A Woodland Sanctuary At Burkinshaw’s Covert

Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery is set in a rural area in North Lincolnshire in the UK.  Just yards away from the refinery, nature and industry live side-by-side along the banks of the Humber estuary.  Burkinshaw’s Covert is the private 91-acre woodland owned by the refinery, that is home to an eclectic mix of wildlife and a growing number of plant species.  Planted over 200 years ago, the site has been designated an area of nature conservation interest, and is viewed as one of the largest woodland areas of natural cover for birds and invertebrates in this part of the county.

Since Humber Wild (a Forest School) joined Burkinshaw’s Covert, the impact of the woodland has continued to strengthen, complemented by the ongoing efforts and management of the woodland by the Humber Nature Partnership (HNP) and Humber Conservation Volunteers (HCV).  The Humber Wild team delivers weekly Forest School activities in Burkinshaw’s Covert, and their efforts have left a profound mark.  Humber Wild has been using Burkinshaw’s Covert as their base for over a year, and the feedback they have received underscores the vital importance of maintaining this partnership and supporting the delivery of these sessions.

This past year, Humber Wild has made incredible strides in promoting biodiversity and engaging our community through hands-on conservation efforts.  Together with the Wild Children programme and HCV, Humber Wild donated and planted 840 mixed broadleaf trees to revitalise areas where felling took place.  The newly planted trees include grey willow, rowan, crab apple, hawthorn, English oak, silver birch, and wild cherry, complementing the established silver birch, rowan, and oak saplings planted in previous years.

The overall intention is to continue to create a natural haven for wildlife.  The woodland’s sycamore and ash seedlings are sustainably utilised for carving and dead hedging, showcasing Humber Wild’s commitment to resourcefulness.  The site’s wild pears and brambles contribute to the ecological and practical richness, with brambles being used for food, fabric dyeing, and natural paint.

The Wild Children have been especially impactful, crafting 24 birdhouses over the past year.  These houses have provided nesting sites for several bird species, including blue tits, robins, and long-tailed tits, while some have become cosy shelters for hibernating small mammals.  With local wildlife laws in mind, these mammals have been left undisturbed.  The children also witnessed the magic of nature firsthand when they discovered pygmy shrew nests under cargo nets, learning valuable lessons about prioritising biodiversity over human activities.

Birds of prey, such as sparrowhawks, common buzzards and kestrels, are frequent visitors to the woodland, reflecting a healthy ecosystem.  Plans are underway to enhance their nesting opportunities with owl and raptor boxes, which will be constructed later this year.  A deer survey has also been completed, confirming around 30 deer within the woodland with two specific types identified – muntjac and roe.

Future plans include conducting night surveys for bats and badgers, building bird feeding stations, and supporting the Young Environmentalist Award for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.  With 24-hour wildlife cameras capturing enchanting footage of European foxes and badger activities, including unique courtship behaviours, Humber Wild remains a hub of ecological discovery.  The development of Burkinshaw’s Covert demonstrates the power of community, education and dedication to preserving and enhancing our natural world.