42 - Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes : Analysis: Ecosystem Services

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Productive agricultural land
• Soils
• Livestock
• Fishing

State – Food production is key to the NCA. The area is dominated by rich, loamy, clayey soils which support intensive arable cultivation such as wheat, oilseeds, and root crops -with the remainder put down to grass or uncropped.

In the Middle Marsh an expansion of arable coupled with intensification has occurred with a decline in mixed and general cropping.

The agricultural areas of the Outmarsh adjacent to the coast have smaller field sizes and a more ancient drained landscape exists. There is also a higher proportion of grass and rough grazing.

A number of small beef and dairy herds are supported by the area’s pastures and grazing marshes.

Some crops from the area are used in the frozen food industry at Grimsby where the fishing industry has declined. A fishing port remains at Grimsby and there is fishing and trawling along the Lincolnshire coast.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – Food provision is an important service.

Although there is scope for increasing food provision there are issues around water resource, the long term viability of soils, the loss of soil quality and the issue of flooding.

The grazing marshes, for example Lincoln Red cattle, one of the oldest of the UK’s native beef cattle breeds.

The marshes along with other areas of rough grassland on the seaward side of the defences are used for grazing by local cattle farmers with beef cattle grazing on the salt marsh.

This area of the southern North Sea forms an important focus for fishing activity which needs to be sustainable.

Opportunities – Work with land managers and the farming community to continue to support the production of food.

Develop stronger branding of locally produced food, such as rare breed Lincoln Red cattle thus maintaining and strengthening farming and its associated cultural landscapes and the wildlife it supports.

Seek opportunities to promote links between the landscape and soil management practices and high quality foods through initiatives to enhance marketability of products through high environmental standards. Ensure that soils are managed to enable continued agricultural production.

Address demand for water through providing more on-farm water storage.

Seek opportunities to promote sustainable fishing and raise awareness about links between the coast and the marine areas.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Food provision
• Water availability
• Regulating water flow
• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Sense of history

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Woodland

State – A very limited supply of timber exists. With a woodland cover of only 2 per cent (2,122 ha) this NCA offers very little in the way of commercial timber production.

An important concentration of woodland occurs on heavy glacial tills overlapping with the AONB and the Lincolnshire Wolds NCA.

Wooded open farmland is present around Brocklesby and Claythorpe. Some scattered woodland blocks occur and span the border between the Middle Marsh and the Wolds. These mainly consist of old hazel and ash coppices and are important for their biodiversity, some being ancient woodland.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – There are fewer large blocks of woodland in the area.

Woodland on the Outmarsh is restricted – except around farmsteads and settlement edges.

There is a need to maintain existing ancient woodland for its biodiversity.

New woodland planting should occur without restricting any long and open views. There may be potential for woodland planting to reduce flood flows downstream.

Extensive woodland planting should be restricted to areas with existing woodland cover towards the Lincolnshire Wolds to enhance landscape character.

Opportunities – Only seek opportunities to create new woodland in appropriate locations such as extending existing woodland areas towards the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Actively manage ancient woodland to enable natural regeneration.

Seek opportunities to bring existing woodland into management.

In the Middle Marsh explore opportunities to plant linear woodlands alongside watercourses and in flood plains to slow flood flows and ensure the new plantations will not affect areas which are prized for their long and open views.

Plant mainly individual trees in the Outmarsh.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Timber provision
• Climate regulation
• Regulating soil erosion
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating water flow
• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Sense of history

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Chalk aquifer
• Network of watercourses including Great Eau, River Freshen, Waithe Beck and Louth Canal
• Semi-natural habitats
• Reservoir

State – A major chalk aquifer underlies this NCA supplying water to the Humber and East Midlands for industry, agriculture and drinking water.

Covenham Reservoir primarily serves the water needs of Grimsby and Cleethorpes. It is a supply feed for Louth/Mablethorpe/Skegness and the reservoir can be supplemented by water from the Great Eau and Long Eau. A new water pipeline from the Covenham Reservoir will serve Boston (within the Fens NCA).

In the Grimsby area and the Humber Estuary NCA, no consumptive abstractions are granted in order to prevent saline intrusion.

Groundwater levels are considered to be over-licensed, with no surplus available for additional supply. For example, Laceby/ Kirky Beck have ‘no water available’ for additional abstraction.

Currently the farmed environment covering much of the NCA is lacking in a network of semi-natural habitats and these are fragmented.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – The majority of the chalk aquifer (which also underlies the adjoining Lincolnshire Wolds NCA) is classified as ‘no water available’, with part of the north-eastern area of the Chalk being over-licensed.

Water storage capacity on farms should be increased to enable farms to reduce water abstraction.

There is a risk of growing salinity within groundwater, especially close to the coast, due to over-abstraction.

The Great Eau headwaters are spring-fed from the chalk aquifer and sedimentation of the streams/river affects spawning areas of freshwater fish.

Soils in the area could be improved to reduce rapid runoff with scope to increase semi-natural habitats throughout the farmed environment as these aid infiltration and slow down runoff.

Opportunities – Employ sympathetic land management to improve the sustainable use of water.

Work with agricultural businesses along the coastal fringe to ensure sustainable rates of groundwater extraction and to lessen the risk of saline intrusion and safeguarding agricultural land use in the future.

Adopt land management practices that improve soil infiltration.

Rainwater harvesting opportunities should be explored. Encourage the expansion of water storage capacity on farms to enable farms to reduce the volumes of water abstraction from surface and groundwater sources.

Restore and increase areas of semi- natural habitats to increase infiltration, such as arable field margins.

Retain and expand grassland/wet grassland in the coastal marshes.

Recreate low input flood plain grazing marsh grassland benefiting landscape, habitat and aquifer re-charge, water quality, soil erosion as well as limiting flood risk.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Water availability
• Food provision
• Regulating water flow
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating soil quality
• Biodiversity
• Climate regulation

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Lincoln Red cattle
• Lincoln Longwool sheep

State – The original stock of Lincoln Red Cattle is a rare breed according to the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST).

