The Swanholme lakes heathland next to Hartsholme Country Park in Lincoln are due restoration works at the end of October, set to improve the area.
The Swanholme Lakes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is rated as one of the country’s best sites for wildlife, and is home to various butterflies and dragonflies.
However, over the years, the heathland has suffered serious damage due to the growth of the rhododendron invasive species, which is not native to England.
In some areas, the plants are up to five meters high (pictured), and at times, anti-social behaviour has been harboured by the bushes.
Natural England says the growth of rhododendron has overtaken the growth of native plants, which has led to a substantial loss in the area’s biodiversity.
With £110,000 funding from Natural England over ten years, nearly four hectares of rhododendron and trees from the lake edges will be removed from the area.
The work will be carried out later this month by Sheffield-based specialists, Legacy Habitat, over the next two winter seasons.
Natural England hopes that through removing rhododendron from the site and restoring its heathland, the area will be home to a wide range of native species.
Revealing hidden treasures
“I am really excited to see what germinates when the rhododendron is removed,” said Natural England’s SSSI Adviser, Dr Kate Fagan.
“It is likely that seeds from the heathland plants are still present and viable and are just waiting for their chance to germinate under the blanket of rhododendron.
“It may take some patience, but within a few years the heath should be on its way to its former glory,” Fagan explained.
Ruth Simons, Senior Ranger at Hartsholme Country Park, said the changes would be quite dramatic visually, but offered reassurances:
“It is necessary to protect the heathland species that make Swanholme so special and nationally significant.
“Regular visitors to the lakes will notice the scenery changing quite a lot over this winter and next,” Simons added.
Swanholme Lakes SSSI is owned by the City of Lincoln Council, who will be provided over the ten years with funding from Natural England to maintain the area.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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