Grid Ref: SK984704

Status:     Site of Nature Conservation Importance (Lincolnshire Trust)

Lincoln City Council Act 1985  

An approx. 13ha area of rough grassland and tall herb vegetation to the north of Washingborough Road at Canwick between the railway lines as they separate west of Greetwell Junction. The site has been designated as Basic Natural Stock for the following reasons:

1) The site is a large area of rough neutral grassland (approx. 6% of Lincoln's resource), a habitat type that has declined by 74% since 1938. There are small unqualified fragments of calcareous grassland, another habitat type that has declined by almost 40% in Lincolnshire.

2) The site is an important habitat for butterflies, 14 species have been recorded at the site in recent years.

3) The site is close to South Common SNCI and with that site provides a significant area of green space

and wildlife habitat in the east of the city. Along with Witham South and East Delph SNCI, the site is an important wildlife corridor from the east of the city into the city centre.

Landscape Value

Common Land partly in use as playing fields. Together with the South Common and Cross O'Cliff Old Brick Pits (Critical Natural Assets), the land contributes to a proposed Green Wedge which extends the Lincoln Cliff Area of Great Landscape Value designated by West Lindsey District Council into the urban area. Although smaller than the other two commons within the City, it serves a similar function in that it creates a sense of openness which permits fine views of the Cathedral both from within the site and from Washingborough Road. It also serves as a transition area between the industrial areas on the eastern edge of the City and the countryside beyond the City boundary.