Volunteers step into the future of Rewilding Harborough

Hosted by Harborough District Council and Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, the tours took place over three days on land acquired last year near Great Bowden, close to Market Harborough. 

The visits gave volunteers the opportunity to explore the site, learn about the project’s vision, and discuss potential habitat restoration measures to support wildlife recovery.  

The walks also helped volunteers understand the scale of the project and ask questions about how the site will develop in the coming years.  

Volunteer Marian Furze said: “The walk was extremely informative and provided a great introduction into what is planned. It gave a great insight into the wider project and all the partners involved to reach the 500-acres.” 

Information about opportunities for volunteers to help monitor wildlife will be shared soon. These activities will support the council and project partners in understanding how habitats respond as restoration work progresses.  

Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “I am really pleased to hear that these opportunities to explore the site and hear more about the project are proving so popular. It is great to have so many people looking to get involved and it shows how popular this project is.” 

South Leicestershire contains some of the most heavily modified and nature-depleted landscapes in lowland England, with only small, isolated pockets of wildlife habitat remaining.  

Rewilding Harborough is an ambitious partnership project aiming to restore nature at landscape scale by creating, restoring and connecting habitats across a 500-acre area. As well as improving biodiversity, the project will create opportunities for people to connect with nature.  

Early collaboration between Harborough District Council and Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, led to the council purchasing 133 acres of land at the heart of the project area. The investment helped establish the wider partnership and attract additional organisations to support the initiative.  

The partnership now includes Harborough District Council, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity, East Mercia Rivers Trust and Anglian Water.  

Together, the partners are committed to delivering a shared vision to restore and reconnect habitats across the district, creating a resilient and healthy environment that is accessible for people and rich in wildlife.  

To find out more about Rewilding Harborough visit: www.harborough.gov.uk/rewildingharborough or email rewildingproject@harborough.gov.uk if you are interested in volunteering.