What is this project about?
Neighbourhood Wildlife Corridor: Boston & Beyond is a two‑year habitat and community conservation project running from August 2025 to July 2027. The project will enhance and connect wildlife habitats across Boston, Lincolnshire, restoring large ponds and improving surrounding terrestrial areas, while engaging local communities and communities under‑served by the heritage sector. Actions include pond creations, wildlife workshops, volunteer training and the creation and installation of ‘speaking sculptures’.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project aims to conserve freshwater, species, and urban wildlife heritage while empowering communities to value and care for their environments. We thank national lottery players for making this work possible.
Project Aims
- Restore and create habitats, improving freshwater ecosystems for amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, and more.
- Connect landscapes through a Neighbourhood Wildlife Corridor from Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore, across Boston, to Jenny’s Wood.
- Engage diverse communities including schools, youth groups, farmers, and communities under‑served by the heritage sector, via immersive and creative wildlife sessions.
What are we going to do?
- Habitat Work: Create six new ponds at Freiston Shore and Frampton Marsh; restore two ponds at Jenny Wood. Create 10 small hand dug ponds. Make terrestrial improvements like hibernacula and basking banks to support reptiles and invertebrates.
- Workshops and Events: Deliver wildlife gardening workshops, amphibian “hops”, talks, community events.
- Creative Installations: Design and install two “Speaking Statues” with local groups, complemented by QR codes linking to wildlife insights.
- Volunteering and Training: Recruit and train volunteers in surveying and habitat management; run volunteer days and training sessions. Empower a network of guardians to monitor and care for habitats long-term.
 |
 |
 |
| Slow worm | Common toad | Common frog (froglet) |
Why now?
- Urgent biodiversity crisis—UK amphibians and reptiles are among the most threatened species groups, with steep population declines.
- Habitat loss and fragmentation serve as primary threats; ponds are being lost and remaining ones are degraded.
Our project directly addresses ecological, social, and climate needs, aligning with national nature recovery goals and flood‑mitigation strategies. Ponds can be carbon sinks, flood reducers, and community wellbeing boosters.
How can you get involved?
- Volunteer Days & Wildlife Guardians – Help create and maintain habitats, or become a guardian trained in pond care and species ID.
- Educational Workshops – Schools, youth centres, and community groups can join Wildlife Gardening workshops, Amphibian Hops, or creative sculpture sessions.
- Community Partnerships – We’re working with allotments, Boston Parish Council, schools, colleges, and more – contact rachel.burton@froglife.org to collaborate.
- Visitors & Event Attenders – Come along to our talks, exhibitions, habitat events, or drop by to explore the ‘Speaking Sculptures’ and wildlife installations.
A Project Update
At the halfway point of the Neighbourhood Wildlife Corridor: Boston and Beyond project it is time to reflect on what has been achieved by the project so far and look ahead to the exciting activities still to come.
Creating space for wildlife – So far, 42 habitat interventions have been created, including the restoration of the two large ponds at Jenny’s Wood and 10 pond creations across RSPB Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore. Together, these improvements are helping to strengthen the local wildlife corridor and provide safe spaces for nature to thrive.
Connecting with the community – The project has been delighted to meet people of all ages through a variety of events and activities delivered so far. Highlights include the Celebrate Boston event at Boston Stump and a half-term Family Fun Drop-in Session at Boston Library, where visitors discovered more about local wildlife and the importance of healthy habitats.
Inspiring the next generation – Working with schools has been a major focus throughout the project. We’ve delivered workshops and practical sessions with Boston Grammar School, Boston High School, Hawthorn Tree Primary, Boston West Academy, Boston College, Boston Endeavour Academy and Lincolnshire Farm School, helping young people learn about native amphibians and reptiles through fun, hands-on experiences including building LEGO wildlife gardens and making frog origami. These sessions encourage young people to connect with nature while understanding the important role these species play in local ecosystems.
Working together – The project has also delivered practical sessions and built strong relationships with community organisations, including Community Growers, Wyberton West Allotments, Age UK, Boston Food Bank, Pilgrim’s Hospital, and Boston Woods Trust. By working together, we’re helping more people get involved in creating greener spaces for both wildlife and the community.
Looking ahead – There’s plenty to look forward to in the second half of the project. Upcoming activities include the Speaking Sculptures project and the Froglife Festival on 11 July at Jenny’s Wood, where everyone is welcome to enjoy free pond-dipping and discover the incredible wildlife living beneath the water’s surface.
We’re excited to continue working with local communities to create a greener, more connected landscape where both people and wildlife can flourish.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Planting at Wyberton West Allotment | Wildlife Workshop at Hawthorn Tree Primary School | Tadpoles in restored pond at Jenny’s Wood | Half-term event at Boston Library | Pond dig at Boston Grammar School |
Spot our species
There is an array of amphibian and reptile species in Boston if you know where to look. Amphibians like frogs and toads like to live in and around areas with ponds, wetlands, and areas rich in plants and insects. Reptiles, such as slow worms and lizards, prefer warm, sunny spots and are often found basking on south-facing banks.
Our project helps create and enhance vital habitats for these species, improving connectivity between green spaces so reptiles and amphibians can move, feed, and breed more successfully.
Seen an amphibian or reptile and aren’t sure what it is?
Use the tips below to help identify some of Boston’s most common amphibians and reptiles:
- Common frogs- Common frogs often range from olive-green to brown in colour. They have dark patches along their backs and behind the eye, as well as stripes on their hind legs.
- Common Toads- Common Toads are usually brown to olive brown, sometimes appearing darker, with a pale belly featuring dark speckles. They have warty and dry skin and can be seen crawling rather than hopping.
- Slow Worm- Slow worms are legless reptiles often mistaken for snakes. They have smooth, shiny skin and are usually grey or brown. Males may have bright blue spots, and females have a golden-brown top, and darker sides and belly, commonly with a dark stripe running along their back. Slow worms have a visible eyelid meaning they can blink.
Keep up to date
Stay connected and informed by signing up to our Croaks newsletter and volunteering opportunities. Together, we’ll build a stronger, more resilient wildlife corridor – and inspire community ownership of nature in Boston.
Thank you to our funders, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Lincolnshire Community Foundation and the Thriving Communities Fund for making this project possible.
