Farm offers fun and free day out for the whole family

Spalding-based Worth Farms will be one of hundreds of farms opening for Open Farm Sunday on 8th June. The gates at Worth Farms (PE12 8LW) will open from 11am-4pm, offering visitors a fascinating but fun, free family day out and a chance to ‘Discover the roots of your food’. Organised by local fresh vegetable supplier A.H. Worth and supported by other local food and farming businesses – Manor Fresh, Jack Buck Farms, Oldershaw Group and Naylors – the day will offer visitors the chance to see everything that goes into growing leeks, spinach, potatoes, salads and wheat, as well as meet the farmers behind the planting, growing and harvesting of these crops, and more.
  • Guided trailer trips around the farm to learn about growing leeks, spinach, potatoes, salads and wheat and see potato and spinach harvesters
  • Meet the animals including cattle and sheep
  • Classic tractor display
  • Kid’s play area featuring balloons, bouncy castle and pedal tractors
  • Refreshments including ice cream van and burger van
  • Stands for local charities Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and LIVES (Saving lives in Lincolnshire)
Much-loved national initiative Open Farm Sunday is managed by charity LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and aims to connect farmers and the public in a unique celebration of food, farming and nature.

Weekly food waste collections to begin in Lincolnshire by 2026

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Lincolnshire is set to introduce weekly food waste collections, in line with a UK-wide rollout scheduled to begin by 30 March 2026. The change represents a significant shift in local waste management, aiming to reduce landfill use and increase recycling rates.

Each household will be provided with a five-litre indoor caddy, a year’s supply of compostable liners, and a 23-litre kerbside bin for collection. Larger communal residences will receive a 140-litre wheelie bin, with additional capacity available for households with more than six occupants.

The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, which coordinates waste services across the county, has confirmed that Lincoln will be among the areas ready to launch the service on time. However, disparities in council resources may affect implementation timelines elsewhere.

The shift comes amid wider trials across the UK and is expected to prompt operational changes in fleet management, logistics, and supplier procurement, particularly in sourcing compliant bins and liners. Local authorities have also acknowledged that unforeseen issues may arise during rollout, potentially requiring policy adjustments after the scheme is implemented.

The move aligns with government targets to standardise waste collection and improve environmental outcomes across the country.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/tommoh29

Scunthorpe event highlights armed forces commitment

North Lincolnshire Council is set to host Armed Forces Day on Saturday 21 June at Brumby Hall Sports Ground in Scunthorpe, reinforcing its ongoing support for the armed forces community and its Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Running from 11am to 5pm, the free public event will feature military displays, cadet parades, musical performances, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. A key highlight includes a scheduled appearance by the Red Devils parachute team. The programme also features field demonstrations by army cadets, live music, and interactive exhibitions.

Beyond its public appeal, the event reflects a broader commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, promoting engagement between local authorities and the defence community. It presents an opportunity for local businesses and employers to demonstrate their own support for veterans and service personnel.

Operational details include parking provisions, controlled entry, and restrictions on alcohol, dogs (except service animals), and bikes. The site will host various vendors and community stalls, with contingency measures in place for weather-related disruptions.

Organisations interested in participating in the parade or accessing additional information are advised to contact North Lincolnshire Council’s events team in advance.

Image source: North Lincolnshire Council

Bus improvements in North East Lincolnshire drive passenger growth

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North East Lincolnshire has been recognised as one of the most improved areas for bus services across Yorkshire and Humberside, according to the latest National Highways and Transport Network report.

The report highlights significant strides in public transport within the borough, particularly in the accessibility of information and overall service quality. Infrastructure upgrades, including an increase in bus stops, improved reliability of electronic displays, more accessible boarding, and enhanced fare systems, have contributed to the region’s improved ranking.

Passenger numbers are also rising. In the last 12 months, nearly 200,000 additional concessionary journeys were recorded. These passes, available to eligible older adults and people with disabilities, allow for free bus travel across the borough until 11 p.m.

The public transport improvements come as Grimsby town centre undergoes major regeneration, including the development of the Community Diagnostic Centre and the revamped Top Town Market. The enhanced bus services are playing a key role in increasing accessibility to these redevelopments.

