Council Unveils Revised Vision for Rewilding Scheme

Harborough District Council is proposing significant changes to its rewilding project following a review by the new Conservative administration.

The scheme, covering more than 100 acres of council-owned land alongside the A6 near Market Harborough, would continue, but with a different approach.

Under the proposals, one area would be leased to and managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, while other land would remain as open space, grazing land or be retained for future council use, including the possible expansion of cemetery provision.

Council leader Simon Whelband said the revised approach would allow rewilding to continue while providing better value for taxpayers and enabling the council to focus on its core responsibilities:

The area of land & (inset) Cllr Simon Whelband, Leader of the council

The project originally aimed to restore the whole area and create a country park in partnership with the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Earlier this year, more than £700,000 of funding for the scheme was withdrawn after Conservative councillors, then in opposition, successfully amended the council’s budget.

The project was launched under the previous coalition administration, led by former council leader Phil Knowles.

Responding to the proposed changes, Cllr Knowles said it was disappointing details had been released publicly before being scrutinised by councillors.

He said: “We will need to look at this in detail before being able to make fuller comment. We need to see their full business case and background.”

Cllr Knowles added the revised plans could have wider implications, saying: “This diluted scheme may have negative impacts on all of this. We need to assess.”