3. Environmental information
2: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

2.1: Physical

2.1.1: Landform

Gibraltar Point is a key site for the study of coastal geomorphology.  Its development can be traced back to 1786 when Armstrong’s map was produced.  It embraces a wide range of coastal accretion on a low, macrotidal coast in a relatively sheltered environment.  It has been studied in detail over several decades and illustrates very clearly the complex interaction of tidal and other dynamic coastal processes in the evolution of landforms.  Key features include tidal sandbanks offshore, a well-developed ridge and runnel foreshore, a spit, sand dunes and saltmarshes in various stages of development.
The reserve exhibits a classic geomorphological make-up with a series of semi- parallel sand dunes running roughly north to south with spit formations occurring at their southern extremities, sheltering developing saltmarshes.  The Stormridge at the southern end of the Old Saltmarsh formed during the 1920’s and is a noticeable variation on this pattern.
The foreshore, outer dunes and outer saltmarshes are geomorphologically dynamic; movements of silts and sands and cyclical patterns of erosion and accretion are characteristic, with an apparent net gain of material during the 1980’s.  These patterns may have varied with time and King (1978) noted a switch during the 1970’s from north to south in the maximum zone of accretion.
The highest point on the reserve, Mill Hill on the East Dunes is sufficiently raised to enable appreciation of the extent and form of the reserve.
The flats and saltmarshes are typical of South Lincolnshire and the Wash estuary, although it is uncommon for all seral stages of saltmarsh to be in evidence.  Similarly, although the dunes accord with the type of calcareous dune system on the east coast of Britain, it is unusual for the full range from pioneer to mature dune to be so well represented.  Some dune hollows have developed as typical dune slacks.  The geomorphology of the site where the processes of accretion balance those of erosion is untypical of the Lincolnshire coast.
To the west, the landscape of the Lindsey Outmarsh contrasts with the undulating sandhills.  The flat landscape continues to the Lincolnshire Wolds and is only interrupted by a series of artificial raised floodbanks.

2.1.2: Climate

Winters are generally cold, characterised by strong northerly winds, whilst summers are dry and warm with predominantly south westerly winds.  Rainfall annual mean has risen from 567mm 1973-1990, to 609.4mm 1973-2000.  (2000 was the wettest year since our records began in 1973 with 778.5mm.  This was mirrored nationwide, it being the wettest in England and Wales since 1872).
Analysis of met data since  recording began at Gibraltar Point is showing a recent trend of milder, wetter winters as well as unseasonal rainfall during some summer months. The graph in the appendix shows the number of days below freezing for the past 20 years.  Despite the peaks in the early and mid 1990’s, this decade shows significantly fewer days below freezing than in the 1980’s.  This trend of warmer than average years is continuing, with only four years (all in 1990’s) in the last 140 years being warmer than 2000.
The drought in 1976 may have contributed to the population crash of Great Crested Newt.  More recently, drought summers were experienced between 1989-1991, with the lowest annual precipitation amounting to 416.6mm during 1991.

2.1.3: Geology

The geology of the site is simple, comprised of glacial boulder clay overlaid with tidal silts and peat layers derived from Neolithic and late Bronze/early Iron age and separated by marsh clays; themselves topped with three belts of calcareous sand hills.


2.1.4: Hydrology

Regular and frequent tidal inundation of the saltmarshes complicates the hydrology of the site.  After inundation, the marshes may remain water-logged for several days, with large areas of standing salt water.  The marshes are drained by a network of creeks. The creation of an artificial sea defence, Bulldog Bank at the turn of the 20th Century has curtailed the northward movement of tidal waters.  This resulting re-claimed saltmarsh has now developed as a freshwater habitat with dune slack communities over much of this compartment.
Following reclamation, the Bulldog Bank was occasionally topped by surge tides. Significant flooding occurred in 1953, twice during the late 1960’s and lastly in 1978 after which the bank was raised and strengthened.
The water table of the site is almost entirely fed by rainfall, although Mill Pond is said to be artesian fed; levels varying little during the year.  During the height of the summer the land can be very dry with dry dune slacks and low levels in ponds.  In recent drought years (1989-91) the Freshwater Marsh has suffered somewhat from the ingression of saltwater.  There is clearly percolation through Bulldog Bank into the Borrow Pits.  Years with above average rainfall however, produce flooded dune slacks, extensive standing water on the meadows and ponds overflowing.  The water table fundamentally affects the vegetation community on the FWM.  Flooding is attributable to the presence of Bulldog Bank which effectively blocks natural drainage.  This can now be controlled via an outlet valve though the Bulldog Bank to alleviate excess winter flooding.  The purchase of farmland to the west of the NNR has enabled the Trust to block the farm drains which doubtless exacerbated water loss from the site which has been of particular concern during the summer months.  However, there is still a wide water table range on the marsh  (60-90cms) throughout the year.  Work continues to enhance understanding of the hydrology of this ex-arable land and the interaction with the levels on the NNR.
The action of hydrodynamic pressure during spring tides has been noted for raising levels and increasing the salinity of certain water bodies, eg Roadside Pond on the West dunes.
The Fenland Lagoon is an area of artificially contained brackish water controlled via a sluice at the head of the main saltmarsh creek.

