https://www.globella.co.uk/bbe
https://www.globella.co.uk/lincolnshire-hospitality-trade-show
Hospital clinicians become world record holders
From swimming in the River Witham to breaking a world record in Estonia, it has been quite the journey for two hospital clinicians.
Nicola Housam and Frances Mills have returned from the Winter Swimming World Championships after helping to break a world record.
They swapped the corridors of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust for the freezing cold of outdoor swimming in the Estonian capital Tallinn, from Monday 4 to Sunday 10 March 2024.
They participated in the front crawl relay alongside 805 other swimmers, securing a world record for the largest ever winter swimming relay which lasted more than seven hours.
The water temperatures fell to as low as 0.5 degrees. The Baltic Sea swimming lanes froze over most mornings so volunteers had to swim to break the ice which was then gathered up before the swimming could start. All swimming was done in a normal swimsuit in accordance with the rules of the Winter Swimming World Championships.
The pair also achieved personal bests for their swims. Nicola, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Dermatology, finished 16th in the world in the 25m breast stroke and 11th in the 50m breast stroke. Frances, a Specialist Family Practitioner, competed in the 25m front crawl and achieved her own personal best.
They are both founding members of the Boston Bluetits Chill Swimming club, while also being regulars at Boston’s Park Run. They were part of a team of Bluetits from all over the world who travelled together for the competition.
Nicola managed to convince her husband to take part in the world record attempt. The Bluetits were invited as guests to the British Embassy and even got the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Estonia, Ross Allen, to complete a leg.
Nicola said: “We had an amazing time. The cold water seemed to make everyone closer. The adrenaline kept us going.
“Our Bluetit team of over 60 from around the world has done the community proud. We were ‘rent a crowd’ for countries that had small support, we cheered on everyone taking part – from the elite crews to the give-it-a-go crews. The atmosphere was amazing.
“I never thought that when I set up the Boston Bluetits I would help so many people meet each other and make friends. I never thought we’d break a world record either!”
Over 40 countries, from Mongolia to the USA, took part in the bi-annual world championships. Nicola said Estonia embraced them with open arms.
Frances added: “The colder the water, the deeper the friendship. The Bluetits is an amazing, uplifting and truly inclusive community. There is something very special about open water swimming. The laughing and sharing of hot water bottles, woolly bobble hats and a hot flask after a swim in five-degree water changes your day.
“It is good for the heart and soul to be surrounded by swimmers from across the globe doing something that we all love, and it’s great to break a world record too.”
The pair had such a good time that they are already planning their trip to the next Winter Swimming World Championships in Finland in 2026.
Image: Fran (left) and Nicola (right) in Tallinn. Image courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
New plaques highlight Nettleham’s history
Blue plaques have been put up at various locations in Nettleham to highlight points of historical significance and to help inform visitors to the village.
Ward councillors John Barrett and Fraser Brown are behind the project, which has seen four blue plaques installed around The Green.
The plaques have been funded by Nettleham Parish Council, and the West Lindsey councillors have been helped by local historian, Pearl Wheatley.
Each of the plaques has a central QR code, which people can scan with their phone to access historical information about each building via the parish council web page.
The plaques are located at the following locations:
- Beck House, Grade II listed, near the Co-Op. Believed to be the oldest residence in Nettleham. Although there is some evidence it was in existence in the 14th century and called ‘Pond House’; there is more evidence of it in the 16th century. It was the last thatched home in Nettleham until 1906.
- The Plough Inn, Grade II listed, was built in 1690. It was for a while The Manor Court, dealing with certain issues on the demise of Nettleham’s, Bishops Palace (some of the stone taken to rebuild Lincoln Bishops Palace). It was a coaching Inn up to 1906 and could still take two horses.
- The Institute built in 1894, opposite the Plough Inn. It was paid for by a good friend of Nettleham, Herbert James Torr of Riseholme Hall. In its time it was a coffee tavern, an overflow for the old school, a dance hall, a refugee centre for Belgians in WWI and a doctor’s surgery. There was even some sort of shooting range. It closed in 1973 and is home to small businesses.