Cattle are an important aspect of agriculture particularly in the wetter, low-lying areas adjacent to the coast. There are also (more commonly) non- rare breeds of Lincoln crosses which make up some of the beef cattle numbers in the NCA.

Various sheep breeds were developed in the area including the Lincoln Longwool – today a breed prized for their lustrous long wool.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Sources of genetic material for use in breeding improved types of plants and animals for agricultural purposes. Sources can arise from existing traditional varieties or breeds.

Lincoln Red cattle which were developed in this area using indigenous draught- cattle of the region.

Lincolnshire sheep breeds, for example Lincoln Longwools, were once important in the area -and traded in, for example Burgh le Marsh sheep market.

Opportunities – Explore opportunities and encourage partnership of farmers, land managers and organisations that are committed to promoting the benefits of genetic diversity.

Seek opportunities to recreate low input grazing marsh – providing sites for traditional rare breeds for viable stock farming and help to protect rich historic environments such as ancient ridge and furrow.

Explore and maximise the use of best practice Lincolnshire Grazing Marshes Project and the Grazing Animals Project partnership (part of the RBST).

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Genetic diversity
• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Sense of history
• Food provision

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Existing woodland

State – There is limited scope for biomass production from existing woodland as coverage is sparse – only 2 per cent.

The area offers medium potential yields for short rotation coppice (SRC) and high potential yields for miscanthus throughout the area according to Defra’s biomass potential map.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – A limited woodland cover offers little potential for providing wood fuel. There is a small supply of locally- sourced wood from existing woodland.

Extensive biomass crops are unlikely as much of the land is used for productive arable cropping.

The Outmarsh has smaller fields and less regular field pattern, with boundaries either as dykes or not present.

On the Middle Marsh with its rectilinear fields and occasional hedgerows biomass planting could be accommodated.

There are some limited opportunities for planting biomass crops in association with new developments but this would introduce unwelcome change to the very open, flat landscape of the Outmarsh.

Biomass crops would need to be appropriately located to avoid impacting on feeding or breeding areas for waders, blocking key views or reducing the expansive character of the landscape.

Avoid planting SRC and miscanthus close to NNRs.

Opportunities – There are opportunities for using woodland resources sensitively by thinning or coppicing providing woodland owners with a diversified income stream.

Biomass planting could be carried out in places on the Middle Marsh. In the

Outmarsh avoid planting within 5km of the NNRs, or on ridge and furrow and where this could lead to further loss of grazing marshes.

Explore opportunities to use energy crops to screen development around small settlements.

SRC and miscanthus should be carefully sited around existing woodland and should be monitored for intrusive development in coastal locations.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Biomass provision
• Climate regulation
• Regulating water flow
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating soil quality

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Soils
• Grazing marsh
• Mudflats /salt marsh
• Woodland

State – Significant carbon storage will be provided by the grazing marsh, reedbeds, mud flats and marine sediments, all of which store high levels of organic matter.

Some of the soils of the coastal flats may have more organic-rich soils that will be important to conserve. Away from the coast the soils in this NCA generally have a low carbon content reflecting the dominance of mineral soils.

The woodland cover is relatively low at only 2 per cent of the NCA. The larger blocks to the north are managed while smaller more fragmented woodland is more often un-managed.

Tidal flooding, exacerbated by rising sea levels, combined with high river flows and rainfall, represents a high flood risk.

Continuing coastal squeeze will be likely which will require managed realignment of flood defences to enable intertidal habitats to shift and expand.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – There is some variation along the coast – with more organic-rich topsoils including the soil of the salt marshes where the marine sediments can have elevated organic matter levels. Some of these may be lost through sea level rise.

Salt marsh and mudflats have an important role in climate regulation due to carbon lock-in and they have important roles in coastal defence due to, for example, their absorption of wave energy. Their retention and expansion represents a cost-effective flood defence strategy, as well as providing habitat. Managed realignment may also subsequently affect adjacent fresh and brackish water habitats.

The main soil types of this NCA are mineral soils with low carbon content.

The addition of organic matter can enhance soil structure and may also increase carbon storage. The mineral soils may have potential for carbon sequestration by increasing organic matter inputs and by reducing the frequency/area of cultivation/shallow ploughing.

Opportunities – Adopt cultivation practices that retain and increase the organic content of soils, such as overwintering stubble, and include fallow in rotations. Where possible increase the area of grassland.

Conserve, expand and increase carbon storage areas of grazing marsh, reedbeds, salt marsh and mudflats.

Seek opportunities to move flood defences back to provide space for the development of new intertidal habitats.

Ensure that realignment sites are managed to develop their full potential to support and enhance the biodiversity, interest and characteristic landscape of the coast.

Seek opportunities to link fragmented habitats with other semi-natural habitats such as well- managed ditches and grasslands to enable species to move in response to changing sea levels.

Seek opportunities to plant broadleaved woodland where this fits with existing landscape character, for example around the wooded areas of Brocklesby.

Working in partnership with the South Humber Bank Ecology Group to secure areas of strategic habitat mitigation.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Climate regulation
• Regulating soil quality
• Regulating soil erosion
• Regulating water flow
• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Salt marsh
• Natural sand dune defences
• Sedimentation

State – The Lincolnshire coast is experiencing rising sea levels which, when combined with high river flows can result in significant flooding. The whole NCA falls within a flood risk area and, reflecting this risk, essentially the entire area is protected by artificial flood defences.

Major flooding occurred in 1953 and the main artificial flood defences were constructed after this event.

There are several active and relict sea banks parallel to the coast. Much of the coast is made up of salt marsh and dune systems which are well-preserved.

Their preservation can be attributed to the Royal Air Force bombing ranges along the coast and more recently to the establishment of a number of nature reserves.

In order to reduce erosion since 1994, ‘beach nourishment’ in the form of replenishment of sand has been carried out at places of greatest erosion; Trusthorpe, Boygrift, Wolla Bank/ Chapel Six Marshes, Trunch Lane and Ingoldmells.

