Barrow Blow Wells
Parish: Barrow-upon-Humber
OS: 112 • GR: TA 073221 • Map ref: 3
2.70 hectares (6.80acres) • Freehold 1968
Habitat type: Marsh/Wetland
Location and Access
The reserve is located on the north side of Barrow-upon-Humber and is reached along a track leading northwards from beside "Open Holme" in Cherry Lane. Visitors are requested to keep to the waymarked route.
Description and Management
The reserve consists of reedmarsh and woodland with two blow wells, which are natural artesian springs caused by water under pressure escaping from the chalk through the overlying boulder clay. Such springs were once numerous in the Lincolnshire Marsh but most have dried up due to the depression of water-tables by increased abstraction. The larger of the two wells forms a pool full of clear water in which grows a mass of the pale-green, common water-starwort. Around the wells is a marsh, which is mainly colonised by reed sweet-grass. The wood may once have been an old osier bed. Beyond the wood is an area of wet pasture dominated by sedges. The Barrow Beck flows along the northern boundary. There is a variety of birds, including sedge warbler. Kingfishers are seen occasionally.