2.1.5: Soils

The saltmarsh silts comprise finely divided sediment which is deposited during high tides in still water.
The sands and gravels originate from reworked glacial outwash with shell fragments accreting from the levels of calcium carbonate.  The dune soils are thus free draining, low nutrient status and are calcareous.  Hence colonisation occurs by a range of specialist plants and invertebrates.  The change in nutrient and pH status effected through atmospheric nitrogen and acidification is unknown.  Enrichment though nitrogen input occurs through the fixing ability of Sea Buckthorn.

2.2: Natural History

2.2.1: Flora

Early colonisation of embryo dunes involves Sand Couch (Elytricia juncea) and Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima), whilst the strandlines are colonised by Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kali) and Orache (Atriplex) species.  Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) occurs sporadically on sheltered strandlines.
Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) and Lyme-grass (Leymus arenarius) are the main dune builders, consolidating the foredunes and responding to the coverage of windblown sand, although marram may persist on stable dunes.  Flowering plants are sparse but may include Sea Sandwort (Honkenya peploides), Canadian Fleabane (Conyza canadensis) and Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola).  Local specialities include Yellow- horned Poppy (Glaucium flavium) and Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) on the outer dunes.  Sea bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) is rare; now probably only occurring at Seacroft and Polypody (Polypodium sp.) is represented by a few examples.
As conditions become more stabilised, Sand Sedge (Carex arenaria) and the sand dune form of Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) become common.  Even at this stage, Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) colonisation may commence.  The establishment of lichens and mosses represent grey dune characteristics and a wide range of dune herbs become apparent in the short sward.  Species include Lady’s bedstraw (Galium verum), Speedwell (Veronica sp), Trefoils (Trifolium sp) and vetches (Vicia sp), Mouse- ears (Cerastium sp), Stork’s-bill (Erodium sp), Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill (Geranium molle), Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarium), Cowslip (Primula veris), and Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis).  Scarce species include Meadow saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) and Rue-leaved Saxifrage (S. tridactylites).  Of the taller species, Hound’s-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare) can be prominent.  Dewberry (Rubus caesius) is ubiquitous.
In the absence of grazing/mowing, coarse grassland predominates, with comparatively few herbs.  Such areas are characterised by False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus).
A long history of disturbed ground (through wartime activity and rabbits) has resulted in a legacy of ruderal species - particularly Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium) which can occur in mono-dominant stands.  Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is abundant and doubtless encouraged by heavy rabbit grazing.  Blocks of dune scrub are extensive and dominated by Sea Buckthorn.  The scrub community includes abundant Elder (Sambucus niger), and frequent Dog Rose (Rosa canina), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Privet (Ligustrum vulgare).  Traveller’s-joy (Clematis vitalba) can grow extensively over the scrub.  Sea buckthorn scrub has a poor floral association, usually restricted to seed species eg Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) and Nettle Urtica dioica).  The alien Spring beauty (Montia perfolia) is widespread in association with the Hippophae canopy.  Trees such as Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and pines have resulted from planting on the dunes and in the dune slack, Sallow succeeds over Sea buckthorn.
Open dune slack grassland can exhibit a rich flora community are represented on the East Dunes and on the Freshwater marsh.  Typical species on the East Dunes include Silverweed (Potentilla anserina, Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), Meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), and Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactiloriza praetermissa), and Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris).  Sedges are well represented in … slack communities and include Distant (Carex distans), False Fox (Carex otrubae), Carnation (Carex panicea), Glaucous (Carex flacca) and Common (Carex nigra).  Horsetail (Equisetum sp) and Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) are common and Hearts-tongue fern is found on two sites under scrub.  Greater pond sedge (Carex riparia), Sea Club-rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus), and Purple Small-reed (Calamagrostis canescens) can dominate areas of slack.  Tall herb communities are dominated by Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Great hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) and Figwort (Scrophularia sp).
