Greetwell Hollow
Parish: Greetwell
OS: 121 • GR: SK 996 725 • Map ref: 1
13.10 hectares (32.40acres) • Leasehold
Habitat type: Limestone grassland, scrub
Location and access
The reserve lies on the eastern edge of Lincoln, off Outer Circle Road. Cars can be parked at the adjacent shopping arcade.
Description and management
Greetwell Hollow is an interesting wildlife haven and geological site. At one time mined for ironstone and quarried for limestone, there is still an extensive quarry face to the east of the nature reserve. Much of this quarry, and the southern part of Greetwell Hollow, are notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the historically important exposures of the Lincolnshire limestone formation.
The limestone grassland of the valley supports a fine range of wildflowers including centuary, greater knapweed, field scabious and an exceptionally large colony of bee orchids. The scrub provides excellent habitat for winter thrushes and for nesting birds such as linnet and whitethroat. The stream that flows through the centre of the reserve supports wetland plants and attracts snipe, moorhen and heron.
Management of the reserve has concentrated on maintaining good paths, providing gates and stiles, and providing a secure boundary so that the grassland can be grazed.
