Arnold’s Meadow Nature Reserve

Arnold’s Meadow, managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, is a 3-hectare reserve with a mosaic of habitats. Half of the site is a hay meadow, with its central area often flooded during autumn and winter. The other half consists of wetland, including a moat surrounding an island and two shallow ponds. The reserve is bordered by mature hedgerows and trees and also contains a small area of woodland.

Before 1968, the site was a bare field, making Arnold’s Meadow a wholly man-made nature reserve. Today, the meadow is managed in the traditional way, with a late hay cut taken each year. Vegetation in the ponds is actively controlled to preserve areas of open water. The on-site buildings are used by the Trust’s local volunteer group, who help manage reserves across south Lincolnshire.

Despite its modest size, the reserve is a haven for birdlife – over 70 species have been recorded, with at least 35 known to have bred here. In the wetter parts of the meadow, look out for wading birds such as redshanks, snipes, grey plovers, and curlews. Kingfishers are frequently seen hunting in the ponds, while the wetland also attracts waterfowl including teals, mallards, moorhens, mute swans, and great crested grebes. Common terns and sand martins breed on the central island.

The woodland provides habitat for birds like jays, robins, great tits, coal tits, and siskins. Out on the meadow, goldfinches and greenfinches are regular visitors, and if you’re fortunate, you may even spot a rare turtle dove. Overhead, keep an eye out for sparrowhawks, kestrels, and buzzards hunting across the skies.

During irruption years, waxwings arrive in large numbers to feast on berries in the hedgerows. Winter is also a good time to see goldcrests flitting through the woodland and wrens sheltering in the hedges.

A circular grass track runs around the reserve, though it’s not suitable for wheelchairs except during dry summer months when the ground is firm. Visitors are asked to park on the nearby road, well beyond the gate opposite the nursery, as large lorries require clear access.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on the reserve, with the exception of assistance dogs.