The flora of the Freshwater Marsh is influenced by the hydrology.  The prevalence of dry summers has resulted in large swathes of Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) with frequent Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis).  Following prolonged wet conditions, rushes and sedges have become dominant in the sward along with Lady’s Smock (Cardamine pratensis), Silverweed (Potentilla anserina), Common Marsh-bedstraw (Galium palustre) and Adder’s Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum).  Saltmarsh species still persist here including Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima) and Saltmarsh rush (Juncus gerardi).
Ragged-Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), and Southern Marsh Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid (D.fuchsii) are scarce and on the drier ridges, small numbers of Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera) have reappeared during the 1990s (after an absence since 1948).  Cowslips (Primula veris) are locally abundant.
The freshwater pools and ditches are extensively colonised by Spiked Water- milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Fennel Pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus).  Eutrophic conditions in some pools yield copious algal growth.  Brackish Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus baudotii) occurs patchily and Beaked Tasselweed (Ruppia maritima) has been recorded over the more brackish conditions of the Borrow Pits.
Marginal vegetation is characterised by Sea Club-rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus )and Common Reed (Phragmites australis) with Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus), Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris) and Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis) fringing some ponds.
Glasswort (Salicornia europea) and Annual Seablight (Suaeda maritima) are the earliest colonisers of the mudflats.  As these are consolidated, Common Saltmarsh Grass (Puccinella maritima), Sea Purslane (Atriplex portulacoides) and Common Sea Lavender (Limonium vulgare) become dominant, with some Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritimum) and Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima).  Stands of Common Cordgrass (Spartina anglica) occur in muddy runnels and pans, but has not shown signs of vigorous mono- dominant growth.  Conversely, Sea Plantain has shown signs of domination but extensive even age growth has exhibited periodic dieback or senescing over large areas.
The carpets of Sea Lavender are impressive during late summer on the middle marsh plateaux where Thrift (Armeria mritima) is scarce.  The highest marshes, reached only by high spring tides support dense Sea Couch (Elmus atherica), with Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima) in some abundance and patches of Sea Wormwood (Artemisia maritima).
The transition from upper saltmarsh to dune involves such species as Rock Sea- Lavender (L binervosum), Danish Scurvygrass (Cochlearia danica), Spurries, Bucks- horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus), Small Centuary (Cenaurium pulchellum) and Sea Pearlwort (Sagina maritima).  Scarce species in this zone include Curved Hard Grass (Parapholis incurva), Rush Leaved Fescue (Fescuca juncifolia), Long Bracted Sedge (Carex extensa) and Fern grass (Desmazeria rigida).
Rare examples of transition from upper salt marsh into freshwater slack exist on a small scale.  The zone of change is occupied by Distant Sedge, Sea Milkwort, Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera), Saltmarsh Rush (Juncus geradii) and Lesser Centuary.  The extensive strip saltings are interrupted by a series of short dune ridges which provide interesting floral transition/ecotone.  Heavy rabbit grazing has largely shaped the flora which is typified by Rock Sea- Lavender and Sea Heath (Frankenia laevis).  Shrubby Sea blight (Suaeda vera) occurs irregularly along the margins.  The latter two species are at the northern edge of their British range on the reserve.

- The first botanical surveys were carried out by Mary Smith and published in the Gibraltar Point report for 1949.
- An updated  reserve list was published in 1986 (Peet).
- An NVC survey was carried out in 1989, but more comprehensively reproduced in 1999 (Weaver )
- Botanical records are maintained on recorder.

2.2.2: Fauna

Recording of the reserves natural history commenced in the early days of the LNU in the early 1900’s. From 1948 Research was initiated through Nottingham University; bird study became intensive with the establishment of a bird observatory. Migration and ringing studies were carried out. A daily log and ringing schedules have been maintained annually since that year and paper records are housed at Sykes’ Farm. Current ringing data are stored on IPMR (integrated population monitoring record programme) and the daily log has been input onto the Bird Recorder database since 1999. This is maintained at Sykes’ Farm.
All other natural history records are collated on Recorder at the Field Centre office. An annual wildlife report is produced summarising the status of birds, mammals etc and the results of specific survey/monitoring work along with a summary of significant reserve developments. This report is on sale in the Visitor Centre.

