Wild Rutland between Oakham and Burley Wood to host launch events before application to Rutland County Council

A site earmarked for a new 1,000-acre nature-inspired visitor attraction is to host a programme of ‘preview’ events beginning this month.

Wild Rutland is launching a series of events on grassland and wooded landscape between Oakham bypass and Burley Wood, including guided nature safaris, foraging walks and dawn chorus experiences.

The project, set on a 1,000-acre site, aims to allow visitors to connect with nature through a “wild and biodiverse landscape” and broad mix of animals in a “unique and exemplary British Wildlife Park”.

Hugh Vere Nicoll, CEO of the project, said, “We are delighted to announce these events for nature lovers which will enable our visitors to access Burley Wood and surrounding landscape which will in time, we hope, become our Wild Rutland attraction.

“As we prepare to submit our plans to the council for consideration, it feels the right time to open the site to visitors for a short time and showcase some of the landscape and its natural beauty.

“The site has always been closed to the public, so to finally be able to show people how beautiful this landscape is with a series of small carefully-curated events this summer, is a great opportunity.”

Finishing touches are being put to a planning application for the nature reserve and wildlife park before its submission to Rutland County Council later this year.

The plans were presented in a public exhibition in March 2024, and designs were created following local feedback.

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They include a visitor hub which would host lectures and workshops, while dedicated guides would lead tours and information sessions, promoting responsible access to nature and wildlife management.

The series begins with The Original Rutland Ospreys, led by Tim Mackrill, on Tuesday (June 24) with a chance to view and photograph the original nesting site.

The following day, Tim Appleton leads a guided walk through Burley Woods, followed by a veteran tree safari.

Other events in the programme - which runs until October 16 - include A Glow Worm Safari, A Morning of Moths, and The Deer of Burley Wood.

“Wild Rutland would facilitate education about nature and the joy of the natural world, whilst positively reflecting and promoting Rutland to a local, national and international audience,” Hugh added.

“Our mini calendar of events this summer will we hope be a precursor to everything we want to be able to offer once Wild Rutland opens fully.”

Visit https://www.wildrutland.com to book.