Sunrise over sailing boats at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Lincolnshire - Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

A tranquil walking spot a stone's throw from busy Skegness

Just south of Skegness on Lincolnshire’s wild coast is Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, a glorious mixed-habitat of sandy beaches, wildflower meadows and freshwater lagoons which runs southwards to the mouth of The Wash.

The 1,100 acre reserve consists essentially of a pair of almost parallel dune systems separated The reserve consists essentially of a pair of almost parallel dune systems separated by saltmarsh, with other habitats including sandy and muddy seashore, sand dunes and freshwater marsh with ponds and lagoons that are home to a rich variety of coastal wildflowers and birds. A network of paths leads visitors around major habitats, keeping disturbance to a minimum.

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust allows ponies to graze here for conservation purposes. They selectively chomp on coarse vegetation but ignore delicate wildflowers such as the southern marsh-orchid and eyebright. As a result, these species are thriving.

Facilities include wildlife-viewing platforms, well-graded walking trails, bird hides, and there's a café and accessible toilet too.

In spring, the first of the migrants stop off to refuel or establish territories. In summer, little terns may be seen fishing in the shallows and skylarks are in full song above the purple haze of the saltmarshes. In autumn, huge whirling flocks of waders can be seen on the high tides. And in winter, brent geese, shorelark and snow bunting can be seen as well as flocks of redwing and fieldfare.

There are a number of accessible paths through Gibraltar Point. The Lincolnshire County Council 'Countryside for All' leaflet has details on path surfaces, gradients, cross-slopes as well as the location of seats, steps and gates.