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.
Ben Hall/2020VISION
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
The Charnwood Forest Living Landscape Project, led by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and supported by Aggregate Industries, aims to conserve, and enhance the unique wildlife, geology and character of Charnwood Forest.Â
The project works alongside farmers and landowners 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.
Promote greater recognition, understanding and enjoyment of Charnwood Forest’s natural assets.
Danny Green/2020VISION