Mammals

Most prominent are rabbits, which are present in varying populations, over most parts of the dune.  Their influence on the dune vegetation is perhaps more significant than any other omnipresent factor.  Once decimated by myxomatosis, the population is now 'managed' where uniform conditions are to be avoided in the dune sward.  Brown hare is occasionally seen, although seemingly increasing on Croftmarsh.  Foxes are common over the whole site and their impact can be problematic with ground nesting birds - ie shorebirds.  Evidence of badger has been noted increasingly since the mid 1990’s.  Grey squirrels occur in small numbers during the winter months, but have not become established.  Muntjac and roe deer occur from time to time.  Water vole are prominent on the ditches and pools on the Freshwater Marsh, Tennyson's Sands and Jackson's Marsh.  This species is targeted for habitat creation on Croftmarsh.  Weasel and stoat are widespread and thus far, there have been no confirmed sightings of mink. Occasional sightings of water shrew serve to confirm the presence of a small population on the Freshwater Marsh and evidence of harvest mouse is found occasionally (mostly Measures area).  Of the other small mammals, common and pigmy shrew are widespread, wood mice and field voles are common with bank voles less so.  Brown rat population fluctuates and may be problematic around the buildings.  At least three species of bat have been confirmed, brown, long-eared, pipistrelle (45 + 55) and Nathusius pipistrelle.  Although no roost sites have been located on the NNR, the first confirmed breeding of Nathusius pipistrelle in the UK was at Green Lodge adjacent to Aylmer Avenue.
With the development of offshore sand-bars, the number of common seals has markedly increased on this section of the Wash.  These sand-bars constitute important haul-out sites where pupping undoubtedly occurs during the summer months.  Small numbers also haul out on the Millennium Ridge
Small numbers of grey seals come ashore in autumn to produce pups.
Offshore, harbour porpoise are regularly seen through the late summer and autumn in particular.  The number of sightings has increased during the 1990’s and there is evidence of local breeding.
Full status of all species is documented in the annual wildlife reports.

Birds

Some 290 species of bird have been identified on the reserve since regular recording began in 1948.  Of these, around 220 are generally recorded on an annual basis, with 55 - 60 of them considered to be breeding species.  The most important components of the reserves avifauna are summarised below.
  • Important populations of breeding shorebirds - little tern and ringed plover.
  • Important assemblage of breeding birds of scrub and grassland, including dense populations of migrant warblers and several species of conservation concern including yellowhammer, reed bunting, linnet, turtle dove and skylark.
  • Feeding and resting refuge for large numbers of passage migrants.  During peak periods (spring and autumn) falls of warblers, chats, flycatchers, thrushes and finches rely on the dunes and scrub cover.  Migrant waders eg sandpipers and shanks, exploit the range of muddy pools in autumn.  Visible migration down the Gibraltar Point 'peninsular' can be impressive, involving thousands of birds.
  • Populations of arctic breeding waders use the mudflats on the river Steeping Haven as a feeding ground, and on the spring tide sequences the wader roosts involve tens of thousands of birds.  Most prominent are knot, grey plover, bar-tailed godwit, sanderling and dunlin.  Because of the turnover of different species, different bio- geographic populations and age classes, large numbers of waders may be present in all months, but with particular peaks in spring as adult birds head north to breed, and autumn (Aug - Oct) as adults and juveniles arrive to winter on the Wash, and pass through en route to more distant wintering grounds.
  • Important populations of north European and Siberian ducks and geese spend the winter in the Wash.  Most significant at Gibraltar Point is the annual flock of brent geese which frequent the estuary and saltmarshes, also flighting inland to graze winter wheat.  Shelduck are common on the flats and marshes.  Of the dabbling ducks, wigeon, teal and mallard are also prominent and rely on the estuary and Freshwater Mere for feeding and loafing.  The adjacent Cowbank Drain serves as a refuge if the former sites are disturbed.
  • At sea, sea duck - eg common scoter and eider are mostly passage migrants, but red-throated diver numbers have built up to being nationally important.  During autumn these feeding grounds support large numbers of terns (mostly sandwich terns) that use the area as a staging post on their southward migration.

Reptiles and amphibians

The natterjack toad has been re-established during the 1990’s, following extinction around the 1920’s.  Common toad and frog populations have suffered through repeated tidal inundation on the Freshwater Marsh prior to 1980, but populations were reinforced subsequently.  Common toads are now prolific.  Common newts occur in the dune pools and great crested newt is rare.  The sole reptile is grass snake with a stronghold around the Freshwater Marsh/Measures.

Invertebrates

The majority of manageable invertebrate groups have been sampled on the reserve.

