Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

Drystone wall and rocky outcrop in Altar Stones

The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) is one of 46 wildlife trusts across the United Kingdom. It manages nature reserves in Leicestershire and Rutland, and was founded in 1956 as the Leicestershire and Rutland Trust for Nature Conservation. As of January 2018, it has over 16,000 members,Template:Efn a staff of about 25 and more than 500 volunteers. It is based in Leicester, and is managed by a Council of Trustees which is elected by the members.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is a charity which covers all aspects of nature conservation, and works to protect wild places and wildlife.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Leicestershire has an area of Template:Convert,<ref name=eb>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> and a population according to the 2011 census of 980,000.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Leicester City Council is a unitary authority,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the rest of the county is administered by Leicestershire County Council at the top level, with seven district councils in the second tier, Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby and Wigston.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Rutland is mainly rural, but has two market towns, Oakham, the county town, and Uppingham.<ref name=oha>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The county has an area of Template:Convert, and the 2011 census showed a population of 37,400.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref>

LRWT manages thirty-three reserves covering almost Template:Convert.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Nineteen are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, two are national nature reserves, one is a Ramsar internationally important wetland site, one is a Special Protection Area under the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, two are Nature Conservation Review sites, three contain Geological Conservation Review sites, one contains a scheduled monument, one is a local nature reserve and two are owned by the National Trust. The largest is Rutland Water at Template:Convert, a major wetland area which is one of the richest reservoirs for wintering wildfowl in the country.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The smallest is Bloody Oaks Quarry at Template:Convert, which has species-rich grassland on Jurassic limestone.<ref name=bloody/>

Sites

Public access

• PP = public access to part of site
• YES = public access to the whole or most of the site

Other classifications

• GCR = Geological Conservation Review
• LNR = Local nature reserve

• NCR = Nature Conservation Review
• NNR = National nature reserve
• NT = National Trust
• Ramsar = Ramsar site, an internationally important wetland site
• SM = Scheduled monument
• SPA = Special Protection Area under the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds
• SSSI = Site of Special Scientific Interest