The salt marshes are currently increasing in area, affording further natural protection for the coastline. Where possible, natural processes should be allowed to continue and any modification to sea defences should seek to recognise the importance of natural processes. Over the medium and long term, it is probable that the balance of salt marsh and mudflats will change through erosion as a result of climate change. This will increase coastal squeeze where the salt marsh is constrained by coastal defences on its landward side. In the short term, the policy approach is to hold the existing sea bank alignments and in the medium and long term, landward realignment will need to be considered as an alternative to holding the line.

Main beneficiary – National

Analysis – Sea level rise and climate trends show that the low-lying landscape of the NCA is at risk from flooding. Settlements along the coast are at risk of flooding.

Tidal flooding, exacerbated by rising sea levels and combined with high river flows and rainfall, represents a high risk, as much of the developed area is below high tide levels and its drainage infrastructure struggles to cope with extreme events.

Wetlands and coastal habitats offer essential buffers to safeguard human life and property during extreme flooding events. Natural sea defences to coastal flooding are a cost effective answer.

Essential coastal processes occurring on the North Sea coast carry sediment south to the Lincolnshire coast and the Wash, where it feeds beaches and through accretion helps inter- tidal habitats adjust to rising sea-levels. However, the hard defences on the coastline interrupt this natural sediment transfer.

The Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), (Humber Estuary Coastal Authorities Group) proposes future policy.

The policy approach is to hold the line and the existing sea bank alignments. The SMP policies should guide developments in flood prone, vulnerable areas.

The Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point (SMP) policy along this coastline aims to ensure the continued protection from coastal flooding of the towns, while allowing the continuation of natural processes along the remainder of the coast.

On the south shore of the Humber, from Immingham to Grimsby, the approach is to hold the line of existing coastal defences throughout the long term (to 2105), protecting the significant industry, port and residential areas here.

The approach to the management of coastal defences on the south shore of the Humber is generally to ‘hold the existing defence line’. The approach also ensures continued protection of the Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal from coastal erosion. No active intervention will occur in areas where the maintenance of defences becomes uneconomic. In some areas flood defences will be moved through managed realignment to create intertidal habitat and also provide flood storage to help manage water levels.

Current data suggests that a breach may occur within five to ten years (2012-2022) (The Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy, Environment Agency, March 2008 & (Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point Shoreline Management Plan: Non-Technical Summary, Consultation Draft, Humber Estuary Coastal Authorities Group, 2009).

Rising sea levels which when combined with high river flows and low atmospheric pressure can result in significant flooding. The whole NCA falls within a flood risk area and, reflecting this risk, essentially the entire estuarine shore is protected by flood defences.

Opportunities – Monitor processes and work with partners to find solutions that enable dynamic coastal processes to continue, taking into account the need to protect access to key facilities.

Seek opportunities to create fresh water habitats, wetland habitats, and brackish water bodies to compensate for those lost through rising sea levels.

The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes support traditional livestock, producing high value products as well as supporting employment and rural income.

Seek opportunities to move flood defences inland, thus ensuring that intertidal habitats can expand and respond to rising sea levels.

Ensure that realignments are managed so that inter-tidal habitats can develop and expand effectively. Monitor processes and work with partners to find solutions that enable dynamic coastal processes to continue, taking into account the need to protect access to key facilities.

Protect coastal sand dune system from damage resulting from recreational pressure and raise awareness of local issues and the seascape.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating coastal erosion and flooding
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Biodiversity
• Geodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Permanent grassland
• Semi-natural habitats
• Reedbeds and other wetlands

State – For information regarding the current state of water quality within this NCA, refer to the Environment Agency (Draft river basin management plan maps).

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – Reasons for the water bodies in the area failing to meet the target of Good include diffuse pollution from both urban and rural areas, point source effluent discharges and lack of habitat and diversity associated with the heavily modified nature of many of the channels.

Within the Lincolnshire Coast and Rivers Catchment there is a targeted area for Catchment Sensitive Farming in North Lincolnshire.

Excess nitrates and phosphates are particularly an issue in the north of the NCA and in the coastal settlements.

There is a risk of nitrates entering the groundwater land across the catchment. The application of fertilisers and manures spread for agricultural benefit can increase nutrient levels in the groundwater.

There is a Drinking Water Protected Area within the Grimsby Louth Chalk Ground Water Body.

There is a risk of growing salinity within groundwater, especially close to the coast, due to over-abstraction.

Excess nitrates, phosphates and pesticides have led to pollution and eutrophication in water courses. In addition, sedimentation of water courses including chalk streams is identified as an issue in streams such as the Laceby Beck/Waithe Beck. Management that reduces soil compaction and run-off will help to reduce water pollution.

The ecological quality of most of the surface water is ‘moderate’, with some watercourses, such as the Great Eau, classified as ‘poor’.

Opportunities – Manage farmland in accordance with the principles established by the England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative.

Encourage the establishment of areas of semi-natural habitat such as reedbed and washland, which slow the passage of water through the hydrological system and help purify the water.

Habitats including reedbeds, fens and wet grassland will help to enhance water quality.

New areas of permanent grassland could be established in areas where current practices generate high risk and where soil erosion and diffuse pollution occur.

Work in partnership with the Environment Agency to look at ways of reducing leakage of nitrates into the catchment.

Work in partnership with the farming community to share best practice:

Encourage good soil management, optimum nutrient management, and rainwater harvesting.

Reduce fertiliser inputs while also reducing current expenditure of farm businesses.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Climate regulation
• Regulating soil erosion
• Regulating soil quality
• Regulating water quality
• Biodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• River Steeping, Great Eau, Long Eau and the River Led/Louth Canal and Freshney
• Semi-natural habitats
• Extensively- grazed permanent grasslands/washlands
• Deep clay soils

State – Flood control is a key issue for much of the NCA and a major flooding event occurred in 1953. Increased storm frequency is leading to higher flood flows coming downstream.

The topography of the area is generally low-lying with many coastal areas only a few metres above sea level and flooding a potential issue.

