Latest News
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Posted on 16th May 2013
Your Wildlife Trust office needs you!
Volunteers play an integral part in the success of Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and we really value their support, commitment and enthusiasm. Without volunteers ... -
Posted on 13th May 2013
Environmental Youth Project marks its achievements
The Nature Environment Wildlife Team (NEWT) has completed its project to explore, protect and inspire others about the natural world at Brocks Hill Country Park ... -
Posted on 8th May 2013
New Leicestershire & Rutland Recorder is out now
Leicestershire and Rutland are fortunate to have a long tradition in the recording of the counties’ wildlife. Plant recording, for example, started about 300 years ... -
Posted on 1st May 2013
A brighter future for bees?
The European Commission's decision to restrict certain pesticides, known as neonics, has been welcomed by The Wildlife Trusts, including Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. A temporary ... -
Posted on 26th April 2013
Read our new LRWT Blog
The Trust has launched a LRWT Blog and hope it will provide new ways of writing about the wildlife and wild places of Leicestershire and ... -
Posted on 25th April 2013
Leaping into spring?
At long last the days are getting longer and hopefully we can start to enjoy some spring sunshine. Every day should bring changes to our ... -
Posted on 17th April 2013
Creating a local ‘Bee World’
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Leicester Friends of the Earth are working together on a ‘Bee World’ demonstration project in habitat creation. A wildflower ... -
Posted on 8th April 2013
Deer population threat continues to grow
Deer are one of our largest native animal species, giving us a sense of the wild as they range across open spaces. Four species of ... -
Posted on 4th April 2013
Help your garden wildlife survive the cold spring nights
Cold weather in early spring is seriously bad news for our garden birds as well as hedgehogs and other species emerging from hibernation. In early ... -
Posted on 28th March 2013
The Rutland ospreys are coming 'home'!
Winter may still have its icy grip on Leicestershire and Rutland but a springtime good news story is unfolding at Rutland Water Nature Reserve where ... -
Posted on 25th March 2013
Grand Union Canal and River Soar survey report available now
A recent survey of the Grand Union Canal and River Soar in Leicester (including Watermead Country Park south) by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and ... -
Posted on 15th March 2013
Watch out - our Education Team needs your help
Can you spare some time to help us inspire children about nature and the environment? Our Education Team is looking for committed and enthusiastic new ... -
Posted on 8th March 2013
Concern about effect of High Speed Rail route
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is concerned about the number of sites that could be directly affected by the HM Government’s preferred route for ... -
Posted on 4th March 2013
Farming for Nature
For the first time ever all Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), of which there are 73 in the UK, will vote on the future ... -
Posted on 26th February 2013
Box clever for a couple of love birds
As well as continuing to feed the birds and supply clean water in your garden, providing somewhere for birds to roost and breed is a ... -
Posted on 14th February 2013
Children got stuck in… at Rutland Water
One cold and wet Sunday in February, seven children got stuck in…planting new hedge trees at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. They were helping the Reserve ... -
Posted on 8th February 2013
Survey report on Aylestone Meadows now available
A recent survey of Aylestone Meadows by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and local naturalists has recorded over 700 species of flora and fauna, including ... -
Posted on 4th February 2013
Protection for forests welcome
Confirmation that forests in England will remain in public ownership is welcomed by The Wildlife Trusts, including Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. In its long-awaited ... -
Posted on 28th January 2013
Huge support for strong marine protection
A huge wave of public support shook Westminster as a quarter of a million people called for greater protection for UK’s seas and coastline. The ... -
Posted on 21st January 2013
Our wild birds need your help
Spare a thought for your garden birds during this period of very cold weather and you could be rewarded with a winter watch of your ... -
Posted on 20th January 2013
Get ready for Big Garden Birdwatch 2013
The world's largest wildlife survey takes place this weekend. RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch allows the RSPB to monitor trends and helps us all to understand ... -
Posted on 15th January 2013
Two part-time office assistants required
Passionate about wildlife? Then this position could be for you. Two part- time office assistants required to assist with the annual Birdfair at Rutland Water. ... -
Posted on 10th January 2013
Pupils gain valuable outdoor skills at Forest School programme
Pupils at four primary schools in Leicester have recently taken part in the Trust’s Forest School programme, in partnership with Western Power Distribution. Forest School ... -
Posted on 3rd January 2013
Local Groups - the magnificent seven
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust’s Local Group indoor season is now in full swing. A varied programme of meetings should provide something of interest ... -
Posted on 27th December 2012
Resolve to get involved with wildlife in 2013
New Year is the traditional time for making resolutions so how about setting yourself some goals and helping wildlife at the same time? Get involved ... -
Posted on 20th December 2012
Your garden birds will appreciate some Christmas tweets
The Christmas season is a time of welcome excess for most of us but fattening up is a matter of survival for our garden birds. ... -
Posted on 13th December 2012
Moo arrival has her new name
The votes are in for the Trust’s Name the Calf competition - and the winning name is Nightshade, nominated by five year old Samuel Kavanagh. ... -
Posted on 6th December 2012
Shop with us this Christmas
Are you looking for some great Christmas presents for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts? Why not try the Trust's shop within the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre ... -
Posted on 28th November 2012
Sea horses?
