First Trees Planted At New Nature Reserve

The first of more than 20,000 trees have been planted near Market Harborough to create a new nature reserve in memory of a man who died suddenly.

Fifty acres of land on both sides of the A6 east of Great Bowden has been donated to Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust by Michael Adler, following the death of his son James in 2023 at the age of 42.

The site will become the James Adler Nature Reserve, with volunteers helping to transform it into a wildlife haven and lasting legacy.

Tree planting is underway at the James Adler Nature Reserve

Michael inherited the land from his grandfather and said donating it was an emotional decision.

“I had always intended to leave this land to James, but he died unexpectedly in May 2023,” he said. “Emotionally I was extremely attached to the land. For much of my early childhood I lived with my grandparents in Great Bowden and had the free run of acres of countryside. I loved the quietness, the wildlife and the dawn chorus.

“James joined me on visits to the land and was the obvious person to take it on. With him gone, it was clear the Wildlife Trust should be approached to accept the land as a gift. He was a natural alliance builder who could communicate a vision and bring people together, so it’s fitting the reserve will carry his name.”

James Adler

Tree planting is underway at the James Adler Nature Reserve

Mat Carter, Chief Executive of Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said the project was already bringing people together.

“It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to involve businesses, community groups and young people with the site so early on,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of collaborative conservation we want to see, helping people build connections with nature on their doorstep.

“Having students involved is especially wonderful. I hope they return in future years to see how the trees planted today have grown and the difference they’ve helped make.”

The reserve is expected to open to the public later this year.

Tree planting is underway at the James Adler Nature Reserve