This recognition builds on previous findings, positioning North East Lincolnshire’s bus services ahead of larger urban centres such as Manchester and Liverpool, demonstrating that strategic investment and local partnerships, such as with operator Stagecoach, can yield measurable service improvements and ridership gains.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/stokkete

Job-creating data centre planned for North Lincolnshire industrial estate

A major extension is planned for Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate.  If approved, the development would create a new data centre, bringing hundreds of new jobs, investment in the local community, and a boost to business confidence.  The application sets out proposals for a large-scale development comprising data centres, office space, energy infrastructure, and other supporting facilities across a phased development.   The total investment in the site could reach between £5.5 billion and £7.5 billion over the course of the development.  During construction, the scheme could support up to 5,100 jobs each year. Once fully operational, the site has the potential to create up to 1,200 highly skilled jobs.  Funding towards apprenticeship and training programmes is also being proposed.  Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is another positive sign of confidence in our economy and in North Lincolnshire as a place to do business.  “We welcome the application and the potential this development has to create high-quality jobs for local people. Supporting growth in our area helps to attract new businesses while giving existing ones the opportunity to expand.  “It’s further evidence that the work we are doing to enable growth and create the conditions for private investment is delivering real results and better paid jobs for our communities.”    Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Donate your time and make a difference to patients’ lives

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Do you have time on your hands? Would you like to make a difference to patients’ lives? As the country starts a week-long celebration of the UK’s 14.2 million people who volunteer monthly, why not sign up to be part of the amazing United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and give a few hours of your time and enthusiasm and make a real difference to the lives of patients and their families and the staff that take care of them? Charity volunteers can help in so many ways and offer as much or as little time as they like. Jo Burgess, from Lincoln, volunteers once a month and runs a monthly book stall in aid of the charity at Lincoln County Hospital. She has been a patient at the hospital for a number of years and became a volunteer for the charity as she wanted to give something back to say thank you for the care she receives. She said: “As a volunteer, you get to do lots of different things. The thing I enjoy about the bookstall is meeting people, staff and patients. Having my own bookstall combines my passion of books with meeting new faces.” For nearly 30 years, the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has been supporting staff to deliver outstanding care to patients and their families and carers at Lincolnshire hospitals, from funding high-tech equipment to investing in pioneering research, from improvements to hospitals’ environments to support for staff welfare, the charity funds those extras that the NHS cannot provide. And as the charity continues to grow, there has never been a better time to get involved. Charity manager Ben Petts explained: “We’re a small team and cannot do it alone, we need volunteers to help us spread the word about what we do. There are lots of ways you could get involved including helping out at events, updating information about our work around our hospital sites and in the community, giving talks and replenishing our collections tins.”

Biogas facility plan sparks local resistance near Sleaford

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Plans for a new anaerobic digestion facility in Anwick, Lincolnshire, have drawn sharp opposition from residents concerned about its proximity to homes and the potential impact on the village’s character and property values.

Stream Bioenergy has submitted a proposal to build a biogas plant on Horncastle Road, adjacent to the existing Moy Park poultry factory. The facility is designed to process up to 120,000 tonnes of chicken waste annually, converting it into biomethane for injection into the national gas grid. The site would include eight 25-metre-tall digestion tanks and associated processing infrastructure.

Although the developer states the project includes odour mitigation, noise control, and upgraded road infrastructure, many locals argue that its scale and location, just 200 metres from residential properties, would cause environmental and logistical issues. The proposal outlines a maximum of three HGV movements per hour, with a dedicated connection to Moy Park to limit traffic.

More than 600 residents have signed a petition opposing the development, citing concerns over air quality, industrialisation of the area, and non-compliance with local planning guidelines. The application is currently under public consultation and will be reviewed by Lincolnshire County Council.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Igor Link

Grantham challenges ‘boring town’ label as regeneration efforts continue

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Grantham, a market town in Lincolnshire, has drawn national attention after being named one of the UK’s most “boring” towns in a recent list published by The Telegraph. The article cited a lack of standout attractions as the basis for its inclusion, claiming that while the town has basic amenities, it offers little in terms of tourism appeal beyond a statue of Margaret Thatcher and a small museum.