Site	Photograph	AreaTemplate:Efn	LocationTemplate:Efn	Public access	Classifications	Description
Altar Stones<ref name=altar>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if:SK 485107 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord|SK 485107 _region:GB_scale:25000|SK 485107 |name=}}}}	YES		This site has outcrops of Precambrian volcanic rocks, which have uncommon lichens growing on them. The main habitat is heath grassland, and there are the remains of drystone walls and an old mill.<ref name=altar/>
Bloody Oaks Quarry<ref name=bloody>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Stamford Template:Coord {{#if: SK 970108 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 970108 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 970108 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This site has species-rich grassland on Jurassic limestone. The dominant grasses are tor-grass and upright brome and flora include rock-rose, salad burnet, yellow-wort and autumn gentian.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Charley Woods<ref name=charley>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Loughborough Template:Coord {{#if:SK 476148 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord|SK 476148 _region:GB_scale:25000|SK 476148 |name=}}}}	YES		These ancient woods are dominated by pedunculate oak, with sparse ground flora. There is a considerable amount of dead wood, which attracts a variety of birds, including all three native species of woodpecker.<ref name=charley/>
Charnwood Lodge<ref name=charn>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Coalville Template:Coord {{#if: SK 458155 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 458155 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 458155 |name=}}}}	PP	GCR,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> NNR,<ref name=nnr>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This is the largest area of moorland in the East Midlands, and it is mainly covered by bracken on dry hills, while wet heath is dominated by purple moor-grass. The site is geologically important for the 'bomb' rocks, volcanic blocks dating the Ediacaran period around 600 million years ago.<ref name=charn/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Cloud Wood<ref name=cloud>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Loughborough Template:Coord {{#if: SK 417214 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 417214 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 417214 |name=}}}}	PP	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Cloud Wood is an ancient semi-natural wood on clay. The dominant trees are ash and pedunculate oak, and ground flora is very diverse, including pendulous sedge, yellow archangel and giant bellflower.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Cossington Meadows<ref name=coss>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SK 597130 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 597130 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 597130 |name=}}}}	YES		Flora on this wetland site include flowering rush, purple loosestrife and blue water-speedwell. There are several pools which attract wildfowl, such as gadwall and tufted duck, which breed on the site.<ref name=coss/>
Cribb's Meadow<ref name=cribbs>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Grantham Template:Coord {{#if:SK 899188 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord|SK 899188 _region:GB_scale:25000|SK 899188 |name=}}}}	YES	NCR,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> NNR,<ref name=nnr/> SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	The embankment of a disused railway runs through this ridge and furrow neutral meadow on boulder clay. The diverse flora includes adder's tongue fern, pepper saxifrage, hayrattle and green-winged orchid.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Croft Pasture<ref name=croft>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SP 509958 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SP 509958 _region:GB_scale:25000| SP 509958 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	The River Soar runs through this unimproved grazed meadow, which is dominated by common bent and crested dog's-tail. A knoll in the north of the site has uncommon flora such as meadow saxifrage, common stork's-bill and subterranean clover.<ref name=croft/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Dimminsdale<ref name=dimmin>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Coalville Template:Coord {{#if: SK 376219 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 376219 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 376219 |name=}}}}Template:Efn	PP	GCR,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Dimminsdale has semi-natural woodland and one of the largest areas of unimproved acidic grassland in the county. Earl Ferrers' lead mine, which is located on the site, has a unique and complex mixture of minerals such as galena and zinc blende.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Great Merrible Wood<ref name=great>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Uppingham Template:Coord {{#if: SP 834962 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SP 834962 _region:GB_scale:25000| SP 834962 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This is a surviving fragment of the medieval Leighfield Forest.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is semi-natural ancient woodland with several unusual herbs, such as broadleaved helleborine, herb paris and violet helleborine. It is thought to have the most diverse fungi of any wood in the county.<ref name=great/>
Holwell Reserves<ref name=holwell>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Melton Mowbray Template:Coord {{#if: SK 741234 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 741234 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 741234 |name=}}}}	YES		Former quarries on this site have soil which is low in nutrients and lime-rich, creating conditions for many species of wildflower to flourish. Old mine tunnels are used by Natterer's, Daubenton's, brown long-eared and pipistrelle bats.<ref name=holwell/>
Kelham Bridge<ref name=kelham>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Coalville Template:Coord {{#if: SK 407120 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 407120 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 407120 |name=}}}}	YES		The conversion of this former sewage disposal site to a nature reserve was completed in 2002. The River Sence has been diverted to create meanders, extending flooded areas and reedbeds; 101 bird, 19 butterfly and 16 dragonfly species have been recorded.<ref name=kelham/>
Ketton Quarry<ref name=ketton>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Stamford Template:Coord {{#if: SK 977053|{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 977053_region:GB_scale:25000| SK 977053|name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Calcareous grassland on this site provides a habitat for rare moths, grizzled and dingy skipper butterflies, common lizards and adders. There are also areas of woodland, which have the only yellow bird's-nest plants in the county, and scrub, which is valuable for birds such as the turtle dove.<ref name=ketton/>
Launde Woods<ref name=launde>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SK 785036 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 785036 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 785036 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This site is in two separate areas. Launde Big Wood is ancient semi-natural woodland with a rich ground flora, including wood anemone, wood forget-me-not and sweet woodruff. Most of Launde Park Wood has been planted with conifers, but the northern third has the same range of plants as the Big Wood.<ref name=launde/>
Lea Meadows<ref name=lea>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SK 506115 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 506115 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 506115 |name=}}}}	YES	SM,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> SSSI<ref name=ulvers>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Over 240 species of plants have been recorded on these unimproved marshy meadows, and there is a stream which has white-clawed crayfish and brook lampreys, both of which are legally protected. Part of the site is surrounded by a medieval moat.<ref name=lea/>
