Plans are underway to create a new wetland nature reserve on the outskirts of Horncastle. The proposed site, known as Harrison’s Holme, sits south of the A158 between the River Bain and River Waring—an area that frequently floods during winter.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and East Mercia Rivers Trust are leading the project, which aims to turn the land into a thriving wetland habitat supporting a wide range of wildlife. The scheme, still awaiting a planning application, would be funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Anglian Water’s Get River Positive initiative.
If approved, major groundwork is expected to take place over the winter months. Plans include reshaping the riverbanks to encourage natural flooding, excavating shallow ponds and scrapes, and creating swales and bunds to manage water flow. Native planting would follow to enhance biodiversity and stabilise the banks.
The design includes dedicated refuges for amphibians and insects and an elevated viewing area with seating so visitors can observe the reserve without disturbing it.
Volunteers will be invited to help with planting and habitat creation once construction begins. A public drop-in session will be held at Banovallum House in Horncastle on 16 October to share details and gather feedback on the plans.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/rujin
