Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust celebrates 75th anniversary

The nature conservation charity has been establishing nature reserves, campaigning for wildlife and empowering people to take action for nature since 1948.

Seventy-five years ago in the post-war world of rations and austerity, some were planning a better future for people and wildlife. In 1948, a small group of naturalists led by the late Ted Smith, then aged 28, founded the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. They had recognised that action had to be taken to save Lincolnshire’s last remaining wild places.

The first action of the new charity was to sign a landmark agreement with Lincolnshire County Council which established Gibraltar Point as a nature reserve. It was the first of almost 100 nature reserves that are now managed by the Trust. Many of the nature reserves would not exist if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication that went into saving them.

Today these nature reserves have become much loved places for many of us as well homes for a variety of wildlife. Reserves such as Willow Tree Fen have welcomed back cranes to the Lincolnshire fens after nearly 400 years of extinction, with four consecutive years of crane chicks hatching. Alongside cranes other absent species are now being spotted regularly such as otters at Woodhall Spa Airfield Nature Reserve and bitterns at Far Ings National Nature Reserve.

The return of these species are great examples of how, with the right management, wildlife can not only return but thrive.

Wilder Lincolnshire Festival

From wilder communities to wilder landscapes, we will be celebrating at Doddington Hall on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September 2023. With guided walks, workshops, activities and displays, this will be an opportunity to discover more about how the Trust, Doddington Hall and local communities are bringing wildlife back to the county. Be inspired and discover how you can help wildlife in your garden or community greenspace.

Mark the date in your diary and we’ll see you there.