Loughborough Big Meadow<ref name=lough>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Loughborough Template:Coord {{#if: SK 538218 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 538218 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 538218 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Summerpool Brook runs through this unimproved hay meadow, which is periodically flooded. It has diverse herbs, including great burnet, meadow saxifrage, yellow rattle, common bird's-foot trefoil, pepper-saxifrage and the nationally uncommon narrow-leaved water-dropwort.<ref name=lough/>
Lucas Marsh<ref name=lucas>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Oadby Template:Coord {{#if: SP 621998 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SP 621998 _region:GB_scale:25000| SP 621998 |name=}}}}	YES	LNR<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	The marsh is dominated by greater willowherb and common reed, while there are also areas of rough grassland, a hedge, trees and scrub. Butterflies include small tortoiseshell, speckled wood, peacock and orange tip.<ref name=lucas/>
Merry's Meadows<ref name=merry>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Oakham Template:Coord {{#if: SK 938157 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 938157 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 938157 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	These ridge and furrow meadows are the only known location in the county for the frog orchid. The soil is on boulder clay, and grasses include crested dog's-tail, sweet vernal-grass, upright brome, downy oat-grass and quaking grass. There are four ponds with common and great crested newts.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Mountsorrel Meadows<ref name=mount>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SK 590140 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 590140 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 590140 |name=}}}}	PP		This site on the bank of the River Soar was farmland until 2006, but is now managed for wildlife. Areas of wet woodland have been created by a combination of planting and natural regeneration. Other parts of the site are now wet grassland and wet scrapes.<ref name=mount/>
Narborough Bog<ref name=narb>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SP 549979 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SP 549979 _region:GB_scale:25000| SP 549979 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This site has a large area of common reed on peat, and there is also wet woodland, dominated by crack willow. Both areas have diverse butterflies and moths, including several locally uncommon species. In the south of the site there are two wet grazed meadows and more woodland.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=narb/>
Prior's Coppice<ref name=prior>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Oakham Template:Coord {{#if: SK 832051 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 832051 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 832051 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This wood is on poorly drained soils derived from Jurassic Upper Lias clay and glacial boulder clay. The dominant trees are ash and oak, with field maple and hazel in the shrub layer. There is a diverse ground flora typical of ancient clay woods.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Rocky Plantation<ref name=rocky>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SK 493118 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 493118 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 493118 |name=}}}}	YES	NT<ref name=rocky/>	This site has mixed woodland, including some mature sessile oaks, and rocky outcrops. There is a variety of fungi and birds, including great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches.<ref name=rocky/>
Rutland Water<ref name=rutland>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Oakham Template:Coord {{#if: SK 906071 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 906071 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 906071 |name=}}}}	YES	NCR,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Ramsar,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> SPA,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This site has four-man-made lagoons, with islands which provide a safe area for nesting birds. There are also wildflower meadows with species rich hedgerows, mature woods and plantations dating to the 1970s.<ref name=rutland/>
Stonesby Quarry<ref name=stonesby>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		Template:Convert	Melton Mowbray Template:Coord {{#if: SK 813250|{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 813250_region:GB_scale:25000| SK 813250|name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This site on Jurassic Lincolnshire Limestone has grassland with diverse herb species, such as autumn gentian, cowslip, dwarf thistle, small scabious, pyramidal orchid and clustered bellflower.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Tilton Railway Cutting<ref name=tilton>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Tilton Railway Cutting	Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if:SK 761055 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord|SK 761055 _region:GB_scale:25000|SK 761055 |name=}}}}	YES	GCR,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This is the best site in the East Midlands which exposes the sequence of rocks in the Lower Jurassic around 180 million years ago. There are many fossils, including Tiltoniceras acutum, an age-diagnostic ammonite.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> The site has rich flora and diverse common birds.<ref name=tilton/>
Ulverscroft<ref name=ulver>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Ulverscroft	Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SK 490124 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 490124 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 490124 |name=}}}}	YES	NT,<ref name=ulver/> SSSI<ref name=ulvers/>	The site has diverse habitats with woodland, heath, wet grassland, a pond, a meadow, marshes and sphagnum bog. The meadow has a rich flora, including fragrant orchid, devil's-bit scabious and bitter vetch.<ref name=ulver/>
Wanlip Meadows<ref name=wanlip>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Wanlip Meadows	Template:Convert	Leicester Template:Coord {{#if: SK 603104 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 603104 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 603104 |name=}}}}	YES		These meadows, which are sometimes flooded by the River Soar, are grazed by cattle. There are many birds, including the uncommon Temminck's stint and wood sandpiper. Invertebartes include grass snakes, frogs and toads.<ref name=wanlip/>
Wymeswold Meadows<ref name=wymes>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Wymeswold Meadows	Template:Convert	Loughborough Template:Coord {{#if: SK 614231 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 614231 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 614231 |name=}}}}	YES		The River Mantle runs through steeply sloping banks in this grassland site, which has diverse flora and invertebrates. Butterflies include orange tips, small coppers, common blues and small heaths.<ref name=wymes/>
Wymondham Rough<ref name=wymond>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Wymondham Rough	Template:Convert	Melton Mowbray Template:Coord {{#if: SK 831174 |{{#invoke:Ordnance Survey coordinates|oscoord| SK 831174 _region:GB_scale:25000| SK 831174 |name=}}}}	YES	SSSI<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	This site has grassland, woodland, a stretch of disused canal, a marsh and ponds.<ref name=wymond/> The clay grassland has a rich flora, dominated by common bent, Yorkshire fog, false oat-grass and cock's foot. A poorly drained area has plants such as water avens, and there are drier soils in the west of the site.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

See also

• List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Leicestershire
• List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Rutland
• List of Local Nature Reserves in Leicestershire

External links

• Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust website Template:Webarchive