Lepidoptera: Butterflies

A well studied group since the inception of the weekly survey in the 1970’s.  Prior to this, anecdotal records of breeding grizzled and dingy skipper require confirmation and there are un-authenticated records of dark green fritillary.  Excluding these a total of 27 species has occurred, 23 are annual breeding species including the green hairstreak (which declined to virtual extinction in the mid 1980’s) and the brown argus which became extinct in 1960’s only to re- colonise in the mid 1990’s - now common.  The speckled wood provides an interesting example of a new colonist, now resident in the Plantation.  Despite its status on the north Norfolk dunes, the grayling has only occurred once.

Lepidoptera: Moths

The macrolepidoptera have been well studied and 401 species have been recorded. Eighteen years of population data have been gleaned through the Rothampstead survey, which provides an important baseline for any future survey.  The kill trap was terminated due to concerns over its impact on the scarce pug population.  Another critically endangered species is the marsh moth, which has been recorded, in recent years on the NNR.
In addition, a range of coastal specialists occurs including the crescent striped, starwort, dog’s tooth and sand dart.  Over 350 species of macro moth have been recorded and live trapping continues from March to November.
With the exception of the pyralidae, the microlepidoptera have received less attention since the Rothamstead ceased.  Nonetheless a list of 178 species have been recorded, including several national and regional scarcities, mostly dependent on coastal plant species.

Odonata

A total of 20 species have occurred on the NNR.  Twelve are considered to be breeding species, several of which colonised during the late 1980’s and 1990’s eg black-tailed skimmer and broad-bodied chaser.  The emerald damselfly has shown a significant decline.  Old records of breeding by hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense have not been substantiated.

Aculeata

Over 120 species have been recorded on the NNR.  The majority of records are attributable to a three year study by Dr Michael Archer.

Orthoptera

Six species occur, including the regionally notable short-winged conehead.  Detailed work was carried out into the distribution of all species by K Payne during the mid 1970’s.  It seems that slender ground hopper Tetrix subulata colonised subsequently.

Other invertebrates

Periodic sampling of various groups has occurred by specialists.  Hence extensive species lists are available for coleoptera (including aquatic coleoptera), arachnida and diptera.

2.2.3: Communities

Intertidal flats - benthic invertebrates, nursery grounds of marine fish, important assemblage of migratory waterbirds.
Saltmarsh - specialist microsere/halophytic plant communities, transitional plant communities with dune and freshwater slack, wintering passerines, feeding and roosting waders and wildfowl, ground-nesting birds, specialist Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Arachnidae.
Seashore - nesting shorebirds, wader roosts, transient strandlines - a niche for invertebrates and pioneer annuals.  Nesting shorebirds and wader roosts on shingle ridges.  Pioneer grass communities on embryo dunes.  Open bare sand for invertebrates eg Hymenoptera.
Fixed dunes - a rich floral diversity; supporting a wide range of invertebrates seeking larval foodplants, nectar sources and prey.  Complex relationships between fungi and plants and butterflies and ants; the whole system reliant upon periodic grazing by herbivores to maintain conditions.  Important groups include Hymenoptera and Coleoptera in short sward and bare ground.  Also favoured by natterjack toad.
Scrub - Examples of monophagous invertebrates with Hippophae, scrub/grassland interface, providing edge effect with greatest faunal diversity.  As scrub community becomes more varied and mature, populations of nesting birds can be more dense than in any other habitat type.  Deadwood component of the habitat provides special interest in the form, of its lichen coverage and colonisation by coleoptera, hymenoptera and diptera.
Freshwater Marsh/dune slack - characteristic vegetation supporting wide range of invertebrates.  An important year round avian habitat.  Pools and ditches with varied bank topography for marginal plants, water voles, Lepidoptera  and Odonata.  Permanent and ephemoral pools contain scarce aquatic assemblages including Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera.

2.3: Past history and management

Past History

Numbers in brackets refer to relevant slide numbers in R B Wilkinson’s annotated slide collection housed at Sykes Farm.
Refer to ‘First 25 years of LWT at Gibraltar Point’ by A E Smith for further information and the historical slide collection by R B Wilkinson.

->c.15th C: Wainfleet was a bustling port during medieval times, but now five miles inland.  As the Haven at Gibraltar Point was the furthest point up the river that vessels could travel, a small community later developed in association with this ‘port’.

1720-30: Gibraltar House/Ship Inn built on the West Dunes, close to where the ‘hump’ is now.