The Trust's Cossington Meadows nature reserve, which lies next to the River Soar, is doing its job as part of the area’s floodplain. The recent ... -
Posted on 22nd November 2012
Name our calf and win a prize
You could be the lucky person to win a year's free sponsorship of a rare pedigree calf and, at the same time, assist the Leicestershire ... -
Posted on 16th November 2012
Ash dieback
Ash dieback is a disease of ash trees caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea, which has been spreading through Europe since 1992. Earlier this year ... -
Posted on 8th November 2012
Your invitation to the Trust’s AGM
All members are welcome to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust on Thursday November 15 (7.30pm) at Brocks Hill ... -
Posted on 30th October 2012
Make sure ‘hog roast off the menu this autumn
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is asking people to look out for hiding hedgehogs before lighting bonfires at Hallowe’en or on Bonfire Night. “Hedgehogs ... -
Posted on 23rd October 2012
Leaflet champions the Charnwood Forest Living Landscape
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is now well into its second year of work on the Charnwood Forest Living Landscape. Situated to the south of ... -
Posted on 15th October 2012
Leaving a natural legacy
From ospreys to orchids and woodlands to wetlands, gifts in wills can help Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust protect some of our most precious species ... -
Posted on 9th October 2012
Don’t mutiny on the bounty for birds
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is urging gardeners and nature lovers to give wildlife a helping hand. Autumn is the time when plants of all ... -
Posted on 1st October 2012
Bee active for our pollinating insects
Bees and other pollinating insects are vital to: Our food supply – bee cause they pollinate most of our fruit and vegetables Our economy – bee ... -
Posted on 25th September 2012
Limestone grassland creation at Stonesby Quarry
Autumn gentian and eyebright – uncommon plants of limestone grassland – have been discovered by local volunteer Derek Peet in The Glebe at the Trust’s ... -
Posted on 21st September 2012
The Wildlife Trusts continue to oppose cull
As badger culling again hits the headlines, The Wildlife Trusts remain firm in their opposition to a cull, exasperated after so many years of explaining why ... -
Posted on 18th September 2012
Remember A Charity Week
After taking care of loved ones, remember the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in your Will and see how a piece of paper can do ... -
Posted on 12th September 2012
Weather didn’t put a dampener on glow-worms
The wettest summer for 100 years has created significant problems for wildlife and for the Trust – we are still struggling to complete haymaking, a ... -
Posted on 30th August 2012
Give a bat a home
You can help the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust provide homes for bats on its nature reserves when you join Trust’s recently launched Sponsor a ... -
Posted on 24th August 2012
Catch up with ospreys and dragons this bank holiday
The bank holiday weekend could be one of your last opportunities to spot an osprey this year. Head for the Lyndon area of Rutland Water ... -
Posted on 20th August 2012
Leicestershire and Rutland rare species update
The original Leicestershire Red Data Book covering the status of rare species was published as a series of volumes in the late 1990s. Since the ... -
Posted on 8th August 2012
Make a birdline for the 24th Birdfair
Birdfair is a great day out – and is the world’s most important showcase for the nature lover. Organised by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife ... -
Posted on 2nd August 2012
Solar Powered Visitor Centre
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is delighted with new solar panels that are providing renewal energy for its Lyndon Visitor Centre at Rutland Water ... -
Posted on 30th July 2012
Keep feeding!
