Rutland will set "first class example" in wildlife conservation
Plans are moving forward for Oakham to be home to a new 1200-acre wildlife and nature reserve
Last updated 24th Apr 2024
Rutland will become a "prime example" when it comes to conserving wildlife, according to the director of Rutland's internationally-renowned Global Birdfair.
Tim Appleton MBE, who founded the conservation project in 1989, has now joined the team at Wild Rutland, who are looking to create a new wildlife and nature reserve in Oakham.
The project would span 1,200 acres, and would be situated between Burley Wood and Oakham Bypass.
Wild Rutland aims to re-introduce long-lost species to the UK, like Grey Wolves and Brown Bears, as well as enhance existing flora and fauna.
The idea's reportedly been met with scepticism from some residents, who raised concerns at a recent public consultation about the footfall the visitor attraction would bring, as well as the proximity of large animals.
"We can't just let those animals go into the countryside and hope for the best", said Wild Rutland CEO Hugh Vere Nicoll.
"There are fairly strict laws in place to make sure everything we do is regulated and correctly managed, including containment of anything there."
Following Wild Rutland’s first public exhibition in March, where it revealed its early plans to residents, it is now developing its full planning application for submission to Rutland County Council later this year.
'A driving force in local conservation'
On Tim Appleton's appointment to the Wild Rutland team, CEO Hugh Vere Nicoll said: “Tim is a driving force in local conservation and its phenomenal that he is working with us as special advisor to the project”
“We are honoured to have him on board and his knowledge of the Rutland landscape and his passionate work in the area to protect indigenous species is exactly what we look to emulate at Wild Rutland.
“Our ambition is that Wild Rutland will be an exemplar model of a sustainable visitor attraction that puts conservation and education at the heart of its plans, geared towards healing our landscape and allowing a connection to the natural world,” said Hugh.
Tim Appleton said of the project, “I have been a resident of Rutland for over 40 years and the county is known for its rich association with British wildlife conservation.
“I am delighted to be on board as advisor to such an important project for the region which will contribute in a sustainable way to the natural beauty and existing biodiversity of the local area.
“Wild Rutland will open up nature to new audiences and work hand in hand with other visitor attractions in the area like Rutland Water, to ensure the county remains a leader in positive nature conservation tourism,” said Tim.
He added: "We have this opportunity to demonstrate to people that come to Wild Rutland in the future, that Rutland is a first class example that will help wildlife not just in the UK, but further afield. We want to be the best example possible."
Wild Rutland is showing its Initial plans on its website, available to view until 30th April. It is inviting comment before the full planning application is submitted to Rutland County Council later this year.