Despite the unfavourable media spotlight, Grantham’s business and civic communities are positioning the town in a different light. The town centre continues to benefit from regeneration efforts, including upgrades to the market square and surrounding retail infrastructure. A growing number of independent shops and cafés have emerged in recent years, contributing to a more diverse local economy.

Grantham also benefits from proximity to regional heritage sites such as Belton House and Belvoir Castle, and boasts accessible transport links to Peterborough and Stamford. Local parks like Wyndham and Dysart remain key green assets for residents and visitors alike, with ongoing efforts to maintain and promote them as part of the town’s broader liveability strategy.

While public opinion on the town’s appeal may be divided, Grantham remains a commercial and residential hub for South Kesteven and its surrounding villages.

  Picture credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

East Lindsey Community Grants Scheme opens

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East Lindsey District Council has made more money available to support local community groups and projects. For 2025/26, each councillor has £4,000 available to grant to local not-for-profit organisations in their wards. This has increased from £2,000 as seen in 2024/25. Councillors may decide to award this funding to one project or may choose to split it between several good causes. The scheme intends to financially support smaller projects that are easily deliverable and to be supportive of local organisations. Those wishing to apply for a grant must be a formally governed not-for-profit organisation based within the East Lindsey district. Applicants should also demonstrate that they are supporting at least one of the following: growth and prosperity, safe and resilient communities, healthy lives, the environment. The Scheme can fund capital costs for building improvements, playground equipment, IT or sports equipment, disabled facilities, energy efficiency measures and more. Additionally, Councillor Community Grants can cover revenue costs, such as salaries, rent, events costs, training fees, or general maintenance. Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted that the Community Grants Scheme is returning this year, with an increased allocation for all Councillors. “In the 2024/25 financial year, we supported many amazing local initiatives through grants funding, and I am certain we will be able to reach even more projects this year. We know that organisations are hard-working and are important to the local community, and with the current economic climate, it is essential that they are supported as much as possible. “I strongly encourage any eligible organisations interested in grants funding to contact their ward Councillor for more information.” The deadline for Councillors’ Community Grants Applications to be received is Saturday 28 February 2026. A project may only be funded once in a financial year (1 April to 31 March). It is also a requirement that the project is completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. For enquiries, contact community.grants@e-lindsey.gov.uk
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Festival of the Sea to dock in Grimsby this June

Festival of the Sea will return to Grimsby on Saturday 21st June. Now in its fifth year, the festival has welcomed thousands of visitors to enjoy live cooking demos and water activities, celebrating the town’s rich maritime history and exploring the future. By focusing on its central theme, the Festival of the Sea aims to raise awareness and educate the public about one of our planet’s most vital yet often overlooked climate allies – the ocean, which plays a crucial role in absorbing heat and carbon on a global scale. The festival’s educational programming will explore topics such as seafood, as well as the history and future of healthy, responsible eating. The programme of activities, performances, guided walks, installations, and workshops include:
  • Seafood Crafts & Ocean Mural with TARGET NEL: Get hands-on with seafood-themed crafts while learning about different types of seafood and their nutritional benefits. Then, join in to create a big Ocean Mural filled with healthy messages.
  • “Save the Sea” with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue: marine-themed crafts and a fun competition to win cuddly sea creatures.
  • “The Sushi Stakeout” by Grubby Knees: A fast-paced, 20-minute heartfelt show packed with laughs, local flavour, and squabbling seagulls fighting over chips.
  • “Exploring the water connection” with Grimsby Tours: Join Emma Lingard for a guided walk through Grimsby’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and waterfront, past and present.
In 2025 the focus leads on making the festival more accessible and sustainable, to ensure all people of Grimsby and beyond can enjoy the day. This includes new sensory workshops: creating calm, engaging spaces for individuals who benefit from tactile and sensory-based experiences. The organisers are also working with Vehicles for Change to bring their RevoLOOtion accessible toilets to the festival. Through this collaboration it is aimed to remove barriers that often prevent disabled individuals from attending public events. The festival is supported by North East Lincolnshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cllr Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that this Festival will once again provide a showcase not only for our area, but also for our local creative talent. “It will be packed with family entertainment, and is a perfect way to show how our past, great heritage can be brought into the modern day using the creativity and talent that now exists.”
  Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council