About Us

Rookery Holt Where Shepherds Retreat.

Rookery Holt covers 13 acres of land in the stunning Lincolnshire Wold's. 4 acres of the land is occupied by the owner’s cottage, a private paddock and workshop.

Shepherds Retreat occupies the remaining 9 acres being made up of woodland, wildlife meadows and extensive parkland.

Shepherds Retreat was created on a former arable field, no longer economical for modern farming methods and over the last few years has been gradually and sensitively transformed to minimise the environmental impact.

Over 1,200 native British trees and hedgerows have been planted, creating a natural environment for smaller ground foraging mammals to hunt and take refuge from predators.

Shepherds Retreat is accessed through Rookery Holt’s secure five bar gate.

There is a 5mph limit along the gravelled lane which leads to the visitors parking, reception area and guests parking. This speed limit is strictly enforced to protect the resident badgers that occupy the adjacent bank and also the roe deer, muntjac, foxes and hares that pass through, often finding sanctuary in the grounds.

The underground chalk streams produce a range of habitats to include marsh land and an underground spring which has been lined with distinctive Lincolnshire pink chalkstone to allow the safe ingress into and out of this natural watering hole.

Tadpoles, frogs, newts, water boatmen and dragon flies are frequent visitors to this feature.

The Holt is a denser wooded area of mature elm, ash, horse chestnut, alder and sycamore trees. Mowed walkways cut through natural vegetation which support voles, field mice, rabbits, squirrels and ground nesting pheasants and partridge. Owls, buzzards and rooks perch on the higher branches, swooping down on their prey when opportunity arises.

The Holt comes alive at night with the sound of owls calling for partners and owlets demanding to be fed.

For the comfort of hikers and cycling guests wishing to explore the beautiful Lincolnshire Wold's and local places of interest, we have supplied a secure cycle store and a ‘Boot Box’ with background heating to gently dry boots and overcoats.

Guests parking is provided away from the huts to reduce light and noise pollution for resident wildlife and guests alike. Luggage is transported to your hut via the onsite all terrain vehicle.