Grid Ref: SK983708 - TF001 703
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.