Nest Box Installation:
Sunday 11th October we started installing tray feeders for the birds and squirrels in the Woodland Noature Trail. In addition, we installed the first squirrel nest box also. We hope to build a few more squirrel boxes soon and install them before winter.
Lincolnshire Environmental Community Award.
We have some very exciting news to share with you.
On Saturday 26th September some of our volunteer members attended a presentation held at Wisby Nature Reserve which was organised by Lindum Rotary Club, Lincoln in partnership with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and sponsored by Pennells Garden Centre.
Four semi-finalists were selected from around the County and following a site visit by the Judges, each group had to give a presentation on the work they did in their community in terms of Sustainability, Biodiversity and of course Environmental Issues. After the Judges deliberations, we have the pleasure of informing you that in this our 15th anniversary year, huge congratulations are in order as the Group have been named as "Lincolnshire Environmental Community Award winners 2026". The judges were particularly impressed by the outreach the group are doing in the community, alongside the wealth of improvements that have been achieved. They were also impressed by the changes made to the beck and footpath, recognising that a badly polluted waterway and a muddy path had been transformed into a clean water course and the path into a bridleway. In this, our 15th anniversary year this award is just the inspiration we need to continue our work for the benefit of all who use the beck and the animals that live there. Please help us to keep the area safe and preseve this great habitat so that animals and humans alike can continue to enjoy this gem
Well done and thank you everyone for your continued hard work & commitment.
Note: Go to the photograph Item in the Menu where you can view a few pictures of the award.
John
New Section of Footpath:
Today (23rd September 2026) we walked the recently opened new section of footpath on a litter collection mision. This section runs from Gravel Pit Lane to Scotter Road South.
This section of the route is footpath only and is suitable for walkers only. It does not run adjacent to the Beck, but through farmland to the North and South of the Beck with a bridge crossing over the Beck about 1/3 of the distance into the walk.
The route is not through level ground, so not suitable for people with walking difficulties.
By the way. there was no litter to talk of.
Check out the photographs that have been uploaded to the Photograph item in the menu.
There have been a few changes in the group lately:
Our Chairman Glyn Williams passed away in 2025.
Mick McGrory has taken up the post of Work Co-ordinator and is currenty acting DeputyChairman.
Jean Ellerton, our Minute Secretary stepped down - We thank you Jean for your dedicated service to the group and wish you well for the future. We welcome and thank Joanne McGrory for taking up the position of Minute Secetary.
After a long period of looking after our limited finances, Gill Elshome has stepped down as Treasurer and the post was taken up by Rira Jackson. We thank Gill for her dedication during her time as Treasurer. Gill continues to be a valued member of the group.
May 2026 saw the start of work on our project to create a Woodland Nature Trail at the Messingham end of the Beck. To keep up to date with progress, go to the Woodland Nature Trail item in the main menu.
The Woodland Nature Trail is "NOW OPEN".
Dear Friends,
Breaking News:
The new section of footpath is now open. This section runs from Messingham Road to the Scunthorpe Sewerage Works. We have yet to check out the path, which we intend doing with in the next week or so. We will update this item and include more information on the route when we have walked the length of this new section.
Program of Reed Cutting and Weed Clearing:
After months of contact with NLC and the Environment Agency, yet again results are down to the efforts made by Councillors Max Bell and Judith Matthews supported by Sir Nic Dakin MP. We thank you for your support!!!
The following is an extract from the Environment Agency regarding our ongoing issues with the Bottesford Beck:
Due to an unforeseen issue with the specialist machinery required, the Environment Agency were unable to complete the planned in-channel weed cut between Holme Lane and Messingham Road. To address this, the Environment Agency (EA) have scheduled further maintenance works to take place over the coming winter period. The programme will include grass cutting alongside the public footpath to maintain safe access for our contractors, as well as an in-channel weed cut from Ashby Ville through to Messingham Road, in accordance with their national maintenance standards. These standards require them to retain suitable margins for wildlife both along the banks and within the watercourse, ensuring that environmental benefits are maintained while improving flow conveyance. At the same time, any trees that are significantly obstructing water flow will be trimmed or removed where necessary. This phase of maintenance will be funded by the Environment Agency and delivered by contractors working on behalf of the Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Water Management Board, under the supervision of the EA. The works will be undertaken between September 2026 and February 2027.
January-June 2026 News Letter:
(Use the back arrow to return to the website after viewing, downloading or printing.)
New Document Added 19th September 2026:
"COLLATION OF RUDIMENTS FOR BOTTESFORD BECK, ITS HINTERLAND, & ITS DOMAIN"