The Environment Agency (EA) Flood Risk Map indicates a high risk of river and/or coastal flooding, especially the areas close to the North Sea (but also at Louth near the Lincolnshire Wolds). During periods of high spring tides, flooding may extend up the river floodplains.

Coastal flooding (to a width of up to 10 km around villages, for example North Somercotes).

Coastal settlements of Grimsby, Mablethorpe, Chapel St Leonards and Skegness are affected.

The area is drained by a dense network of rivers, most of them modified as part of land drainage schemes. Flood risk is currently managed in coastal locations through the maintenance of watercourses, raised embankments and pumping stations. (Inland Drainage Boards).

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – The area adjacent to the coast is low-lying and increases in the intensity of precipitation events associated with climate change may lead to an increase in flooding.

Coastal grazing marshes provide increased lag time in water flow and assist in water storage, while also providing agricultural land use and wildlife habitats particularly for waders and farmland birds.

Storage of flood waters has been an effective mechanism along main rivers to benefit both biodiversity and to provide flood alleviation such as at Saltfleet where outflows are dependent on tidal cycles.

Drought resilience is also beneficial and increasing the distribution of semi- natural habitats can assist, for example reedbeds, other wetland areas, grasslands and small woodlands.

Along the flood plain upstream of Louth and Saleby may reduce the risk of downstream flooding in Louth and Mablethorpe respectively.

Most measures to address river flood issues, for example encouraging extension of flood storage areas, slowing the flow of watercourses through restoring natural routes and planting, would be more effective when applied to rivers and streams upstream, especially in the Lincolnshire Wolds NCA.

The current flood storage capacity in the NCA needs to be maintained and increased, particularly where there is the likelihood of high tide and high run-off/river flow combinations. A flood risk management strategy exists to assess flood risk variant across the area and is the best approach to managing this risk in the future.

Most settlements are offered some protection from flooding by man-made defences on the coast and main rivers.

Historically the area has been heavily managed to reduce the probability of flooding. Flood risk is expected to increase in the future. Short-term, existing flood defences can be maintained at existing levels – this is current policy. Future flooding is expected to become more intense, so protection given by these defences may decline.

Opportunities – Manage the network of ditches and drains to ensure that while operating effectively to drain the land, they also make a positive contribution to the landscape and to biodiversity, and act as links between other semi-natural habitats.

Increase the current flood storage capacity by creating sizeable areas of lowland fen, reedbeds and flood plain grazing marsh.

Flood storage along the main rivers through provision of flood fields and reinstatement through Higher Level Stewardship and local initiatives.

Implement the recommendations from the EA Anglian Habitat Restoration Programme.

Develop a sustainable, integrated and long-term flood risk management approach.

Combine objectives for rewetting areas/ flood plains for biodiversity and for flood risk management. This aims to store winter floodwater.

Recreate flood storage areas in partnership and with guidance from the Environment Agency. These may benefit both wildlife and flood alleviation at the coast (for example Saltfleet) where outflows are dependent on tidal cycles.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating water flow
• Biodiversity
• Regulating coastal erosion and flooding
• Biodiversity
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating soil erosion
• Food production
• Recreation
• Sense of history

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Fertile soils
• Slowly permeable and seasonally wet soils
• Naturally high groundwater
• Grassland and other semi- natural habitats

State – The majority of soils are Grade 3 (71 per cent). Grade 2 covers 16 per cent and Grade 1, 4 per cent.

• There are seven main soils. Four of these are:
• Slowly permeable, seasonally wet, slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils, covering 45 per cent of the NCA.
• Loamy and clayey soils of coastal flats with naturally high groundwater (39 per cent per cent).
• Slightly acid, loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage (5 per cent per cent).
• Saltmarsh soils (2 per cent).

Main beneficiary – National

Analysis – The slowly permeable, seasonally wet may suffer compaction and/or capping as they are easily damaged when wet. In turn, this may lead to increasingly poor water infiltration and diffuse pollution as a result of surface water run-off. Management measures that increase organic matter levels can help reduce these problems.

The loamy and clayey soils of coastal flats have a high agricultural potential; dependent on the continued ability to pump, drain and protect the soils from sea flooding/saline intrusion. Some soils at risk of structural damage where drained. The soils are increasingly under threat of loss from sea level rise although they will help protect other inland soils from these issues. Where there is a high silt/fine sand content compaction or capping may be an issue.

The soils have naturally high groundwater and high agricultural potential but this is dependent on the continued ability to pump, drain and protect the soil from sea flooding /saline intrusion.

Where there is high silt/fine sand content and/or poor drainage, capping may occur, which can be reduced by increasing the organic matter content.

In seasonally wet conditions, compaction of the clayey soils may occur, particularly with the use of heavy machinery.

Opportunities – Encourage the adoption of the Defra Code for Good Agricultural Practice (2009) and Environment Agency’s ‘Think Soils’ manual (2008) to maintain good soil structure.

Adopt cultivation practices that increase organic content of soils, such as introducing fallow into rotations, over- winter stubbles, direct drill and grass leys.

Increase storage of water on farm to prevent saline intrusion and damage to soils.

In slowly permeable, seasonally wet but base-rich loamy and clayey soils of coastal flats with the potential for compaction/capping will be improved through increasing soil organic matter.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating soil quality
• Food provision
• Regulating soil erosion
• Climate regulation
• Regulating water flow
• Regulating water quality
• Geodiversity
• Biodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Fertile soils
• Semi-natural habitats
• Extensively-grazed permanent grassland
• Soils with high organic matter
• Trees and woodland

State – The main soil types covering the majority of this NCA are at low risk of soil erosion. Around 7 per cent per cent of the soils are prone to soil erosion.

The soils of the salt marshes will help protect inland soils from loss through coastal erosion and sea level rise. Nevertheless, the smaller areas of lighter soils have an enhanced risk of soil erosion such as on moderately or steeply sloping land where cultivated or where bare soil is exposed.

