Unlike many cities, Lincoln retains strong remnants of its natural ecological heritage. Furthermore, because the habitats that existed before the spread of development were both varied and specialised their remnants are all the more valuable. Lincoln and its immediate hinterland are amongst the richest in the county from a botanical viewpoint, with over 600 species recorded to date. Outside the boundary of Lincoln itself the modern intensive agricultural practices which hold sway in the rural areas have often damaged or eradicated these habitats to a far greater degree. Many of the sites within Lincoln are small and often their ecology has been modified by their urban location.

The main habitats in Lincoln are set out with reference to their place in a county context. Total areas for habitats are approximate as they have not been measured on a number of sites.

Please note that figures for total known area for Critical Natural Capital and Basic Stock Sites refer to those sites whose area is known and that have been so designated for their ecological value. For wetlands the figure also includes the three sites designated solely as Major Water Feature at Penistone Lake; Island Lake, Birchwood; and Blue Lagoon.