The Boston area is becoming quite popular with bird watchers from around the country with several sites of interest but mainly the Freiston Shore and Framton Marsh, both are RSPB nature reserves.
Freiston is at PE22 0LY and is one of the UK’s largest ‘managed realignment’ projects, in which the RSPB has worked with the Environment Agency to convert 66 hectares of coastal farmland into tidal saltmarsh.
This project will benefit many birds, including nesting redshanks. It will also help to compensate for the loss of such tidal habitats elsewhere in England, and to ensure that The Wash remains the most important estuary for waterbirds in the UK.
- Now the area is tidal again, the saltmarsh has naturally regenerated, creating valuable wildlife habitat and increasing the level of flood protection for the surrounding area.
- Freiston Shore protects 683 hectares of saltmarsh and mudflats, which form part of the Wash Special Protection Area. We manage and improve this habitat for the benefit of wintering, passage and nesting birds.
- A 15 ha saline lagoon has been created at Freiston Shore. We manage this rare habitat for the benefit of breeding waterbirds, especially avocets and ringed plovers.
- We’ve converted 72 ha of sheep fields and arable land into a wet grassland for the benefit of breeding waders and waterfowl. We’ve constructed a reservoir and installed sluices to contain and control water levels on the fields.
There is no entry fee at this site although there is a £1 car parking fee….free for RSPB members. There is no Visitors center here or refreshments.
Frampton Marsh is at PE20 1AY
Frampton Marsh is on the Lincolnshire shore of The Wash, the UK’s most important estuary for wildlife. Varied and dynamically managed habitats such as reedbed, scrapes and wet grassland are designed to be good for both nature and visitors alike. The reserve is an internationally important place for wintering wildfowl and a crucial place for both migrating and breeding waders.
Frampton Marsh is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK. It is at the leading edge of visitor and habitat nature conservation planning. Facilities include a visitor centre, more than 3km of accessible footpaths to explore and three hides – two with 360-degree views.
There is a vistors center and refreshments on site. Entry fees are £2 per adult and £1 for children….free for RSPB members.