There is also the potential for wind erosion on some coarse-textured or sandy, cultivated variants.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – The loamy and clayey soils of coastal flats with naturally high groundwater and the slowly permeable, seasonally wet, slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils have a low risk of soil erosion.

However, the slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage are prone to capping/ slaking, and are at risk of compaction if accessed when wet, thus increasing the risk of soil erosion by run- off.

The freely-draining lime-rich loamy soils are also potentially at risk of erosion when cultivated/ bare soil is exposed.

In the Lincolnshire Coast Rivers Priority Catchment, sedimentation and siltation of water courses is an identified problem and Catchment Sensitive Farming is promoted.

Inter-tidal habitats – the salt marsh and mudflats – play an important role in protecting inland soils from loss through coastal erosion and these need to be protected.

These soils need to be protected from sea flooding/saline intrusion. There is a need to pump, drain and protect the soils. Locally, some soils are saline and at risk of structural damage where drained, affecting productivity.

Opportunities – Encourage landowners and managers to use farming methods that protect the soil, such as maintaining vegetative cover.

Use of grass buffer strips can reduce soil erosion from susceptible arable fields in the autumn and winter.

Encourage the adoption by farmers and landowners of the Environment Agency’s ‘Think Soils’ manual (2008).

Follow best practice of Catchment Sensitive Farming. Create grass buffers along ditches and watercourses to capture sediment run-off and plant where it is appropriate.

Ensure the protection/ retention of salt marsh to provide cost-effective defence against soil erosion.

Protect salt marsh and other habitats to create a buffer between the sea and agricultural land. Manage the abstraction of groundwater to prevent saline intrusion.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating soil erosion
• Regulating water quality.
• Regulating soil quality
• Food provision
• Climate regulation
• Regulating water flow
• Regulating water quality
• Biodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Semi-natural habitats including salt marsh

State – 1 per cent of the area is coastal sand dunes.

Less than 1 per cent of the area is floodplain grazing marsh, as are reedbeds, lowland meadows and fens and calcareous grassland.

Within the farmed environment there are limited areas of semi-natural habitats.

There are potential nectar sources from the marginal riparian habitats along canals/ watercourses. Also important are the small areas of woodland as these provide locations for food and hibernation.

The area is poorly served by pollinators as large sections of landscape become increasingly devoid of semi-natural habitats on which the pollinators depend for food and shelter. Such habitats are often isolated pockets with species-rich buffers, margins and verges providing valuable food and shelter for pollinators.

There has been a severe decline in wild and managed pollinator numbers over the last 30 years. Pollinating insects are generally supported by a range of semi- natural habitats, in particular, species- rich grasslands.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Semi-natural vegetation is fragmented due to land drainage and the predominance of arable farming with its large field patterns bounded mainly by drainage ditches.

Hedgerows are generally found further inland on higher ground but the most extensive semi-natural habitat and nectar source is flood plain grazing marsh.

Some food crops, such as oilseed rape, benefit from insect pollination. These crops may become more widespread in the future if demand increases.

The most extensive semi-natural habitat should be restored and maintained. Sensitive management of hedges and verges in the agricultural landscape will allow plants to flower and improve availability to pollinators. A greater network of semi-natural habitats located next to food crops, will aid pollination and provide a wider choice of food crops in the future.

Opportunities – Seek opportunities to introduce flower-rich grasslands within arable areas, creating habitat networks where possible.

Protect areas of salt marsh and create, restore and maintain semi-natural habitats such as flood plain grazing marsh, coastal grassland and hedgerows.

Encourage sustainable farming practices such as uncropped field margins and planting of pollen and nectar mixes that increase habitat connectivity; manage boundary features/roadside verges to extend flowering time.

Encourage partnership working with a range of organisations such as The Wildlife Trust and Life on the Verge project, to manage road side verges so that they produce a range of flowering species/ nectar sources.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Pollination
• Food provision
• Pest regulation
• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Areas of semi- natural habitat
• Flood plain grazing marsh
• Hedgerows
• Ancient woodland
• Riparian grassland
• Roadside verges

State – A variety of semi -natural habitats support populations of pest-regulating species. In the NCA these are fragmented due to land drainage and the predominance of large field patterns bounded largely by drainage ditches.

The extent of species-rich grassland is low but hedgerows are found on higher ground, Riparian grassland is found along the canals and other watercourses and flood plain grazing marsh.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Certain habitats provide important overwintering areas for beneficial predatory invertebrates, for example beetles.

Opportunities – A stronger and wider network of semi- natural habitats could provide benefits for pest regulation, biodiversity and pollination.

Increase the diversity of the structure and composition of semi-natural habitats to support a variety of pest-regulating species.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Pest regulation
• Food provision
• Pollination
• Biodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Biodiversity
• Grazing marshes
• Expansive views
• Flat, low-lying landscape with big open skies and a lack of trees
• Quiet rural area Food provision
• Remote locations
• Contrasts with busy industrial areas

State – The area has a distinct sense of place because of its open, flat and low-lying nature and dispersed settlement pattern which give it an isolated and tranquil character.

The wild coast in particular provides a sense of place.

The mix of coastal influences, modern industrial complexes and agriculture give the area its particular character.

With the tourist centres of Skegness, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes, this is one of the most visited areas of the East Coast.

The area is recognised for its open agricultural landscape, numerous ‘mar’ drains and dykes, streams and areas of the coast managed for wildlife.

An NCA within which falls a small part of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Distinctive areas designated for their biodiversity. International interest (Ramsar); European (SPA and SAC); national designations (SSSI).

Inspiring geology, habitats and landscapes with distinctive focal points including Donna Nook NNR and Gibraltar Point.

A landscape with a strong sense of belonging reflected in village communities and seaside accommodation.

A popular east coast tourist destination accessible by rail such as Skegness, with its good coastal access.

Historic towns such as Grimsby, with its strong heritage interest.

A concentration of RAF bases at Strubby, Manby, North Cotes and Donna Nook, which are of historical importance. Some RAF Second World War buildings are listed.

