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Messingham Sand Quarry
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40 Hectares
Parish: Messingham and Manton
The reserve has been created by the excavation of sand, which has left
a series of lagoons of differing depths with fringing beds of common reed.
There is a mosaic of habitats including an area of remnant heath supporting
heather, petty whin and other heathland.
Wildlife
Woodland, grassland and marsh add varied habitats and support a vast array
of flora including 6 orchid species. The richness of wildlife reflects this
diversity of habitat and includes more than 180 species of bird (over 70 of
which breed), 20 species of butterfly, over 250 species of moth, more than
16 species of dragonfly and over 100 species of bee and wasp.
There are typical heathland plants found on the reserve including heather,
heath bedstraw, tormentil, sheep’s sorrel, broom and gorse.
Management
Management includes the maintenance of grass, gorse and sallow, keeping
bramble in check and maintaining marshes and reedbeds by mowing/grazing. The
gradual removal of the pine plantation is to allow restoration of heathland.
Directions
The reserve lies to the east of the B1400 Messingham-Kirton road. The entrance
is opposite Scallow Grove Farm. Further information: www.lincstrust.org.uk
Key Species on Site
Kingfisher
Common lizard
Southern hawker dragonfly
Small copper butterfly
Linnet
Common tern
Glow worm
Hairy dragonfly
Sand wasps and mining bees
Fragrant orchid
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