\ufeffThis summer marks a remarkable milestone for Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust. In 2026, the organisation celebrates 70 years since its foundation, alongside two other significant anniversaries: 50 years since the creation of Rutland Water Nature Reserve and 30 years since the launch of the pioneering Rutland Osprey Project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, the anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect on one of the region\u2019s most significant conservation success stories. Today, the Trust manages more than 30 nature reserves covering around 3,000 acres, supported by 34 members of staff, 700 volunteers and 20,000 members across Leicestershire and Rutland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leading the organisation is Chief Executive Mat Carter, who describes the role as his dream job after a career spent with organisations including Natural England, the Environment Agency, the National Trust and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe attraction for me was coming to an organisation where we can see local actions, real improvements on the ground and make a difference to sites,\u201d says Mat. \u201cWildlife Trusts are really good at that because they are local organisations working on local landscapes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bigger, Better and More Connected <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Trust\u2019s reserves range from ancient woodland and species rich grassland to wetlands and lakes, providing habitats for an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Rutland Water Nature Reserve remains one of the region\u2019s richest sites for biodiversity, and this summer marked a special milestone with the Big 50 Wildlife Recording Event, held as part of celebrations for the reserve\u2019s 50th anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over 50 hours, wildlife experts, local naturalists and visitors worked together to record as many species as possible, bringing the reserve closer to its ambitious \u20185,000 in 50\u2019 challenge, the goal of reaching 5,000 recorded species in the reserve\u2019s history by the end of 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The event also highlighted the importance of community science, with an identification hub helping visitors contribute valuable records. Every new species recorded strengthens our understanding of the reserve and helps guide future conservation, ensuring Rutland Water continues to thrive as one of the country\u2019s most important places for wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Success of Rutland Water <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rutland Water remains the Trust\u2019s flagship reserve and one of the country\u2019s most important nature conservation sites. The reserve was established alongside the construction of the reservoir half a century ago and has since become internationally recognised for its wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s a fabulous county,\u201d says Mat. \u201cThe more I\u2019ve been here, the more I keep discovering really interesting areas and new places.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today the reserve attracts thousands of visitors annually while continuing to support an extraordinary range of wildlife. The diversity reflects the geology and landscapes found across Leicestershire and Rutland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think Leicestershire and Rutland has some of the most diverse habitats across the UK,\u201d says Mat. \u201cThat gives you an incredibly diverse mixture of species and habitats.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Trust carefully balances conservation with public access. \u201cPeople won\u2019t value what they don\u2019t experience,\u201d says Mat. \u201cWe want people to value nature and fight on its behalf. In order to do that, they need to see it, understand it and enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thirty Years of Ospreys <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most celebrated conservation achievement associated with Rutland Water is undoubtedly the Rutland Osprey Project. Launched in 1996 under the leadership of former reserve manager Tim Appleton, the project saw young ospreys translocated from Scotland to Rutland in an ambitious attempt to restore breeding populations to England. Thirty years later, the results have exceeded expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project, developed through a partnership between the Trust and Anglian Water, has helped establish a healthy breeding population centred on Rutland Water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the reserve\u2019s best known residents is Maya, a female osprey whose nest continues to attract global interest through the reserve\u2019s live cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe\u2019s done an amazing job of continually coming back to the site and successfully breeding,\u201d says Mat. This year, Maya is once again raising three chicks at Manton Bay, adding to one of Britain\u2019s greatest modern conservation success stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Power of Partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Partnership working has been central to many of the Trust\u2019s achievements. Mat is keen to challenge the perception that conservation and development must always be in conflict. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be growth or nature,\u201d he says. \u201cIt can actually be both.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Trust works closely with farmers, businesses, developers and landowners to improve habitats beyond its own reserves. Recent projects include partnerships with housebuilders David Wilson and the Greener Golf initiative, which helps golf clubs enhance biodiversity across their courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe can\u2019t see nature recover on our own,\u201d says Mat. \u201cWe need all those other organisations and individuals interested in supporting that work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the Trust celebrates its landmark year, the focus remains firmly on the future. \u201cWe want everybody to become a champion for nature,\u201d says Mat. \u201cThat happens when people get out onto sites, experience wildlife and see the value and joy that it brings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re lucky to have so many sites, a really well-received magazine and, these days, so many ways to keep in touch with our members to ensure everyone can feel enfranchised in experiencing the natural world.\u201d www.lrwt.org.uk<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \ufeffThis summer marks a remarkable milestone for Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust. 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