On the coast the wind is a key characteristic of the landscape experience.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – The tidal nature of the coastline along with the weather provides a very changeable landscape on the coast. Inland the change is less obvious.

Although agricultural areas predominate, more remote and natural areas are also found in the coastal grazing marshes,

A sense of wildness offers inspiring experiences, for example Donna Nook NNR.

Maintain the expansive character of area including long views and tranquil areas and coastal links to the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Offshore wind farms are changing the character of this landscape. The size of the individual units, the area covered by wind farms and the cumulative effect of their locations are having a significant impact on the long views within/ out this NCA.

Currently tourism peaks sharply in the summer and changes the experience.

Coastal grazing marshes provide opportunities for food production at the same time benefiting biodiversity.

Opportunities – Explore opportunities to increase sustainable tourism throughout the season. Such initiatives need to improve visitors’ enjoyment, understanding and environmental awareness.

Support the local economy while protecting the special qualities of the area.

There are opportunities to improve green infrastructure links from the coastal towns through the development of green tourism. Plan new developments so that views are retained.

Improve access to flood banks so that more people can benefit from the distinctive shoreline.

Improve understanding of the many features and functions of the marine/coastal area including the changing geomorphological processes and wildlife resource.

There is an opportunity to raise awareness of birdlife and biodiversity of the wider area and to include farmland birds through partnerships such as the Wildlife Trust’s ‘Living Landscapes’ (Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Living Landscapes) conservation plan.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Biodiversity
• Recreation
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Food provision
• Tranquillity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Archaeological remains
• Drainage history
• Ridge and Furrow
• Coastal management features
• Sea fishing and coastal heritage
• Scheduled monuments
• Geological features
• Characteristic buildings and architecture
• Parklands
• Military history and defences

State – A sense of history is evident in the reclaimed marshland landscape including occasional drainage dykes constructed in Roman and medieval periods along with the extensive channels, drains, flood protection and early pumping systems.

The wetlands preserve nationally-important palaeo-environmental and archaeological evidence.

The smaller settlements retain much of their historic character with little additional development. The isolated farmsteads scattered across the NCA have expanded significantly to include modern barns.

The cores of the settlements from Humberston to Healing are well-preserved and identifiable form medieval churches and 18th-and 19th-century red brick buildings.

A nucleated pattern of settlement is characteristic such as Alford while in the Outmarsh a dispersed settlement pattern is more characteristic.

Agricultural land retains old enclosures “old marshland drainage and reclamation” but there are also some planned enclosures dating from the 18th- and 19th-century.

Environmental records are preserved within the sediments and well-preserved remains of prehistoric landscapes that become exposed. Archaeology including from the Bronze Age and Roman.

There are several scheduled monuments and 957 Listed Buildings.

A landscape where its cultural heritage is less well-recognised – the ancient field systems and the history bound up with the management of the marsh are not widely appreciated.

There is a range of designated and undesignated heritage assets that reflects human use of the area. Historic parkland decreased significantly during the 20th century, with important areas remaining. Also, a concentration of war- time defences/RAF bases at Strubby, Manby, North Cotes and Donna Nook are historically important.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – A landscape where its cultural heritage is less well-recognised – the ancient field systems and the history bound up with the management of the marsh.

There is a strong maritime influence on the landscape with much of the land reclaimed from the sea over several centuries.

There is also historic interest in villages, along with evidence of early industrial activity.

A sense of history is associated with the medieval dispersed settlement patterns, field systems and ancient churches.

The ancient field systems and the history of the management of the marsh have the potential to be more widely interpreted.

A number of parklands present today such as Gunby Hall, Well Vale Hall and Brocklesby, are under favourable management.

Restoration of historic features should use local materials and respect local styles.

Historic Second World War assets and RAF bases and their Listed Buildings are of historical importance.

The fishing industry provides a link with the sea – particularly around Grimsby, and this industry has changed dramatically in more recent years.

A landscape where the daily opportunity for people to have access to nature offers inspiration. The Coast and Marshes has the potential for more people to enjoy and understand its historic features and landscapes through improved interpretation, education and access.

Opportunities – Improve understanding and interpretation and enjoyment of past activities and cultural heritage.

Protect, conserve and enhance features of historic interest above/ below ground and their setting.

Conserve soil resources to protect buried features of archaeological or historic interest.

Through partnership working, raise awareness of the historic assets, such as parklands and ridge and furrow grassland in the area, to increase knowledge about the landscape and its diversity and heritage value.

Aspects of social history that are important include the large estates of Brocklesby and Gunby Hall.

Seek opportunities to promote awareness of more recent history-using Second World War structures like hangars – which are listed and an important tourism asset for the area.

Raise awareness of fishing and coastal heritage of the area including Grimsby Docks.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Sense of history
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Biodiversity
• Geodiversity
• Recreation

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• A generally flat low-lying topography
• Remote locations such as Gibraltar Point and Donna Nook
• Sparse settlement patterns
• Open views
• Sea views towards and from the coast.
• Undisturbed remote areas

State – There are a few industrialised areas and Grimsby Port that contrast sharply with the predominantly rural and tranquil areas.

According to the CPRE Intrusion Map (2007) 61 per cent of the area is still undisturbed with the landscape offering a strong sense of tranquillity away from the more settled areas. A sense of isolation exists in much of the area, with few major roads and a sparse population.

Areas of greatest tranquillity are those away from settlements and transport networks where ‘dark skies’ also feature in much of the NCA at night.

With more industrial activity, the conurbations of Grimsby and Cleethorpes have lower tranquillity scores.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – Retain the contrasts between busy, active areas and more remote rural and wilder areas. This will require containment of development into busy areas and control of intrusive elements such as lighting.

This area is predominantly flat with generally wide open views across long distances, big open skies and a landscape offering a strong sense of tranquillity.

The exceptions are around the main coastal resorts and the access routes to them and other main roads. In addition there is weekly practice by the RAF at Donna Nook bombing range.

