Skip to content
back to Sandilands
Project

Sandilands Nature Reserve

An image showing the land at sandilands with a welcome buiding in the background. A big cafe sign can be seen and it is in dark colours.
An artist impression of the new welcome hub at Sandiland | © National Trust / Jonathan Hendry Architects

Sandilands is located on a significant stretch of the English coastline and attracts migrating water birds. Discover some of the important conservation work we have planned, including habitat creation and improved access for everyone to enjoy this special place.

A new haven for nature on Lincolnshire's wild coast

We plan to create a new 30-hectare nature reserve at Sandilands, providing homes for a variety of wildlife, especially uncommon migratory birds such as black-tailed godwit, spotted redshank and spoonbill along with breeding birds like snipe, lapwing and oystercatcher. Sandilands forms a vital part of National Trust’s increased commitment to protecting nature and tackling climate change. 

A collaborative approach

We are working closely with the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, alongside the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council to transform the landscape at Sandilands back to its natural roots.

Sandilands is especially important as it falls on the east coast 'flyway' migration route for birds. By working with local partners, our goal is to create an amazing place for people to immerse themselves in nature and really connect with the wonders that the Lincolnshire coast has to offer.

A picture of an owl swooping around with his wings outstretched at Sandilands nature reserve
A short-eared owl flying around at Sandilands nature reserve | © Garry Wright

Nature, beauty and history

In March 2020, the National Trust acquired the former Sandilands golf course, on the Lincolnshire coast. This was thanks to a generous donation from a supporter, who specifically asked for the money to be invested in Lincolnshire, along with funds from the Neptune Coastline Campaign. It is the first coastal acquisition the National Trust has made in Lincolnshire. 

Our goal is to develop a thriving coastal environment for wildlife, local communities, and visitors. We aim to provide access to nature throughout the seasons, with a priority on creating more wildlife habitat.

A quote by Katie ScottNational Trust Area Ranger

This exciting project aims to develop a year-round nature experience. Sandilands Golf Club was formed in 1952, but the site had been used as a golf course since 1894. The transformation of Sandilands is designed to enhance benefits for both wildlife and people.

A birds eye picture of the land at sandilands with wetland ponds created by an artist so show how it will look when work beings on the site
An artist impression of the wetland habitat created by the project | © National Trust / Peter Farmer / Wayne Lagden

Habitats and wildlife

We will create new habitats for a variety of wildlife. The transformation of the landscape will bring Sandilands back to its natural roots. It will feature open water, islands, reedbeds, and ponds with walkways and boardwalks.

The new habitats will be especially important for migrating water birds such as spotted redshank and little stint and will continue to provide a home for our well-loved local bird species like skylarks and meadow pipits. Sandilands is also a great place for rare plants such as birdsfoot clover to grow, so the action we are taking will help support them too.

A quote by Carl HawkeNational Trust Nature Conservation Adviser

There will be grasslands and sand dunes to encourage local wildlife and migratory birds to settle, rest, or start families. Sandilands will be a haven for wildlife, allowing people to connect with various plants, animals, and environments throughout the year.

Access for everyone

A range of walkways and boardwalks will be installed to ensure convenient and safe access for everyone across this visionary landscape. There will also be a visitor welcome building at the northern tip of the reserve, that will contain a café and a community space. A Changing Place facility, which is suitable for children and adults with accessibility needs is one of the first things to be added at Sandilands.

Our vision for this new nature reserve is to provide a space where everyone can enjoy the benefits of being in nature. Improving accessibility to the site is a primary objective of the Sandilands project.

The Sandilands project

November 2025

Exciting progress on Sandilands’ new cafe

Work is well underway on the new cafe at Sandilands Nature Reserve – a space designed to welcome visitors and offer a place to pause and enjoy the stunning coastal views. This cafe has been made possible thanks to £2 million of funding from the Towns Fund through Connected Coast, helping us create a hub that celebrates nature and community.

We’ll keep sharing updates as the build continues, so watch this space for more glimpses of what’s to come.

A glimpse of progress at Sandilands café
A glimpse of progress at Sandilands café | © National Trust

Our partners

Lincolnshire County Council

Lincolnshire County Council is the local government organisation that governs the county of Lincolnshire in England.

Visit website 

East Lindsey District Council

ELDC is one of the largest District Councils in England, covering 700 square miles, including part of the Lincolnshire coastline as well as the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Visit website 

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Protecting Lincolnshire's wildlife for the future. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust looks after nearly 100 nature reserves, gives wildlife a voice, and inspires people to take action for wildlife.

Visit website 

Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park

Where the coast meets the countryside. From Sandilands to Chapel St Leonards, the coastal country park contains beaches, nature reserves, walks and so much more.

Visit website 

Natural England

Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. They help to protect and restore our natural world.

Visit website 

Environment Agency

Environmental Agency is a public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, working to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

How we're adapting to climate change 

Climate change is the greatest threat to the coastline, countryside and historic buildings in our care. Our new report, A Climate for Change: Adaptation and the National Trust, reveals how we’re tackling its causes and effects and identifying future hazards. From protecting and planting trees to nature-friendly farming, helping people, heritage and nature adapt to a changing climate is at the heart of everything we do.

Aerial view of a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees being planted as part of a Trees for Climate programme in partnership with England's Community Forests at Lunt, Liverpool

Protecting the coast through decades of fundraising 

For more than 60 years, our people-powered coast campaign has helped to protect hundreds of miles of coastline.

Sea holly and grass on the side of a sand dune in Whiteford Burrows, Gower Peninsula, Wales

Climate Action Appeal 

Climate change is the biggest threat to people and nature but with your support, the landscapes we care for can adapt to the challenges they face. Donate today to bring back wildlife, keep rivers flowing and protect woodlands and peatlands.

Peat bog restoration on the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland

Things to see and do at Sandilands 

Explore a developing nature haven and bird paradise at Sandilands in Lincolnshire, part of the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park network.

Sandilands in spring

How we're tackling climate change 

Climate change is the single biggest threat to the places we care for. Take a look at our environmental pledges as we adapt, reduce carbon emissions and address the damage already done.

Clear evidence how the erosion of the cliffs due to climate change threatens the archeological site of the hillfort at Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd

Coast and beaches 

Discover the 890 miles of beautiful coastline in our care. Plan your next coastal adventure, whether you want to explore soft, sandy beaches or rugged, windswept cliffs.

A visitor with two dogs enjoying the sunset on the beach at Lansallos, Cornwall

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.