Snipe Dales Nature Reserve

Snipe Dales nature reserve and Country Park lies on the southern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Its 87 hectares of steep-sided valleys are fretted by streams that have cut through the sandstone into the Kimmeridge Clay below, creating one of the few substantial wet-valley systems in Lincolnshire that remain unspoilt. Three waymarked walking routes cross the reserve (maps available from the Wardens Office); paths can be seasonally wet and muddy, so wellies or waterproof footwear are advisable. Families can look out for spring migrant warblers, treecreepers, goldcrests, siskins and bramblings in the woodlands, tawny and barn owls, and wildflowers such as common spotted-orchid, meadowsweet and ragged-robin. Cattle graze parts of the reserve. Facilities include toilets, an accessible toilet and a picnic area. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Country Park only. Entry is free; the Country Park car park costs £1 for all-day parking (cash only, barrier open 8.30am-5pm).