Uncertainty Over Council’s Re-Wilding Project After Funding Removed

Harborough District Council’s Re-Wilding project faces uncertainty after over £700,000 of funding was removed.

The move came after budget amendments from the opposition Conservative group were approved at last night’s full council meeting.

Ruling coalition members have criticised the removal of funding after the council bought more than 100 acres near Great Bowden for the project, with partner involvement expanding the site to over 500 acres, now regarded as nationally significant.

The Conservatives argued it was premature to allocate the funding until a full business case had been developed, scrutinised and approved by the Council.

The area for the Re-Wilding project

Cllr Phil Knowles, the Lib Dem leader of the council, told HFM the decision is potentially devastating for the project along with the potential of a similar scheme near Lutterworth:

The decision removes funding to employ a council officer to oversee the project and additional capital investment.

Cllr Simon Whelband, leader of the Conservative group, told HFM the project is not being abandoned:

A commemorative tree was unveiled on the re-wilding land in December

Working with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and other stakeholders, the council has said the Re-Wilding project, which includes a country park, aims to reconnect habitats, support nature recovery at scale and bring people closer to nature.

Cllr Lynne Taylor (Green) described the move as “being equivalent to the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree – a symbol of hope being destroyed in such a mindless manner. The rewilding project would have benefited the whole community – a place to visit and enjoy for generations to come.”

Cllr Darren Woodiwiss (Green) is cabinet member for Climate Change & Neighbourhood Services, and gave his reaction to HFM:

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