Far Ings

Far Ings is situated on the south bank of the Humber Estuary, a major east-west flyway for migrating birds. The sight and sound of a skein of geese flying over is spectacular.

The pits and reedbeds at Far Ings and along the Humber bank are a legacy of the tile and cement industry which flourished between 1850 and 1959. Thanks to pioneering management by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, the reserve is now rich in wildlife and one of the UK strongholds for bittern.

What’s on

Far Ings nature reserve is a diverse landscape made up of reedbeds, meadow and scrub, and both freshwater and saltwater environments. This varied habitat is rich in microscopic life and invertebrates, which in turn support fish such as perch and roach which provide a food source to a huge variety of birds including heron and kingfisher

Management work undertaken has improved the reedbed habitat and created more open feeding areas with the aim of attracting bitterns back as a nesting species. After an absence of 21 years, bitterns began breeding again in 2000. It is possible to hear them ‘booming’ in the spring from around March. A good location to try is the double decker hide at Ness End Farm, bitterns are seen from here on a regular but infrequent basis – they are very shy birds and good at hiding.

There are three circular walks through the reserve, all of which are clearly waymarked. These are Bittern Trail (allow two hours), Grebe Trail (allow one hour) and Tadpole Trail (allow half an hour).

The Viking Way walking route also crosses through Far Ings along the Humber Bank, and there are waymarked public footpaths around the reserve where you are permitted to take your dog.

Also available is the South Humber Heritage Trail. This walk is split in two sections and can be walked in either direction between Burton-upon-Stather and Winteringham and between Barton-upon-Humber and South Ferriby. There are five villages along the trail which have their own information leaflet, all of which can be downloaded below.

As part of our Wilder Lincolnshire podcast, we took a closer look at a range of things that take place on the reserve, from practical management of reed beds and meadows to school visits and the day to day running of the Visitor Centre.

Take a look at the Far Ings social media pages for the latest news, or search for an upcoming event.