1786-8: Armstrong’s Map (1A).  The first document of Gibraltar Point.  Also showing East Fen and Meres undrained.

1792: Survey of Wainfleet Haven (2).  It appears from this map that the river joined the sea near the present day Bulldog Bank, other sources, however suggest it went out close to where South Marsh Road is.  The Ship Inn is shown on this map.

1812: Cowbank Drain constructed.

1820: The farmhouse at Sykes Farm is thought to have been built around this date.

1840: Some of the crewyard buildings, the granary in particular were built around this time.

1847: Tithe Map (7) and Tithe Register (8) of Croft Parish - T T Drake was the landowner and David Sykes the occupier of Gibraltar Point farm.

1859: Coastguard Station built.

1864: Licence of Ship Inn lapsed and it became a private house.  Also known as Smuggler’s Cottage, The Old House and The Warren.

Widescale shooting - wildfowl sold to London markets, rabbits (Gib known as ‘the rabbit warren south of Skegness’).

Early 1900’s: Bulldog Bank built at turn of century

Sheep grazing known to have occurred on the West Dunes near Gibraltar House.  It is likely that wider areas of dunes and possibly saltmarsh were grazed adjacent prior to military occupation in the first World War.  Later references to sheep grazing in the 1920’s probably refer to land west of the River Steeping.

1900: Perrin family moved from the old barge ‘Noah’s Ark’ into Gibraltar House.  Mr Perrin collected dues for Boston River Commissioners when boats landed at Gibraltar Point.

c.1903: Sycamore by Gibraltar House planted by Perrin family.  Still there today.

1908: Thomas Greetham took up tenancy of Sykes Farm.

WWI: Mill Hill was a target area.  Prince’s Pond 100 yards firing position, Square Pond 200 yards, Long Pond 300 yds, large island in Mere 400yds.  Banks to west of Square and Long pond were firing positions.

It is thought that Shovelers Pond was excavated at this time, the material used to build embankments on the artillery range.

Gib Rd tarmacked as far as School Lane (farm road halfway down golf course).

Early 1920’s: The barges ‘Gleaner’ and ‘May Queen’ were brought to Gibraltar (60, 74- 81).  Both were owned by Giles and Higham and used to bring gravel from Heacham in Norfolk.  Gravel was taken off with a horse and cart for the building trade in Skegness. Both barges ceased trading in the late 1920’s.

1921: Sykes’ Farm farming pattern was mixed; horses were grazed on the home paddock (now the Plantation).
(17) Schedule 6 from deed of Settlement (Drake Estate) describes breakdown of land:
arable c. 75 acres; pasture c. 23 ac; meadow c.20 ac; house, garden, yard & plantation c.3 ac; sea hills and marsh land c.182 ac.  Total c.305 acres.

1922/3: Waite Family took over at Sykes Farm from T Greetham.  The farm then became known as Tennyson Farm.

1924: Sykes Farm/Tennyson Farm sold by E E T Drake to James Giles and George Edward Higham.

1925: Coastguard Station last used in this year.  A couple of families lived in the building in the following years.

1930: 207 acres of sea hills and marsh sold by Giles and Higham to Maclean and Co (Estate) Ltd. - Later becoming Tennyson Glen Estate Co of which Giles and Higham were directors.

1930’s: The farmhouse was a regular holiday spot for paying guests staying with the Waite and King families.

1931/2: Tennyson Glen Estate Co started to build Aylmer Avenue showhouses. Excavated Mill Pond for water supply.

1932: Lindsey Sandhills Act.  Designated area of open space.  Act curbed rogue developments such as proposed speedway.

1932: Waite family left Sykes/Tennyson Farm
J K Measures obtained a lease of the farm (from Giles and Higham).  Mr King was garthman for Mr Measures and lived in the farmhouse until c.1940.

1935/6: Wilf and Alice Holland left Gibraltar House, which was then empty, but Wilf slept in it occasionally when rabbit catching at the Point.

1939: Gibraltar House demolished.  ‘Fred’s Place’ - a former Nottingham bus- brought to Gib prior to the war and converted to living accommodation by Fred Grunnill who lived there up to about 1951.

