Harborough's rewilding project will continue - but with some changes

The ambitious scheme - which could see hundreds of acres of fields turned into 'natural rewilding' sites north of the town - seemed to be in doubt following a dramatic budget meeting in February, in which Harborough District Council’s (HDC) ruling coalition (at the time) suffered a setback when a proposal to 'pause' the proposal was voted in by Conservatives, supported by Independent and Reform UK members. The Tories later went on to take over control of the council.

Since the Conservative administration took office in April, there has been considerable speculation about the future of the council's rewilding project.

Now in opposition, the former council leader Phil Knowles - who at the time described the vote as a "wrecking motion by the Tories" - asked for assurances that the project will not be scrapped.

And now the Tories have come forward with their ideas of what should happen to the land.

HDC leader Simon Whelband said he is not scrapping the plans, but rather making some changes.

He hopes to lease one plot of land to the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust for them to manage for rewilding, while keeping another plot as open space, grazing land or be retained for future council use, including the possible expansion of cemetery provision.

"Rather than rushing to a decision, we took the sensible approach of pausing the project whilst we carried out a thorough review," said Cllr Whelband.

"We looked at all the available evidence, examined the business case, considered the environmental benefits, assessed the implications for taxpayers and explored all available options, including whether the project should continue at all.

"We promised residents we would take the time to make the right decision. That is exactly what we have done.

"Having completed that review, we believe rewilding should continue, but in a different way. We support the principle of rewilding, but we also believe the council should focus on its core responsibilities and ensure taxpayers receive the best possible value for money."

Here is the council's new approach:

Lot 1 near Hursley Park: To be kept as an informal open space for residents. However, the council also has a future need for additional cemetery provision, with Northampton Road Cemetery having an estimated 7–10 years of capacity remaining, so HDC is assessing whether this site could help meet that future need.

Lot 2 near Welham Place Depot: This is being held by the council for a potential depot expansion but in the meantime it will continue to be used by farmers for grazing.

Lot 3 next to the Anglian Water: Proposed that this land is leased to the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust for them to manage the land for rewilding.

Cllr Whelband added: "The wider rewilding project will continue, but we believe it should now be led by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust. They have the expertise, experience and specialist knowledge to lead this work, while the council continues to play a supporting role alongside our partners.

"This approach also allows the council to focus its time and resources on delivering the high-quality public services residents rightly expect, particularly as we prepare for Local Government Reorganisation and the transition to a new unitary authority."