This year marks a remarkable triple celebration for the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, as it commemorates seven decades of dedicated nature recovery across the two counties. The Trust, founded in 1956, is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rutland Water Nature Reserve (opened in 1976) and 30 years since the landmark reintroduction of Ospreys to the region in 1996.
A Legacy of Conservation Success
From humble beginnings, the Trust has grown into a formidable force for local wildlife. It now manages a 37-site reserve estate, supported by over 19,000 members and a dedicated volunteer army of more than 700 people. This anniversary year offers a chance to reflect on past victories while focusing on the urgent work still needed to achieve the Trust's 2030 goal of a restored and resilient natural world for future generations.
Seven Decades of Milestones for Leicestershire and Rutland's Wildlife
The Trust's journey is a tapestry of significant achievements. The 1960s saw the first reserves, like Charnwood Lodge, come under its care. The 1970s brought a pioneering partnership with Anglian Water, establishing the Rutland Water Nature Reserve along seven miles of reservoir shoreline.
The 1980s were a period of expansion, acquiring sites such as Prior's Coppice and Tilton Cutting. In 1985, Sir David Attenborough opened the Lyndon Visitor Centre at Rutland Water, a site already designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by 1981.
The 1990s elevated Rutland Water to global importance, recognised as both a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1991. The decade was crowned by the 1996 launch of the Rutland Osprey Project, translocating chicks from Scotland to restore a species extinct in the area since 1847.
The new millennium saw the first Osprey chick born in England for over 150 years in 2001. The Trust also acquired key floodplain sites like Cossington Meadows. The 2010s brought nearly 100 hectares of new wetland lagoons to Rutland Water and a new Volunteer Training Centre opened by Sir David Attenborough.
Recent years have seen dynamic progress: dormice reintroduced, thousands of trees planted, and reserves expanded. The ambitious Rewilding Harborough project aims to transform 54 hectares of depleted land. Rutland Water celebrated its 300th successfully fledged Osprey chick and the astonishing discovery of a 10-metre 'Sea Dragon' ichthyosaur fossil, one of the UK's largest.
Looking Forward with Ambition and Hope
Mat Carter, CEO of the Trust, stated: "We can look back with pride. The victories show what is possible in the fight for nature's recovery. Thousands now visit to see the Ospreys, and Rutland Water regularly hosts 20,000 birds in winter. Our ambitions are growing; Rewilding Harborough is a landscape-scale endeavour."
He added, "Though challenges remain, there is cause for optimism. With our members' support, we will continue to work for a wilder future."
Throughout 2026, the Trust will host special anniversary events, including:
- 'Wild Walks' led by expert officers across its reserves.
- Osprey cruises for close-up views of the magnificent birds of prey.
- An open day at Cossington Meadows for families.
- A special evening celebration at The Barnsdale on July 17.
These events aim to highlight the vital bond between people and nature. Full details of the anniversary programme can be found on the Trust's website.