Whether this summer continues with its monsoon or tries to turn Leicestershire and Rutland into the Mediterranean, please keep feeding your garden birds. Some young ... -
Posted on 26th July 2012
National Marine Week - so good it lasts a fortnight!
Help save our seas during The Wildlife Trusts’ National Marine Week 2012 taking place from Saturday 28 July to Sunday 12 August. Our seas are ... -
Posted on 13th July 2012
Bad weather for wildlife
There has been much media attention focussed on the wet and cold weather affecting us recently, with flooding in some areas and the cancellations of ... -
Posted on 10th July 2012
HM Government must commit to nature in the Public Forest Estate
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust welcomes Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman’s pledge that ‘our forests will stay in public hands’ following publication of the Independent Panel ... -
Posted on 4th July 2012
Bioblitz at Rutland Water Nature Reserve
A team of wildlife enthusiasts will be attempting to record 1,000 different species at Rutland Water Nature Reserve this weekend. The 24 hour ‘Bioblitz’ organised ... -
Posted on 28th June 2012
Charnwood Forest is a Living Landscape
Charnwood Forest Living Landscape Project is conserving and enhancing the Forest’s unique wildlife, geology and character. Led by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, and supported ... -
Posted on 21st June 2012
Bas represents Trust at Highgrove Centenary reception
To celebrate The Wildlife Trusts’ Centenary, HRH Prince Charles, as Patron of the Trusts, hosted a reception for volunteers at Highgrove, his country house in ... -
Posted on 14th June 2012
Become a Friend of the Marine Conservation Zones
The Wildlife Trusts’ campaign to recruit ‘Friends of Marine Conservation Zones’ was launched on World Oceans Day last Friday. The campaign is linked to a ... -
Posted on 7th June 2012
Do your own spring watch
Don’t just rely on the television to provide you with exciting wildlife sights and sounds – use this website as a springboard to enjoy your ... -
Posted on 30th May 2012
Trust welcomes Government’s U-turn over Buzzards
The Buzzard is a magnificent bird of prey and its return to lowland England after a long absence following intense persecution by people concerned with ... -
Posted on 26th May 2012
High definition views of Osprey chick at Rutland Water
A high definition camera is providing the best-ever views of a newly-hatched Osprey chick at Rutland Water. The tiny chick hatched in a nest in ... -
Posted on 24th May 2012
Discover the flora of Leicestershire and Rutland
Spring is a wonderful time to be out and about on the Trust’s 32 nature reserves that include some of the best botanical sites in ... -
Posted on 16th May 2012
The Wildlife Trusts run up 100 years of nature conservation, not out!
