Re-Wilding Project Gets Big Response From Volunteers

Over 100 people have volunteered to be involved with an ambitious re-wilding project near Market Harborough.

Harborough District Council has been inundated with offers of help after buying over 130 acres of land either side of the A6 bypass near Great Bowden for nearly £1.8m earlier this year.

The project, being led by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, will see the nature-depleted area restored to encourage wildlife and the creation of a country park.

Landowners from adjacent plots have expressed interest in joining the initiative, meaning it has the potential to extend across 500 acres.

Land purchased for the re-wilding project

HDC says everyone who has come forward will be invited to a briefing and engagement event during the Autumn.

A spokesperson added: “With the support of Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, the Rewilding Harborough programme will work to restore a nature-depleted area, reestablishing natural processes and building a network of nature sites where wildlife can thrive.

“People will be at the heart of this project, with the site being publicly accessible and the creation of opportunities for learning and the wider benefits that nature can bring.”