Messingham Sand Quarry

A series of lagoons created by the extraction of sand.

Location

East of the B1400 opposite Scallow Grove Farm
Messingham

Scunthorpe

Nearest postcode DN17 3RD

OS Map Reference

SE 908 032

Know before you go

Size

40 hectares

Parking information

Car park open 7am - 8:30pm (or dusk)

Grazing animals

Cattle

Walking trails

Waymarked route available

Access

There are no surfaced paths but a regularly mown circular route around the reserve; during winter woodland can become boggy under foot

Dogs

No dogs permitted

Facilities

Bird hides

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

About the reserve

The reserve has been created by the excavation of sand, which has left a series of lagoons. There is a small area of heath supporting heather, petty whin and other heathland flora. Woodland, grassland and marsh add varied habitats and support a vast array of flora including six orchid species.

The richness of wildlife reflects this diversity of habitat and includes more than 180 species of bird, 20 species of butterfly, over 250 species of moth, and over 100 species of bee and wasp.

The reserve lies to the east of the B1400 Messingham-Kirton road. The entrance is opposite Scallow Grove Farm (look for electricity pylon). The B1400 is a fast road and care must be exercised when entering and leaving the reserve. A track leads from the entrance to a small car park where a waymarked circular route is indicated.

Nearest postcode DN17 3RD. Please note - postcodes are for the nearest registered address as we are unable to get postcodes for nature reserves.

Messingham Sand Quarry location and trail