Witham e&s Delph 15
Grid Ref: SK983708 - TF001 703
graphic

Status:     Site of Nature Conservation Importance (Lincolnshire Trust)

This site consists of a large drain, a disused railway to the north and the River Witham at the northern extremity of the site. It has been designated as Critical Natural Asset for the following reasons:

1) The site is one of 13 wetland sites in Lincoln (linear and hence area unqualified).

2) The aquatic habitats support a rich marginal and emergant flora, including reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima, reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea, arrowhead Sagittaria sagitiifolia and amphibious bistort Polygonum amphibium.

3) The site supports a wide variety of butterfly species, including Essex skipper, large skipper, small copper, small heath, ringlet and small skipper.  In all, 17 species have  been recorded here, more tha any other Lincoln site, with the exception of Boultham Mere and Swanholme Lakes.

4) The site supports the following rare and endangered species:
WatervoleArvicolaterrestris                           
See Catchwater Drain for description.

5) The linear nature of the site provides a wildlife corridor into the eastern side of the city in an area otherwise dominated by arable cultivation.