July is a fantastic time to experience the Lincolnshire Coast, as summer brings warmth, colour and life to its rich variety of coastal habitats. With long daylight hours and plenty of activity across wetlands, dunes, saltmarshes and nature reserves, it’s a brilliant month to slow down, look closely and enjoy the wildlife that thrives here at this time of year.
Working in partnership with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, we’ve put together a seasonal guide highlighting some of the wildlife you may be able to spot along the Lincolnshire Coast throughout July. From summer visitors and busy breeding birds to cetaceans, insects and coastal species making the most of the warmer weather, there’s plenty to discover whether you’re heading out for a coastal walk, visiting a reserve or simply taking a quiet moment to connect with nature.
Sandwich Tern
This sea bird can be spotted just offshore where its screeching call can usually be heard before the bird is seen. If there is a shoal of sandeels or brown-tailed shrimp they can often be seen dropping into the sea to feed. Larger than the red-billed Arctic or Common Tern they have a black bill and close inspection will see the yellow tip to the bill.
Gatekeeper Butterfly
This small orange butterfly can be seen in its hundreds as you walk along hedgerows and grasslands, feeding on nectar from flowers such as ragwort and knapweed. Look out for the double spot on the upper wing. The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses.
Narrow-Boarded Five-Spot Burnet
A striking day-flying moth this Burnet moth can be viewed quite easily feeding on a variety of flowers particularly thistles and knapweeds on sunny days. Count the spots on the wings to separate these from the similar Six-spot Burnet.
Harbour Porpoise
When walking along the beach do keep an eye out to see if you can spot the small dorsal fin of our most likely cetacean. The sea along our coast is usually too shallow for larger dolphins or whales, but the diminutive harbour porpoise can feed amongst the shallows. It is not very demonstrative and won’t be leaping out of the water but is always a joy to see.
Strandline Safari
The strandline is marine debris dropped during the last tide. It is a fascinating area to explore and can give an idea of the huge biodiversity found in our seas – without getting wet. The Banded Carpet shell is one of a variety of bivalve shells that can be found though not as common as some of the others.
If you’re out exploring the Lincolnshire Coast this July and are lucky enough to spot any of this wonderful wildlife, don’t forget to capture the moment and share it with us on social media. Be sure to tag us in your photos and use #lincolnshirecoast on Facebook and Instagram.
We’d also like to extend our thanks to Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for supplying the expert information that helped shape this guide. The Trust works tirelessly to safeguard wildlife and wild places across Lincolnshire, while promoting understanding and enjoyment of the natural world from The Humber to The Wash. To support their vital work, you can find out more about becoming a member on their website.