May 16 is 100th birthday of The Wildlife Trusts movement and one of the ways the Wildlife Trusts are celebrating this special milestone is by ... -
Posted on 11th May 2012
New wildlife garden for Church Langton Primary School
Church Langton Church of England Primary School has celebrated the completion of their new wildlife garden, with the creation of a wildlife pond. The garden ... -
Posted on 2nd May 2012
Voluntary Trainee Reserves Officer wanted
The Trust is looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated person to become our new Trainee Reserves Officer. The successful applicant will work closely with ... -
Posted on 25th April 2012
How you can help the chicks
Garden favourites such as robins, blackbirds and dunnocks are early nesting species so are likely to have their first chicks now. You may have seen ... -
Posted on 19th April 2012
Bluebell bonanza
Awaken your senses with a walk in a bluebell wood this spring and enjoy a dazzling display of this popular native wild flower. Leicestershire and ... -
Posted on 5th April 2012
Look out for Easter Eggs this weekend
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is asking people to be on the look out for Easter Eggs this weekend. Traditionally, Easter is a time ... -
Posted on 2nd April 2012
Job Vacancy Finance & Membership Assistant
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is seeking a good all rounder for the post of: Finance & Membership Assistant Salary £15,733 pro rata 25 hours per week Mon ... -
Posted on 26th March 2012
New bird list for Cossington Meadows Nature Reserve
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is grateful to Steve Lister, the County Bird Recorder for Leicestershire, and members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological ... -
Posted on 19th March 2012
First ospreys back
Two male ospreys have returned to Rutland Water today, 19th March, from winter migration in West Africa. 5R (04) is back on his nest in the Manton Bay area of Rutland ... -
Posted on 12th March 2012
Bees, butterflies and blooms
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is supporting the BBC’s campaign to help our native bees and butterflies following their recent Bees, Butterflies and Blooms ... -
Posted on 5th March 2012
Help required with pollinator's survey
Numbers of wild pollinators are showing alarming rates of decline in the UK and abroad. Bumblebees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths are all showing signs of ... -
Posted on 22nd February 2012
Planning reforms in England: local wildlife under threat
The Wildlife Trusts are concerned that a proposed overhaul of England’s existing planning system will leave vital wildlife sites with no protection and put the ... -
Posted on 13th February 2012
Provide a home for a couple of love birds
St Valentine's Day is the start of the annual National Nest Box Week chosen because it is the traditional date when birds start to pair ... -
Posted on 9th February 2012
Recycling IT for wildlife
A new partnership between Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Absolute Networks Limited aims to reduce the amount of old IT equipment going to landfill ... -
Posted on 6th February 2012
Aylestone Meadows survey report available now
A recent survey of Aylestone Meadows by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and local naturalists has recorded over six hundred species of flora and fauna, ... -
Posted on 27th January 2012
Win an osprey cruise or £50 M&S voucher
We would like to ask you, as members of the Trust, for a few minutes of your time to complete a short questionnaire and tell ... -
Posted on 23rd January 2012
IdeasTap funding to enhance freshwaters at Rutland Water
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is delighted to have been awarded at grant from IdeasTap for a project that will improve and enhance the ... -
Posted on 19th January 2012
Enter the BIG Wildlife Garden Competition
January is a great time to plan how to make your garden more wildlife-friendly and joining the Big Wildlife Garden Competition is an excellent way ... -
Posted on 12th January 2012
The Flora of Leicestershire and Rutland: Checklist and Rare Plant Register
This new work – by the Trust’s Head of Conservation Michael Jeeves - is the first complete published listing of those flowering plants, ferns, clubmosses ... -
Posted on 4th January 2012
Get involved with wildlife in 2012
It is the traditional time of year for making resolutions so may we make a few suggestions? Resolve to visit our nature reserves. It is ... -
Posted on 28th December 2011
Tell us what you think!
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildife Trust is delighted that so many members have joined in recent years and that long-serving members continue to give such ... -
Posted on 22nd December 2011
An owl in winter
Over the past few weeks up to five short eared owls have been exciting visitors and birdwatchers to the Trust’s wetland nature reserve at Cossington ... -
Posted on 15th December 2011
Grow Wild team complete their first wildlife garden
The Grow Wild team has completed its inaugural project - helping to improve the habitat study area at Fairfield Preparatory School in Loughborough. The area already ... -
Posted on 8th December 2011
State investment in forests vital for well being
Panel must ‘bust myth’ and shout about nature’s value The Independent Forestry Panel must bust the Treasury myth about the Public Forest Estate (PFE) and ... -
Posted on 29th November 2011
Looking for a Christmas present with a difference?
