Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust

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Charnwood Forest Living Landscape Project

Charnwood Forest Living Landscape, situated to the south of Loughborough, covers 16,000 hectares.  Strikingly different to anywhere else in the East Midlands, the Charnwood Forest is defined by craggy hilltops, dry stone walls, fast flowing streams, ancient woodlands and open views.

The most important area for wildlife in Leicestershire, Charnwood Forest contains a high concentration of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Wildlife Sites, but these places have become increasingly isolated by activities such as hedge removal, ploughing of grasslands, development and road building - the M1 motorway effectively splits the area in two.

View Charnwood Forest Living Landscape map

The Charnwood Forest Living Landscape Project aims to conserve and enhance the unique wildlife, geology and character of Charnwood Forest.

The project will work alongside farmers, landowners, businesses and local communities to:

• Protect and enhance the best sites for wildlife
• Create new habitats and reconnect fragmented areas
• Maintain important geological features
• Allow space for natural processes to operate
• Encourage less intensive land use and management
• Support a sustainable local economy
• Promote greater recognition, understanding and enjoyment of Charnwood Forest’s natural assets

What can the project offer?

• Free wildlife surveys and advice on positive and practical management
• Input to grant applications, such as Environmental Stewardship
• A Small Grant Scheme for habitat management work, click for information
• Guidance on other sources of funding
• Support for tourism businesses with wildlife related activities, such as farm trails
• Free talks to local groups and organisations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To find out more

• View the Charnwood Forest leaflet, please click here to read on screen and here for the printer friendly version.
• Read more about the natural history of the area, download our report  ‘Charnwood Forest: A Living Landscape’.
• See our lastest Charnwood Forest newsletter.

If you are interested in this project or would like further information please contact: 

Katie Field, Conservation Officer - email: [email protected] or phone 0116 272 8859

 

The Charnwood Forest Living Landscape has been made possible by the long-term commitment of Aggregate Industries.