Industry is present and dominates the landscape in places around Grimsby, including large constructions and industrial turbines for renewable energy.

Opportunities – Encourage sensitively- sited development maintaining long and open views and strong sense of place

Minimise light spill, particularly in areas which are undisturbed, and allow dark skies to prevail at night allowing for the study of astronomy and giving more natural night-time environments (Dark Skies).

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Tranquillity
• Sense of history
• Recreation
• Sense of place/inspiration

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Coast
• Public rights of way
• Network of parks and open spaces
• Nature reserves/National Nature Reserves

State – The east coast has been an important tourist destination since the late 19th century.

Today part of the area includes some communities with multiple deprivations such as Grimsby.

With the coastal tourist centres of Skegness, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes,, and the concentration of historic Second World War RAF bases, the area is one of the most highly-visited areas of the east coast. This is very highly concentrated in and around the main holiday centres so that much of the coastal hinterland is relatively quiet and unvisited. A number of smaller coastal settlements also exist (such as Chapel St Leonards, Ingoldmells and Anderby Creek).

The rights of way network in the NCA is moderate (1.4 per cent of the NCA with a density of only 0.8 km per km2) and no National Trails reflecting its historic inaccessibility. Rights of way afford the visitor opportunities to explore the landscape beyond the sea bank and provide opportunities to improve the recreational usage of links between the coastal towns.

Promoted routes exist at NNRs and in the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park (LCCP). Numerous nature reserves and sea bank clay pits are regularly visited.

The NCA covers a large proportion of the Lincolnshire coastline of which approximately 65 per cent is already open and the subject of legal access rights. Much of this access is along hard structures such as promenades, along sea walls and defensive sea banks. Much of the remaining third of the coast is also accessible to pedestrian visitors, but the access is permissive in nature.

Some access to the coast exists but areas of highest use are where beaches have nearby parking/coastal settlements.

The NNRs covering 837 ha are excellent for bird watching and educational activities with seal-watching being particularly popular at Donna Nook NNR.

A North Sea observatory is also proposed at Chapel Point. Gibraltar Point offers an important location for visitors to experience coastal habitats.

There is coarse and trout fishing on many of the waters that flow through the NCA.

Adjacent to the NCA lies the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB which attracts visitors for its tranquillity and for walking. There are access routes linking these areas such as those along the Louth Canal.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – The tourism industry forms an important part of the area’s local economy and tourism on the coast peaks sharply in the summer with sea bathing, sun- bathing and water sports being popular. Some of the sandy beaches have Blue Flag status.

The undeveloped/wild coast has potential for green tourism.

Away from the coast the landscape offers opportunities, albeit limited, for distinctive, low-key, informal recreation.

Maximise the recreational benefits provided by the coast while protecting the area and landscape.

Promoted routes exist at NNRs and in the LCCP, with opportunities to develop more in the future.

Access and public rights of way are limited for example, around Grimsby. Improve the health and wellbeing of the people living in areas (particularly within wards with multiple deprivation).

A significant resource for tranquillity is offered, especially in winter.

The marshes and open rural landscape offer opportunities for development of green tourism.

Opportunities – Work in partnership to promote green tourism opportunities throughout the year and reduce environmental damage due to tourism pressure.

Provide interpretation of the history, biodiversity, geodiversity and other aspects of the landscape in well- visited locations. Identify areas where access is currently poor and extend access while avoiding adverse impacts. Avoid developing access into areas where species need protection, such as overwintering birds.

Support well-planned green infrastructure to provide sustainable access routes that enhance community safety, foster community cohesion and contribute to people’s physical health and well-being.

Improve people’s understanding of the area.

Link public footpaths and settlements, especially on rising ground, so as to be resilient to potential rising water levels.

During the development of coastal access, ensure that the habitats are protected from damage resulting from excessive recreational pressure.

Development in relation to recreation will need to be appropriate and phased and sensitive to the needs of the natural environment including the marine environment.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Recreation
• Sense of history
• Sense of place/inspiration

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Internationally, nationally and locally- protected sites
• European Marine Site – Gibraltar Point Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Saltfleetby – Theddlethorpe Dunes and Gibraltar Point Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Coastal features including intertidal areas, coastal lagoons, sand dunes and mudflats
• NNRs
• SSSI
• Semi natural habitats
• Floodplain grazing marsh
• Fen
• Farmland bird assemblage species
• Overwintering wildfowl
• Riparian grassland
• Broadleaved and mixed woodland
• Chalk streams/blow wells
• Reedbeds

State – A number of sites have been notified for their international importance for wildlife because the habitats they contain support assemblages of breeding birds and overwintering species.

Gibraltar Point is an internationally recognised Ramsar Site – as is the adjacent NCA area of The Wash.

The majority of the coastline is internationally designated for its biodiversity with sites of conservation importance (excluding the stretch of coast between Skegness to Mablethorpe).

The SPA and SAC exist covering marine and terrestrial environments.

Specific areas of coast are managed for wildlife, for example, Saltfleetby and Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR. An ancient calcareous dune system contains freshwater marsh and maritime fen is located south of Saltflleet Haven.

The coastal saline lagoons hold rare species.

Reedbeds cover over 349 ha of the NCA and are located in the wet areas on the Outmarsh.

There are neutral and wet grasslands, including important areas at Lindsey Outmarsh.

Gibraltar Point SPA forms part of the The Wash and North Norfolk Coast European Marine Site. There are extensive mildly calcareous dunes and salt marshes in the SPA.

The mixture of habitats provides important feeding, roosting and resting areas for birds on passage and through the winter.

Arable birds – nationally important assemblages of arable birds are present on farmlands of the NCA.

The lowland calcareous grasslands and floodplain grazing marsh and the 39 ha of lowland hay meadows-traditional agricultural practices are important.

3 per cent of the area is SSSI. Of these sites 78 per cent are ‘favourable management’ and 22 per cent are in a status of ‘recovering’.

A host of protected species are found in the NCA including grey seal, water vole and barn owl. A number of species have action plans for their recovery.