- The Black Horse Pub, Grade II listed. Built in 1777, its initial area had five cottages and a workhouse run by the Vestry (now Parish Councils), with the pub on the corner. It is possibly the most haunted premises in Nettleham. There are reports of glasses clinking together and child’s laughter, a picture flying across the room, and beer sliding off a table where someone had once died.
Skegness Gateway unveils £151m flood defence plan
The owners behind the landmark Skegness Gateway scheme have revealed a £151 million Flood Risk Resilience Fund (FRRF) as part of a raft of measures that will help defend the development and wider Skegness area from the impacts of flooding.
The plans, which have been collaboratively developed with East Lindsey District Council and the Environment Agency, have been more than 12 months in planning.
The news follows the approval of a Local Development Order (LDO) for the scheme in March, announced at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle.
Agreement was given on more than £300m in socio-economic benefits for the region, alongside new homes, jobs, a crematorium and supported living provision. A new TEC college was granted planning permission for the site in February 2023.
The unique FRRF scheme will operate via an ongoing management fee, associated with the 1,000 properties planned for the 336-acre site. A specialist estate management company will be formed alongside this, which will manage the financial model and take an active role in flood risk strategy on site.
A proportion of the money received from the Gateway properties will allow funding agreements to be setup between East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), the Environment Agency (EA) and other vested interest parties for ongoing defence management and flood risk reduction over the lifetime of the development.
Sue Bowser, of Croftmarsh, said: “The Gateway team take the issue of flooding very seriously. It’s one of the key reasons we have generated this funding, which contributes positively to schemes that maintain and mitigate against the risks posed by flooding and water management.
“We’ve worked hard to come up with a solution that not only protects our development, but also our wider home of Skegness, closely collaborating with the Environment Agency and East Lindsey District Council.
“Regenerating the area is hugely important to us as a fifth-generation family in the area, and we’re pleased to see the acceleration of a scheme that will bring new homes, jobs and greater prosperity to our region.”
According to the latest Climate Change Risk Assessment, an estimated 1.8m people are living in areas of the UK at significant risk of coastal, surface or river flooding.
In Skegness, the Gateway’s Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) identifies the coastline defending the project to be 13.8km, running from Burgh Sluice to the main drain outfall at Ingoldmells. Estimates from the Environment Agency put defence management for the next 100-year period, from Saltfleet to the Gibraltar Point coastline, as ranging between £15m per kilometre to £40m per kilometre.
The contribution enabled by the FRRF scheme could cover 27.0% of the defence management at the highest rate and 71.9% at the lowest rate, depending on the approach and measures taken to flood prevention efforts in the region.
Neil Sanderson, also of Croftmarsh, added: “We understand the flooding risks posed to coastal communities across the UK and want to be active in the role we can play in mitigation efforts.
“What we have here is a solution that is bespoke for our town, allowing regenerative efforts to flourish whilst contributing positively to flood defence strategies being undertaken by public sector organisations.”
As part of the Gateway’s flood prevention efforts, a series of flood education and evacuation programmes will also be undertaken by the estate management team, extending to new homeowners as well as the wider population of Skegness.
Raised ground and flood compensation areas are all part of the Gateway’s proposals, aiding flood prevention onsite.
Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted we have been able to agree this significant investment and commitment to help protect this landmark development and the wider area from flooding for many years to come.
“The risk of flooding and the devastating impact it can have must always be taken extremely seriously, and working in partnership with transformational projects like this we can help make real improvements and additions that will safeguard Skegness and its residents and businesses for generations to come.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: “It is great that this level of commitment is being made to support flood resilience as part of the Skegness Gateway. We have such a fantastic opportunity to invest and deliver transformational improvements for the area through all of our work, and doing this responsibly and respectfully of the environment is crucial.”
