Join a local group
One of our greatest strengths is our network of Local Groups, who represent us and the wildlife of Leicestershire and Rutland in their local community. This helps to give us a high profile throughout the area and provides local communities with opportunities to become directly involved in our work. Local Groups organise a wide range of activities throughout the year enabling people to enjoy and find out more about local wildlife and encouraging more support for the Trust. Activities range from guided walks and reserve open days, to slide talks and plant sales.
What's it all about?
Our local groups are the voice of wildlife and wild places at a truly local, community level. They offer a range of talks, walks and events for people of all ages to get involved with, and it's a great opportunity to meet like-minded people who share a passion for nature. You don't have to be a member to attend - groups are inclusive and welcoming, so pop along to see how you can get involved.
Talks
Groups organise illustrated evening talks from a range of interesting speakers, who come to your local area. Talks are always interesting and entertaining, and cover a range of wildlife topics, from local species to travelling and international destinations. There is sometimes a small fee for non-members.
Walks
Walks can be local or involve a bit of travel to explore new areas, either in Leicestershire or beyond to neighbouring counties. They're a fun way to learn more about wildlife with the experts and make new friends, whilst enjoying spending time in nature.
Fundraisers
Many groups organise local fundraisers or social events, including boat trips, plant sales, market stalls or craft exhibitions, and also represent Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust at bigger events, promoting membership or raising money for local projects.
Volunteering
Local groups are also a great way to find out about local volunteering opportunities. Many members of local groups organise local work parties, or you can volunteer by fundraising and helping to run groups, too. Everyone is welcome and we value the contribution of every individual.
Find your local group
Our Local Groups depend on the dedication of their volunteers - from manning stands at local events to raising funds and recruiting members. Winter meetings take place once a month and include fascinating illustrated talks on local wildlife, as well as topics from further afield. Summer programmes can vary but most Local Groups have outings to nature reserves and other areas of wildlife interest, as well as holding open-days and fundraising events.
Most of the groups charge a small admission fee. Please see the Local Group Events page for up and coming events and contact your Local Group representative for more information and to see how you can get involved (see details below).
Please note that the phone numbers given are the volunteer's home telephone number so please call at a sensible time.
Charnwood Group
Indoor meetings are held monthly on a Wednesday, 7.30pm, at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, 50 Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8RZ. These are usually illustrated talks. Guided walks and other outdoor activities and events are arranged during the summer. We try and arrange occasional Saturday afternoon walks to local or neighbouring nature reserves, with the option of a pub lunch beforehand!
2023 is our 39th year as a local group for LRWT!
To find out more about getting involved with the Charnwood Group please contact: Kate Moore on 01509 891 005, e-mail katemoore123@yahoo.co.uk or John Spencer on 0116 236 4279.
Please note: Volunteering for the Charnwood Local Group does not involve practical volunteering task days at our reserves in Charnwood, if you are interested in practical volunteering, please contact volunteering@lrwt.org.uk or visit our volunteering opportunities web page to see our current opportunities.
Great Bowden Group
Indoor meetings are held monthly on a Wednesday, 7.30pm, at Great Bowden Village Hall, The Green, Great Bowden, Market Harborough, LE16 7EU.
Guided walks and other outdoor activities and events are arranged during the summer.
Contact: Bruce White Tel: 07919 935496, e-mail bruceywhite@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Melton Group
Melton was the first local group for LRWT, founded in 1975. Indoor meetings are held monthly on a Monday, 7.30pm, at United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1LZ.
Guided walks and other outdoor activities and events are arranged during the summer.
Contact: Peter Dawson on 01664 852 119, e-mail peter.dawson69@ntlworld.com for more information.
North West Group
Indoor meetings are held monthly on a Friday, 7.30pm, at Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby, LE65 2LF.
Guided walks and other outdoor activities and events are arranged during the summer. There are also practical work parties on nature reserves in the area between September and April. Please contact David for more information.
Contact: David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Margaret Mabey on 01530 412 410 for more information.
Rutland Group
Indoor meetings are held monthly on a Monday, 7.30pm, at the Volunteer Training Centre, Oakham Road, Hambleton, Rutland, LE15 8AD
Guided walks and other outdoor activities and events are arranged during the summer.
Contact: Becky Howard on 07908 252271 for more information.
Leicestershire and Rutland Badger Group (Affiliated group)
The Leicestershire Badger Group was established in 1984 and renamed the Leicestershire and Rutland Badger Group in 2013. The Group is affiliated to the LRWT, to find out more you can visit the Badger Group website here.
We hold a series of evening talks, a New Year’s Walk and occasional summer walks.
The evening meetings are held in the Belgrave area of Leicester at the Claremont Methodist Church, Claremont Street, LE4 7QH. Admission is £2, including refreshments.
For further details contact Dr David Duckett on 0116 259 7231.
Leicestershire and Rutland Bat Group (Affiliated group)
The Leicestershire and Rutland Bat Group is a voluntary organisation formed in 1984, dedicated to the conservation of bats in the two counties. We are closely connected with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.
Members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Bat Group are invited to get involved, with bat monitoring and surveying, with appropriate training. The group also offers a yearly programme of walks and talks, open to members and non-members.
You can find out more on their website or contact lrbgcommunication@hotmail.com
Upcoming Local Group Events
Rutland Group - 40 Years of the Yaxley Nature Conservation Project
Rutland Group - AGM followed Dormice Re-introduction in VC55