Main beneficiary – International

Analysis – The Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes are of international importance for their biodiversity.

The salt marshes, dunes and freshwater marsh and maritime fen provide habitats for species including little tern, redshank, lapwing ringed plover, whitethroat and lesser whitethroat.

The waterbird assemblage is significant and important. European non-breeding birds include grey plover, sanderling, bar-tailed godwit and red knot.

Conservation objectives are set for each habitat or species of the SPA/SAC.

Species include water shrew, natterjack toad, common lizard and a colony of grey seals.

Chalk streams remain under threat from excessive water extraction, physical modification, pollution, intensive fisheries management, urban development and invasive species.

The chemical status of the groundwater in the northern half of the NCA, the main chalk aquifer, is classified as poor.

Gibraltar Point is a key insect site and there are also mammals associated with the reserve including seal species. Gibraltar Point SPA has breeding birds such as little tern, redshank, lapwing ringed plover (in nationally important numbers), whitethroat and lesser whitethroat.

The water bird assemblage is significant and important European non-breeding birds include grey plover, sanderling, bar-tailed godwit and red knot.

Opportunities – Enhance the coastal habitats working with the relevant landowners and partners using the Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point Shoreline Management Plan to guide proposals.

Manage intertidal habitats such as sand dunes and saline lagoons. Raise awareness of their importance linked with the marine environment and working in partnership with NNRs.

Working in partnership with, for example, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust/South Humber Bank Ecology Group, to secure areas of strategic habitat

Work with farmers and landowners by encouraging maintenance, restoration and creation of flood plain grazing marsh, woodlands, lowland grassland meadows and fen.

Work with farmers and landowners to adopt management interventions that will protect or improve habitats as well as water resources by creating buffer strips of meadow grassland to accommodate habitat change, creating more species-rich grassland.

Ensure that the network of ditches is well- managed so that they provide suitable habitats for rare species including protected species such as water vole and other wildlife.

Survey and monitor the ditch flora and fauna to understand the impact that changing nutrient levels are having on the biodiversity of this habitat.

Seek opportunities to buffer and expand existing semi-natural habitats, to link them with grassland strips and create connecting networks to enable species movement.

Ensure that the land used by bird populations for foraging and roosting outside the designated areas is adequately protected and managed.

Provide habitats for farmland bird species such as grey partridge, skylark, barn owl, tree sparrow, yellowhammer and linnet.

Ensure farming practice within the wider landscape makes provision for ground nesting birds. Plant bird seed mixtures for spring and winter food and create a network of insect- rich habitats throughout arable areas and grasslands.

Seek opportunities for regeneration/creation of semi- natural vegetation landscape.

Protect and manage the chalk streams throughout the catchments with advice from partners including the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project and guidance from the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB Management Plan.

Increase the area of grazing marsh in good biological condition to benefit water quality and provide semi- natural habitat for a range of rare species.

Explore opportunities for partnership working with, for example, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and, in the Lincolnshire Grazing Marshes Project, target areas to increase ecological resilience.

Secure the opportunities that exist for improving access and engagement. Seek opportunities to raise awareness of marine and seascape issues.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Biodiversity
• Geodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Recreation
• Water availability
• Regulating coastal erosion and flooding
• Tranquillity
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating soil erosion
• Regulating soil quality
• Climate regulation

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Geomorphological processes
• Marine alluvium of the Outmarsh
• Coastal sand dunes and marine shingle
• Soils
• Chalk streams

State – 2 mixed interest SSSI, 1 geological SSSI and 8 Local Geological Sites.

There is a constantly changing and dynamic system of accretion and erosion and in contrast to many parts of eastern England, it is still accreting. Gibraltar Point consists of a pair of almost parallel dune systems separated by salt marsh of which the innermost dunes are believed to be at least 300years old.

Local building tradition demonstrated through use of local materials including greenstone used in churches and red brick and pantiles in farm buildings.

Blow wells occur in certain locations between Barton and Tetney, for example, Tetney Blow Well (SSSI). These are the result of artesian springs where water under pressure escapes from the Chalk through structural weaknesses (lenses of sand) in the overlying till to reach the surface.

Chalk streams on the western side of the NCA, for example, Laceby Beck, Waithe Beck, Great Eau and the River Lud.

Chalk bedrock underlies and extends beyond the NCA with mudstone, limestone and sandstone also present.

The area hosts one nationally designated geological site, Chapel Point to Wolla Bank SSSI, and two mixed interest SSSI of both geological and biological interest. Additionally, 8 Local Geological Sites cover 65 ha. Whilst 7 regionally important geomorphological sites cover in total 73 ha.

Gibraltar Point SSSI is an area of some 430 ha of sandy and muddy shores, calcareous coastal dunes, salt marshes and freshwater habitats, extending for a distance of about 5 km along the Lincolnshire coast from the southern side of Skegness to the entrance of the Wash.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – Shoreline Management Plan provides a long term plan for the coast.

Geomorphology of the SSSI, for example, Gibraltar Point and North Somercotes, with dune sand and marine shingle which allows for interpretation, understanding and continued research into the geodiversity of the area. The sites also contribute to sense of place and history. At the SSSI at Gibraltar Point where a wide variety of coastal landforms and associated habitat types are present and its location here, on the north-western fringe of The Wash, is relatively sheltered.

Blow wells occur where sand and gravel lenses allow water from the Chalk to reach the surface.

Opportunities – Protect and maintain views and access to geological features to provide further interpretation, research and understanding of the area’s geology. Gibraltar Point offers particularly interesting geodiversity and is an important opportunity for education in the NCA.

Conserve and enhance soil resources and geomorphology to safeguard the relationship between landscape, history of land use, wildlife, archaeological and cultural heritage.

Promote respect and understanding for the local building traditions and architectural styles and facilitate the use of appropriate local materials.

Where appropriate, improve and manage public access and interpretation and develop education/ recreation opportunities.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Geodiversity
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating water flow
• Water availability
• Biodiversity
• Recreation
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Sense of history
• Regulating coastal erosion and flooding