Marston Sewage Works
Where to Watch Birds in Lincolnshire
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Marston Sewage Works by Alex Lees.

Debatably the premier birding site in the south west corner of the county, Marston Sewage Treatment Works has been a mecca for birds and their watchers for over 70 years. Formerly it enjoyed greater fame, rivalling Wisbeach Sewage Farm for its rarity pulling power. Some of the best birds in the period 1920-1975 included Red-footed Falcon, Black-winged Stilt, Great Snipe, White-winged Black Tern and Bluethroat. Since 1980 there have been 165 species of birds recorded on site, making it one of the best inland birding spots in the county.

Extensive watching over the past two decades has produced a number of local and national rarities including: American Wigeon, Pectoral Sandpiper, Spotted Crake, Grey-headed Wagtail, Little Egret, Black-necked Grebe, Corncrake, Honey Buzzard and Snow Bunting. Spring and autumn migration tend to be best, although the site invariably has something to offer at any time of year.

Anglian Water’s excellent habitat management plan and provision of facilities has created a "local patch" that is now enjoyed by an ever-increasing number of birders. The site is located ¾ mile south-east of the village of Marston, south Lincolnshire, at SK 895427. It is best accessed from the A1, 1 mile north of the Gonerby Moor, Grantham (Downtown) roundabout. Turn right at the Texaco station adjacent to QK Coldstores and then right again after 100 metres. From here follow the road towards Marston village and the carpark is sign-posted on your right after a mile and a half. Follow the bridleway down towards the hide and then on beside the flooded fields and down to the Works.

The hide has access to wheelchair users. The lagoons, and the sewage works compound are out of bounds for safety reasons and visitors are asked to keep to the public rights of way in order to reduce disturbance to the birds.

 

Trevor Lee's Marston Pages

View from the hide, overlooking a flooded wader scrape. Sept 2001 © andrewpchick

Detailed View from the hide, overlooking a flooded wader scrape. Sept 2001 © andrewpchick

View of standing water and open mud from Mill Lane, looking back towards the hide. Sept 2001 © andrewpchick

View of 'new' reed bed and standing water, looking back towards the hide. Sept 2001 © andrewpchick

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