Wildlife near Bainside
In short: some of Lincolnshire’s best heathland and wetland reserves are within easy reach of Bainside. Kirkby Moor and Moor Farm, both Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserves, are home to woodlarks, adders and hundreds of species of moth; Kirkby Gravel Pits beside the River Bain has kingfishers all year; and Woodhall Spa Airfield, the former 617 Squadron base, has skylarks and birds of prey.
Kirkby Moor
Kirkby Moor, on Moor Lane, Kirkby on Bain, is a 75-hectare heathland reserve with a lake, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Look for woodlark, cuckoo, adder, common lizard and buzzard; around 250 plant species, 275 moths, 20 butterflies and 11 dragonflies have been recorded. Parking is at the roadside, dogs are not allowed, and it is at its best from March to September. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: Kirkby Moor.
Moor Farm
Moor Farm on Wellsyke Lane is a 48-hectare mix of heath, pasture, bog and woodland, also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where over 240 plants, 100 birds, 24 butterflies and 250 moths have been recorded. There is a small car park, dogs are not allowed, and April to August is the best time. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: Moor Farm.
Kirkby Gravel Pits and the River Bain
A mile south of the village, Kirkby Gravel Pits is 23 hectares of flooded pits beside the River Bain. Kingfisher and green woodpecker can be seen at any time of year, at least six kinds of warbler have been recorded, banded demoiselles fly mostly along the river, and otters are present, though rarely seen. A public bridleway runs east to the river, and dogs on leads may use the bridleway. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: Kirkby Gravel Pits.
Woodhall Spa Airfield
The former RAF Woodhall Spa, home of 617 Squadron and later quarried, is a reserve for skylarks and birds of prey, with bird hides and the old runway as the path. It is wheelchair accessible; you need an access code, available from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on 01507 526667, and dogs are not allowed. For its wartime story, see our aviation heritage guide.
Evenings at Bainside
Back at the lake, our glamping pods sit on its southern edge, the perfect place to enjoy the last of the daylight hours under the stars. For a closer look at the night sky, the East Lincolnshire Astronomy Club holds observing nights at Scamblesby Village Hall, near Horncastle. For more walks, see walks and cycling near Bainside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nature reserves are near Bainside?
Kirkby Moor, Moor Farm, Kirkby Gravel Pits and Woodhall Spa Airfield, all run by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
Can I see kingfishers near Bainside?
Yes. At Kirkby Gravel Pits, beside the River Bain a mile south of the village, kingfishers can be seen at any time of year.
Can I take my dog to the nature reserves?
Dogs are not allowed on Kirkby Moor, Moor Farm or Woodhall Spa Airfield. At Kirkby Gravel Pits, dogs on leads may use the public bridleway.
Is the Woodhall Spa Airfield reserve open to visitors?
Yes, with an access code from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on 01507 526667. It is wheelchair accessible, with bird hides along the old runway.
Next step: stay where the wildlife is
A glamping pod on the lake or one of our other stays puts you minutes from all four reserves; see our prices.
What to Do at Bainside
Pitches from £25, glamping pods with their own fishing peg from £70, a holiday let sleeping four from £90, and a 1.75-acre lake for day tickets. All adults only, five minutes from Woodhall Spa.
