Due to the shrinking area of green space, hedgerows, and trees, it is more important than ever to create a sanctuary for nature and a recreational space to improve the wellbeing of the community away from the surrounding busy road network.

This corner of Leicestershire has around 100 million square feet of warehousing, logistics and industrial development. In fact, the area is known as ‘The Golden Triangle of Logistics’. In contrast, data from The Woodland Trust shows that South Leicestershire has only 4.3% of woodland, compared to the UK average of 13%.

Shawell Quarry, first permitted in 1958, has been worked continuously for over 60 years, and is now coming to the end of its life. The deal has always been to return the land to nature when quarrying finishes.

Not only should the land be rightfully restored as promised, but we see this as an opportunity to make a positive impact for our area. A Country Park would be an amenity for all to enjoy: for recreation, physical and mental wellbeing, as well as a much needed haven for wildlife.

Current planning and legal proposals by Tarmac, BMI Redland and Beauparc, are being considered by Leicestershire County Council & Harborough District Council. Approval of which would jeopardise this land restoration and sanction permanent industrialisation, contravening the long-lasting promises made as part of the Mineral & Waste policy.

Large areas of this site where mineral extraction has ceased have already been restored and have become a wildlife success story. Settlement ponds, rewilded areas and reed beds have attracted species such as otters, water voles, great crested newts and an annual starling murmuration.