WWII: Various military buildings - kitchens on the East Dunes, wooden decoy buildings on Old Saltmarsh, Nissen huts along Gibraltar Rd/Plantation south and west edges, buildings between Field Station and Wash View Point- no longer stand, although some foundations can still be seen.
Still remaining and in use: Yacht Club building, Lill’s Hut/Wash View Point (originally a gun emplacement), Bird Obs
Railway tracks - still visible from aerial photographs - across Freshwater Marsh leading to buildings on the north side of North Car Park (foundations still present today), Mere Meadow, current chalk track on East Dunes is the approximate position of an old railway track.
Old Saltmarsh still shows evidence of military use - Large concrete anti-tank structures across the main creek behind the Field Station; square ‘ponds’ with raised earth sides south of South Marsh Road and ‘rifle-butts’ to the north.
Larger of the two oval path systems north of Mill Hill still in use, was originally a miniature railway and part of the artillery range.  Targets were towed around it by a small unmanned engine, guns on Middle Car Park fired solid shells at the targets as they appeared in the gaps in the modified East Dunes north of Mill Hill.  Of the two circuits, the smaller one further west is now almost completely obliterated.
Rubble from the kitchens on the East Dunes (137) can still be found today.  It is thought that these buildings served as kitchen and mess rooms for personnel manning the artillery range near Mill Hill.
Tarmac on Gibraltar road extended as far as Gib Point.

1947: Farmhouse partially destroyed by fire.  Believed to have been caused by an incendiary target indicator dropped by an aircraft over the Wainfleet Sands bombing range.  Article in Skegness News -9th  September (36)

1947: Loop taken out of the River, bringing the channel closer to the farm and marooning two old barges - ‘Gleaner’ and ‘May Queen’

c.1947: Kidding or faggots put in to help stabilise the mud off southern end of West Dunes beyond coastguard station.  The thorn kidding encouraged Cord- grass Spartina townsendii to become established on the new marsh some years later.

1952: The Trust bought ‘Fred’s Place’ from Mr Grunnill and used as accommodation for Bird Obs and Field Station research workers (along with Lill’s Hut which was used with permission from Philip Lill).

1953: (148) Storm tides 30 January washed away much of the foredunes revealing wartime anti tank defences.

The Buttons family living in the Sailing club building were evacuated as water flowed down Gib road, flooding Sykes Farm.  At height of the tide water also flowed down Aylmer Ave.  Field Station surprisingly was not flooded but the Bird Obs was flooded to a depth of 2’6”.
Sykes Farm field purchased by LCC.

1954: LCC bought the coastguard station and land south of South Marsh Road from Major Powlett.

1958: Coastguard Station leased to Trust by LCC for use as Field Station.  First residential course took place.

1962: Electricity used in Field Station for first time for a BTO Ringing Course.  (Calor gas used prior to this).

1966: Worth’s reclamation.  River channel blocked off by a low bank.

Plantation established on Sykes Farm field by LCC.

1978: Sykes’ Farm (site of farmhouse) bought by the Trust.

1984: NNR declaration

1986: Lill’s Hut converted into Wash View Point for general public, complete with displays and interpretation.

1995: Jackson’s Marsh purchased by the Trust.

1997: Trust purchased Measures’ land north of Aylmer Ave comprising 16 ha.

1998: Measure’s 40 acres formally declared part of the NNR 16 November.

2000: Re-build of former four bay barn completed at Sykes’ Farm.  Three storage bays, with office space and accommodation for contract warden on the first floor.  Crew-yard cleared to provide additional workspace and storage.  Electric and water supply added to existing workshop.
Croftmarsh purchased by the Trust - included Tennyson Sands; some 32 hectares in total.

Past Management

1948 - 1950
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust was founded in 1948 as the Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Trust.  At that time the Bird Observatory was established at Gibraltar Point - based at the old wartime communications building at the southern end of the East Dunes.  Early work concentrated university research and the study of bird migration through ringing and recording visible migration.  See Gibraltar Point reports for 1949/50.  Management works were largely associated with the ringing scheme and the first Heligoland trap was constructed during this period.  A management partnership was entered into with LCC in 1949.

1950 - 1959
The reserve was officially declared a statutory Local Nature Reserve by the local authority in 1952 (the first in England).  The following year, LCC purchased the Sykes Farm Field through a Compulsory Purchase Order under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.  This was the first contested CPO under the act and averted the threat of a large caravan development.
During this period, the spread of Spartina across the flats was deemed a likely threat and an operation was mounted to control it.  Its dominance however, never escalated to the perceived threat.
In 1954, LCC purchased land south of the South Marsh Road, inclusding the Coastguard Station.  This building was then leased to the Trust in 1958.