Why not avoid the hustle and bustle of the shopping centres and combine a Christmas shopping trip with a nice, relaxing visit to Rutland Water ... -
Posted on 18th November 2011
View the Trust on You Tube
The Trust has recently invested in high tech remote cameras to help monitor wildlife on its reserves. The cameras can take pictures, or videos, both ... -
Posted on 11th November 2011
Rare Flora and Fauna Discoveries at Aylestone Meadows
Following the welcome decision earlier this year by Leicester City Councillors to reject plans to put football pitches on part of the Aylestone Meadows Local ... -
Posted on 4th November 2011
Youth-led environmental project launches at Brocks Hill
The Oadby and Wigston Nature, Environment and Wildlife Team (NEWTs) project is a youth-led environmental project run by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust with support ... -
Posted on 1st November 2011
You are invited to the LRWT’s AGM
Stephen Moss, leading naturalist, writer and broadcaster, will be the guest speaker at the Trust’s Annual General Meeting on November 17. He is probably best ... -
Posted on 26th October 2011
Government rated more red than green on protecting our nature and countryside
The Government is failing to keep its promises on protecting wildlife and the countryside, according to The Nature Check report launched by Wildlife and Countryside Link ... -
Posted on 14th October 2011
Newt decline blamed on poor ponds
Numbers of great crested newts are continuing to decline, with many threatened by the poor quality of the ponds they call home. A study, commissioned ... -
Posted on 30th September 2011
Grow Wild – new wildlife gardening project launched
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the start of a new wildlife gardening service ‘Grow Wild’, which aims support schools and community ... -
Posted on 23rd September 2011
Planning reforms in England: local wildlife under threat
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is concerned that a proposed overhaul of England’s existing planning system will leave vital wildlife sites with no protection ... -
Posted on 16th September 2011
Could the joy of collecting conkers be consigned to history?
One of our best-loved large trees is under threat as a recently arrived species of moth – the leaf miner - could lead to the ... -
Posted on 7th September 2011
Where have all the garden birds gone?
That is the question we are often asked at this time of year. Don't panic - September is usually one of the quieter months in ... -
Posted on 31st August 2011
Calling all keen amateur photographers!
There is just time to enter the Rutland Water Nature Reserve Photographer of the Summer Competition. So, if you snapped up a great shot of ... -
Posted on 26th August 2011
Autumn is in the air for Rutland Ospreys
Head for the Lyndon area of Rutland Water Nature Reserve this bank holiday weekend as this could be one of your last opportunities to spot ... -
Posted on 20th August 2011
Best at Birdfair
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust stand at the 23rd British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water Nature Reserve has been awarded Best Stand in Show ... -
Posted on 15th August 2011
Culling is not the cure
The Wildlife Trusts have expressed disappointment at the Government’s decision to pursue yet more trials of badger culling, as The Wildlife Trusts do not see ... -
Posted on 9th August 2011
Roll up for Birdfair 2011
Birdfair is the event of the year if you are ‘into’ birds and wildlife. There is something for all the family and you will be ... -
Posted on 2nd August 2011
Sign a scale to ‘shoal’ your support for saving our seas
To mark National Marine Week (until Sunday August 14), The Wildlife Trusts have launched ‘Petition Fish’ to demonstrate public support for Marine Protected Areas. Next ... -
Posted on 29th July 2011
What a lot of rubbish at Cossington Meadows
Visitors to the Trust’s Cossington Meadows Nature Reserve who have walked along the river are likely to have noticed a large amount of rubbish, both ...
Events
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Badger Watches at Holwell Nature Reserves
Melton Local Group Event - Holwell Nature Reserve
Monday 20th MayEnjoy an interesting evening watching the badgers at Holwell Nature Reserves.
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Birdsong for Beginners
North West Group Event - Cloud Wood
Saturday 25th MayJoin the Group at Cloud Wood Nature Reserve for this interesting and informative morning.
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Beginners Discovery Birdwalk
Cossington Meadow Nature Reserve
Wednesday 29th MayJoin this guided walk to learn about bird identification.
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Badger Watches at Holwell Nature Reserves
Melton Local Group Event - Holwell Nature Reserve
Friday 31st MayEnjoy an evening watching the badgers at Holwell Nature Reserves.
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Badger watches at Holwell Nature Reserves
Holwell Nature Reserve
Monday 3rd JuneEnjoy an interesting evening watching the badgers at Holwell Nature Reserve.