Exciting project to improve country park

Work to boost biodiversity and showcase heritage woodland skills is underway at Fosse Meadows Country Park. 

This new phase of long-term woodland management comes courtesy of site custodians, Green Circle Nature Regeneration CIC, who lease the popular green space from Blaby District Council. 

Alongside qualified arborists, Green Circle will be carefully felling selected trees. This will address overcrowding which is resulting in poor tree health, weak growth and limited light reaching the woodland floor. 

Thinning the plantation is vital to allow stronger trees to flourish, encourage biodiversity and create a richer, more sustainable woodland experience for visitors and wildlife. 

Wind-blown larch trees are also being removed with this timber repurposed to build a temporary shelter for hosting guests attending courses in traditional woodland crafts. 

Here Green Circle’s passionate not-for-profit team and the team from Green Life Solutions will collaborate on bringing heritage skills to life. 

From pole lathing and furniture making to creating decorative and practical items for the home and garden, these workshops will celebrate the timeless skills rooted in Britain’s woodland heritage. 

Professor Sarah Gabbott, from Green Circle, said: "This work marks a major step in making Fosse Meadows a living example of regenerative woodland management. Visitors will soon notice more light filtering through the canopy, healthier trees and vibrant undergrowth teeming with life. 

"It’s a win for nature, a win for people - and it’s just the beginning. Green Circle want to take people with them on this journey. Keep an eye out for upcoming engagement days and hands-on courses in traditional woodland crafts. 

"While work is underway, please respect all cordoned-off areas and signage. These measures are in place to ensure everyone’s safety while the woodland transformation takes place."

Councillor Nigel Grundy, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "It’s wonderful to see Green Circle making such a difference at Fosse Meadows. We had already been working with them informally for around 18 months before deciding they were the right custodians for this cherished country park. 

"With a 20-year lease officially signed in March we are confident Fosse Meadows is in good hands both for wildlife and for the public." 

For updates on the project and upcoming courses, follow Green Circle Nature Regeneration on Facebook and Instagram @greencirclenature as well as Blaby District Council’s official channels. 

Councillor Nigel Grundy
Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets

Notes to Editors: 

Green Circle is a Community Interest Company, which exists to benefit the community not private stakeholders. Its remit is to conserve and improve the natural environment while maintaining and broadening public access.