Status: Site of Nature Conservation Importance (Lincolnshire Trust)
The Witham Marshes are a 5.5ha area of Glyceria sp. - dominated marshland to the west
of the
River Witham at Bracebridge.
The site has been designated as Critical Natural Asset for the following reasons:
1) The site is one
of 11 sites within the City consisting of a neutral grassland/marsh
habitat. This represents 2% of the total neutral grassland/marsh habitat resource within
Lincoln.
2) The site is an
integral part of the Witham Valley Green Wedge and is a component in a
number of interlinked wetland, marsh and grassland SNCIs within the Witham valley,
providing a crucial wildlife corridor for species migration into the City. The complex of sites
also provides an important habitat for migrating and wintering waders and passerines.
3) The site is one
of the last areas of winter flooded grassland on any stretch of the River
Witham. Winter flooded grassland is believed to have declined to an even greater extent
than the 74% loss of all unimproved and semi-improved neutral grassland since 1938, due
to cultivation following the embanking of major rivers such as the Witham.
Landscape Value
Open land which together with adjacent allotment gardens provides a sense of space
which greatly
enhances the amenity value of the river channel and riverside footpaths for informal recreation.
Makes an important contribution to the proposed Witham Valley Green Wedge and to the
preservation of fine views of the Cathedral and hilltop city.
