Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve opens in Lincolnshire
A major new nature reserve with exciting opportunities for fenland wildlife is opening for the first time on Sunday 19 September near Deeping St James in South Lincolnshire.
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the opening of Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve, an attractive area of Fen landscape in the south of Lincolnshire, after a period of management works to improve public access and wildlife habitats.
Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve Deeping Lakes is a complex of flooded gravel pits; it is a shining example of how nature can reclaim former industrial sites. The Trust purchased the largest lake, which forms a major part of the reserve, in 2003 with generous grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Nature Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. The adjoining lakes are leased, forming an area of 71 hectares managed for wildlife.
Dave Vandome, Deeping Lakes Project Officer, says: "The main lake (formerly known as 'The Lake') was excavated in the late 1800s and has largely developed naturally since then. The two areas of smaller lakes and pools (formerly known as Welland Bank Quarry) were excavated in the 1990s. Being of relatively recent origin they contrast markedly with the older lake. The Lake is already noted for its wildfowl and waterbird communities, and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest."
The special Open Day has been organised so that people can find out about the reserve and its wildlife. Between 10.30am and 4.30pm, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers will be on site to talk to visitors and answer questions about the reserve.
There will also be opportunities to walk round the reserve and visit the new bird hide. Refreshments will be available and there will be a Trust sales stall and plant stall.
The Exotic Pet Refuge, adjacent to the nature reserve, is also opening for visitors on Sunday 19 September. The Refuge is a charitable organisation that is run with the sole aim of caring for exotic animals that are either no longer wanted or find themselves homeless.
