Boston landscape

The Boston landscape provides a unique mosaic of woodland, grassland, shrubs, and waterways.

There are two major areas of woodland in Boston, the Sir Joseph Banks Country Park and the Fenside Woods that encompasses Beech Wood and Grange Wood. You will find several spinneys, ponds, and two three lined avenues at Sir Joseph Banks Country Park and in the central section of Beech Wood you will find hornbeam, maple, hazel, and hawthorn trees.  Grange Wood is the smallest wood in Boston with a circuit of paths that are accessible for all and suitable for changing weather.

Many nature reserves in Boston cover large areas of mature salt marsh, providing freshwater habitats to an abundance of wildlife including plants and wildfowl. Boston nature reserves provide perfect spots to explore the wilderness of The Wash.

History of Boston

Boston was once one of England’s most important ports, second to London for economic importance during the Medieval period. The market town’s position to the North Sea and its river connection to Lincoln helped develop it into a thriving port.  During the medieval era, Boston’s most valuable export was wool and by the 18^th Century, the town supplied one third of London’s grain.

The town’s name and impressive church are named after St Botolph, an Anglo Saxon monk, who by tradition visited the site and established a monastery in the 7^th Century. St Botolph’s Church, locally known as ‘The Stump’, dates back to 1309 and remains one of the largest parish churches in England.

Boston is famously known for its American legacy. In 1612, Reverend John Cotton was the vicar of St Botolph’s Church and was renowned for his strong ‘Puritan’ beliefs and teachings. Many people from far and wide travelled to hear his sermons but he remained unpopular with the church authorities due to his strong views. Unable to change the church, he inspired many members of his congregation to seek a new life in America including a mayor, lawyer, and headmaster. Between 1630 and 1634, around ten percent of Boston’s population moved to America for a new life. They shaped the colony they founded and named the city Boston, in honour of the town they left behind.

Walking trails

Explore trails, footpaths and circular routes that will guide you through the surrounding serene landscapes of Boston. There are many different routes available that are suitable for all skill levels in the area.

Boston and Witham Way Country Park circular walk is a 4.3 kilometre loop route that has something for everyone to enjoy. From cobbled streets to superb views of River Witham, the walk is ideal for those looking to explore the Boston landscape. The route is suitable for pushchairs and disability buggies as there are no obstacles and follows surfaced paths throughout.

Take a longer 7.2 kilometre route through Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve to spot the spectacular wildlife of Boston. This walk is suitable for all ages and abilities and is largely used for hiking, walking, and bird watching.

The Sir Joseph Banks Country Park walk is a 1.9 mile circular route located outside of Boston. The trail features an abundance of wonderful wildflowers and is suitable for walking, hiking, and running.

Notable rural hotspots

Boston is home to some of the best parks and nature reserves in Lincolnshire.

There are many country and woodland parks to explore inside and out of Boston. Sir Joseph Banks Country Park encompasses over 80 acres of woodland and parkland with a large wildflower meadow, wonderful to walk through during the Summer. The central section of Beech Wood is seeded with bluebells and planted with daffodils, a spectacular sight in Spring. Witham Way Country Park is a haven for local wildlife, offering a varied landscape of woodland, grassland, and scrub.

Get closer to nature at RSPB Frampton Marsh. The reserve is the perfect spot for the avid birdwatcher, with many opportunities to gain close-up views of Avocets, Redshanks, Skylarks and Whimbrels during the warmer months of the year.

On the outskirts of Boston, you will find RSPB Freiston Shore, a Special Protection Area that provides valuable natural habitats for wildlife all year round. Freiston Shore is considered one of the most important estuaries for waterbirds in the United Kingdom and is the ideal location for bird enthusiasts.