Bradgate Park gains National Nature Reserve status to protect rare fossils

Leicestershire’s Bradgate Park, which inspired a young Sir David Attenborough and his love of all things nature, has been named a new National Nature Reserve. The much-loved beauty spot, near Newtown Linford, has been given the coveted status as part of ongoing celebrations to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

The site, which spans 439 hectares, is home to rare fossils of early marine life forms from the Precambrian period more than half a billion years ago. The fossils, known as the Ediacaran biota, can only be found in Bradgate Park. Their discovery helped revolutionize people’s understanding of how life evolved on Earth.

As well as its rich history over the centuries, Bradgate Park is also known for its wildlife, including deer. important grassland habitats and some of the only grasslands left in the area. The park also includes the remains of Lady Jane Grey’s childhood home.

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Bradgate Park’s new National Nature Reserve status also extends to the nearby Swithland Wood reserve, which includes the former Swithland Slate quarries. The site is home to the rare ‘Charnwood spider’ as well as other important wildlife including the green woodpecker and the great woodpecker.

James Dymond, director of the Bradgate Park Trust, which manages the sites, said: “This is a landmark moment for Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood. They host some of the oldest fossils and rocks in England and for the conservation value of the site to be recognized in this way is a fantastic achievement.”

The status of the National Nature Reserve was announced today by Natural England. The site is one of those chosen for the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves project. The initiative aims to leave a lasting public legacy to people and nature by creating a series of reserves to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Five new National Nature Reserves will be announced each year until 2027.

Tony Juniper, chairman of Natural England, said: “This national nature reserve at Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood is not only an important step towards restoring nature, but being so close to Leicester is also a great example of how we can makes nature accessible to people. living in our cities.

“The reserve will protect geological and archaeological treasures and create a larger and better connected area for wildlife. It also provides a reminder of how working in partnership can lead to nature restoration at scale, in the process helping to achieve our ambitious national environmental goals. National Nature Reserve status will help protect this site for the future.”