1960 - 1969
The first warden was appointed in 1961 and the Field Station was developed in 1964.
A visitor information kiosk was provided in south car park from 1963, when it was opened by Sir Peter Scott and visitor management initiatives included the instatement of the ‘Sleeper Track’ across the eroded East Dune access to the beach.  Over 880 railway sleepers were used.  An extensive common bird census was initiated in 1965.
The first major conservation works were undertaken on the dunes.  Sea buckthorn stands were cleared to restore open dune grassland on the West Dunes in 1968 with a tractor-mounted bush-hog.  In the early 70’s, a dune grassland mowing regime was initiated - Barrie’s Plot.

1970 - 1979
A second area of clearance was undertaken during 1971.  Sea buckthorn scrub was cleared to restore 3ha of open grassland at 'Mead’s Outpost'.
The Freshwater Mere was created in 1972, creating an extensive area of reed fringed open water.  Spoil was used to create banks along the east and southern edges and particularly the west bank.
Late summer cattle grazing was reinstated on the Freshwater Marsh from 1974 after a permanent stockfence enclosure was established.  Other grassland management initiatives included the burning off coarse growth to establish Mere Meadow.
The middle part of this decade saw the formalisation of public access, with major routes being surfaced with chalk.  Clearance of old military buildings took place on the East Dunes.
Due to increasing concerns over the declining little tern population, a sanctuary area was established after consultation at the JAC in 1975 and the first shorebird warden employed in 1976 --living in a tent at this time.

1980 - 1989
This period saw the introduction of a split in staff responsibilities for the reserve and field station.
Reserve management saw the initiation of dune slack clearance and pool creation for proposed natterjack re-introduction (1986).  More pro-active dune grassland management involved the mowing/hay cropping of Mead’s Outpost and Mere Meadow and extension of mowing regime on Barries Plot.  Management work at ‘Dick’s Bottom’ culminated in the creation of Lambert’s Pond and the adjacent meadow. 
The dominance of rosebay willowherb was realised and management measures set in place to tackle the problem on a large scale.
Late summer sheep grazing was initiated on the West Dunes in 1986.  The Middle Car Park here was closed off in this year to curb visitor access problems.
Scrub control commenced on a small scale on the outer dunes, during the mid 1980’s.
On the Freshwater Marsh a pond and ditch system was re-instated with new ponds dug including two for educational use.  Crassula helmsii may have been inadvertently introduced at this time during efforts to reinforce the frog population with ‘surplus’ spawn from elsewhere.
The Fenland Lagoon was excavated in 1989 to create a brackish water environment between the Old Saltmarsh and Freshwater Marsh, with two public viewing hides.

1990 - 2000
The first comprehensive management plan for the site was produced in 1990 and was later reviewed in 1995.  Dune slack restoration continued with the clearance of scrub in the East Dunes, from the early part of the decade.  A four acre plot was stock fenced to enable the introduction of the Trusts own Hebridean sheep, to assist control of scrub regrowth.
The natterjack toad was re-established between 1992 - 1995 under English Natures species recovery programme.
A wider rosebay control programme was carried out to restore grey dune and involve trials with chemicals, machinery and livestock grazing.
A management agreement was negotiated with Mrs Measures in 1991, to enable active management of the 'Measures’ Forty Acres' between the Freshwater Marsh and the Seacroft golf course.  Early summer cattle grazing was extended into a (2ha) area of remaining open slack continuous with the Freshwater Marsh .  In 1997 the 40 acres were purchased and boundary fences along the north and west edges were later established.  A major commitment was then made to re-instating a series of grassland rides (old pheasant shooting rides) bisecting the scrub blocks.  Other relict areas of grassland and slack were relieved of colonising scrub and a scrub coppice programme commenced.
On the yellow dunes, target areas were identified for winter scrub control.
Towards the middle part of the decade, rabbit immunity to myxomatosis necessitated the resurrection of regular rabbit control in targeted areas.  Additionally rabbit fencing was instated to protect key sites.
Jackson's Marsh was purchased in 1995 and entered into Countryside Stewardship with Tennyson's Sands adjacent and a habitat creation scheme resulted in the provision of brackish lagoons, reedbed and grassland.
In 1998 an NVC survey was commissioned to document the key communities and coverage on the NNR.  Coincidental with the pSAC designation, this study formed the basis of reserve management henceforth.
In 1999, major improvements were made to visitor facilities including tracks, signs, interpretation panels and orientation boards.
Also in that year, the Sykes’ Farm development was underway to provide a reserve management base.
Negotiations commenced for the purchase of 30 ha of Croftmarsh for future habitat creation/landscape restoration on arable land.
Top