About the reserve

As the reserve is still undergoing habitat and infrastructure improvements, there will be a phased approach to opening access.

• Phase one, being the westernmost area, is now open.
• The second phase to open the central area is planned to open for Autumn/Winter 2026.
• The third phase for the easternmost area of the reserve will remain closed for the time being while appropriate access for visitors is explored and secured.

For further information on the phased opening of the three sections of the reserve, please see the James Adler Reserve map at the bottom of the page.

With a mix of woodland, scrub and grassland, the newly acquired James Adler Nature Reserve offers exceptional opportunities to further re-wild and enhance the landscape, while strengthening our presence in the south of the county.

The reserve is located within the Welland Valley which includes some of the most heavily modified and nature depleted areas of lowland England, further increasing the importance of this new acquisition.  It is also included within the Rewilding Harborough project area, an ambitious partnership project delivering landscape scale nature recovery across south Leicestershire.

The land was generously gifted to us by Michael Adler as a beautiful legacy to his son, James. Mr Adler had originally intended to leave the land to James, with whom he shared many visits to enjoy the wildlife found there. Following his son’s passing, he chose to gift the site to us in his memory.

This special place already supports a wide range of common butterfly and damselfly species but holds enormous potential for further habitat creation and biodiversity improvement as the site matures. Opportunities to develop new wetland habitats and to enhance the River Welland which runs through the reserve are being explored. These efforts could encourage a greater variety of wildlife to make the reserve their home, while also helping to alleviate local flooding.

In recent times, an incredible 22,000 trees have since been planted with the support of the local community, and specialist contractors have been employed to re-wet areas by locating and breaking existing land drains.

As we begin the next chapter in this landscape’s story, we do so with deep gratitude for the Adler family’s generosity and with a clear vision for restoring and connecting vital habitats across south Leicestershire. With thoughtful management and a long-term commitment to nature recovery, this reserve will grow into a thriving haven for wildlife and a lasting legacy that honours James’s love of the outdoors.