Accessing Nature in Charnwood

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Charnwood Borough is predominantly a rural area.It is blessed with spectacular countryside and open spaces for people to enjoy and for wildlife to flourish.

 ‘Accessing Nature in Charnwood’ is a three-year project funded by the Big Lottery which aims to offer more opportunities for local people to enjoy natural green spaces in Charnwood, particularly in and around Loughborough, Mountsorrel, Syston and Thurmaston.  We  especially want to support and encourage those individuals or groups who find it difficult to visit  local open spaces, just don't know where to go or want to learn more about the natural heritage of the area.  

We can offer:

• Guided  Walks – walks for exercise or discovering wildlife some of which will be contained within Charnwood Borough Council's walk programme.  For more information contact Nita on 01509 643594. 
• Practical conservation work on local wildlife sites
• Cultural activities and events
• Outings to the local countryside such as Charnwood Forest
• Help in setting up ‘Friends of’ groups to manage local nature reserves.

 WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS

The Accessing Nature in Charnwood Project can also offer opportunities to get involved as a wildlife volunteer, either through practical tasks,or as a wildlife walk leader, events organiser or wildlife recorder.If you can make a commitment or would like more infromation  please contact the Access to Nature Officer

Accessing Nature in Charnwood  is part of  a wider  National Project

  Nationally, Access to Nature is a £28.75 million grant scheme to encourage people from all backgrounds to understand, access and enjoy our natural environment.  It is part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme and is run by Natural England.

 Through this programme, Natural England aims to create opportunities for people to have greater access to our natural environment and bring a lasting change to their awareness and understanding as well as improved links to the natural world, which many of us can take for granted.

Since it opened for applications in April 2008 Access to Nature has funded some excellent projects including, for example, disability trampers being available across the South West; supporting black and minority ethnic (BME) communities to get more involved with national parks; as well as many projects which are providing a range of volunteering and educational opportunities for local communities and young people.

People are firmly at the core of this scheme. We all have a right to enjoy the environment but for some people this is easier than it is for others, whether through lack of opportunities, understanding or simply physical access.

 Please see the contacts information to the left if you require more information and view our video on Youtube or below.