The site earmarked for a major new nature-inspired visitor attraction in Oakham, is launching a programme of events this summer for locals to enjoy.
From guided nature safaris to foraging walks and dawn chorus experiences, Wild Rutland has announced its events calendar which all take place on the grassland and wooded landscape which stretches from Oakham bypass to Burley woods.
Wild Rutland wants to create a place that immerses you into the natural environment, giving people the opportunity to connect with nature. The wild and biodiverse landscape and the broad mix of animals that are and once were native to the British Isles, will allow visitors to explore a unique and exemplary British Wildlife Park.
CEO of the Wild Rutland project Hugh Vere Nicoll said, “We are delighted to announce these events for nature lovers which will enable our visitors to access Burley Wood and surrounding landscape which will in time we hope, become our Wild Rutland attraction.
“As we prepare to submit our plans to the council for consideration, it feels the right time to open the site to visitors for a short time and showcase some of the landscape and its natural beauty. The site has always been closed to the public so to finally be able to show people how beautiful this landscape is with a series of small carefully curated events this summer, is a great opportunity.”
The full planning application for the nature reserve and wildlife park is currently being completed for submission to Rutland County Council later this year.
Following an exhibition in March last year, in which the ambition of the project was presented to local people, the team behind Wild Rutland has been working hard on its masterplan designs following local feedback.
“Wild Rutland would facilitate education about nature and the joy of the natural world, whilst positively reflecting and promoting Rutland to a local, national and international audience.
“A Visitor Hub is proposed, to host lectures and workshops with dedicated guides employed to lead tours and information sessions - providing a platform to educate people on the importance of responsible access to nature and wildlife management.
“Our mini calendar of events this summer will we hope be a precursor to everything we want to be able to offer once Wild Rutland opens fully,” said Hugh.
The series of nature events will be listed on the Wild Rutland website and can be booked online at Wild Rutland | The destination for the curious adventurer
| 11.6.25 | A Walk in the Woods | Hosted by Tim Appleton, discover the secrets of Burley Wood - the largest ancient woodland in Leicestershire and Rutland |
| Veteran Tree Safari | An afternoon walk to see the ancient and veteran trees of Burley Wood. A chance to explore the history of some of the oldest trees in Leicestershire and Rutland. | |
| 24.6.25 | The Original Rutland Ospreys | An afternoon with Tim Mackrill, and a chance to view and photograph site B, the original site of nesting osprey in England. |
| 1.7.25 | The Original Rutland Ospreys | An afternoon of osprey, with the chance to view and photograph site B, the original nesting site of osprey in England. |
| 5.7.25 & 14,7,25 | A Glow Worm Safari | Explore Burley Wood at night, with the chance to view the once common sight of female glow worms twinkling in the moonlight, to attract a mate. |
| 24.7.25 | A Morning of Moths | A morning exploring the magical world of our wonderful moth population and checking our live trap moth surveys at Burley Wood, home to some of the UK’s most rare species. |
| The Original Rutland Ospreys | An afternoon of all things Osprey, with the chance to view and photograph site B, the original nesting site of Osprey in England. | |
| 6.8.25 | A Walk in the Woods | Join Tim Appleton and the Wild Rutland team for a guided walk in the historical Burley Woods. |
| 14.8.25 | A Morning of Moths | A morning exploring the magical world of our wonderful moth population and checking our live trap moth surveys at Burley Wood, home to some of the UK’s most rare species. |
| 8.10.25 | A Walk in the Woods | Join Tim Appleton for a walk in the historic Burley Woods to admire the change in season as summer goes and autumn arrives. |
| 9.10.25 | The Deer of Burley Wood | A walking tour to spot the fallow, roe and muntjac deer within Burley Wood. If conditions are right you’ll have the chance to enjoy of the fallow bucks at their stands, their calls echoing through the woods. |
| 16.10.25 | The Deer of Burley Wood | A walked tour to spot the fallow, roe and muntjac deer within Burley wood. If conditions are right you’ll have the chance to enjoy of the fallow bucks at their stands, their calls echoing through the woods. |
