Early collaboration between Harborough District Council and Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust initiated the Council purchase of 133 acres of land at the heart of what is now the wider project area. This act also became the catalyst to attract other interested parties to the project, resulting in a strategic partnership.  

The Partnership consist of five key partners: Harborough District Council, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Market Harborough & Bowden’s Charity, East Mercia Rivers Trust and Anglian Water. All of which are committed to the delivery of the Strategic Partner Vision: 

‘Together we aim to restore and reconnect habitats at scale across the District, creating a resilient and healthy environment, accessible for people, teeming with nature and rich with opportunities for learning, health and wellbeing.’ 

Why now? 

Nature is struggling with the latest State of Nature report (2023) indicating an average decline of 32% in species abundance across England since 1970. Habitat loss, habitat degradation and climate change present the most significant impacts driving these declines. 

Why here? 

South Leicestershire contains some of the most heavily modified and nature depleted areas in lowland England with only small, isolated and often inaccessible pockets of nature remaining within the landscape.  

This is also reflected within the recently adopted Leicestershire & Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy which identifies the project area as a priority for targeted nature recovery opportunities.    

There are also limited opportunities for local people to access wilder, nature rich green spaces.   

What is ‘rewilding’? 

‘Rewilding’ is a nature led approach to restoring and creating habitats to provide places for nature to thrive. There are no fixed actions to this approach, and options can range from doing very little to complex habitat creation and/or species reintroduction projects. However, it is essential to allow nature to lead the way and harness natural processes to bring nature back.   

Project progress 

A Governance structure has since been developed and adopted to support decision making and guide the direction of the project. This is formed of several working groups which include representation from the five strategic partners, elected Members, specialist organisations and Government Agencies. 

A masterplan detailing land use and habitat intervention options for the core area owned by Harborough District Council is in development which is to be finalised later this year (2026). This is progressing in tandem with exploring potential funding options to deliver outcomes from the master planning process. 

Project staff have also delivered numerous public engagement events to promote the Rewilding Harborough project. These events have included illustrated talks, guided walks and volunteer/community supported habitat creation work within the project area.