Wild Rutland - an ambitious and visionary new conservation and wildlife-led visitor attraction in the heart of the English countryside - is set to deliver significant long-term economic benefits to Rutland, stimulate local business growth, and create substantial new employment and training opportunities for the surrounding community.
As a major draw for local, national and international visitors, Wild Rutland aims to strengthen the local tourism offer, increase overnight stays, enhance environmental awareness and provide an accessible green space for residents and visitors.
Plans for Wild Rutland were submitted to Rutland County Council earlier this month, laying out ambitions for a first-of-its-kind visitor experience that enables nature lovers to experience the wonder of British wildlife within a picturesque rural setting, whilst also protecting the indigenous species that live there - allowing them to thrive.
Beyond its ecological impact, the team behind Wild Rutland believes it will be a catalyst for the local economy. It is anticipated that Wild Rutland will welcome approximately 335,000 visits per year, generating sustained footfall and expenditure into the local area, building on growth in the visitor economy over recent years which has seen a steady increase in visitor numbers, economic impact and sector employment.
Hugh Vere Nicoll, CEO of Wild Rutland said: “Wild Rutland represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a truly meaningful conservation-led tourist destination and bolster Rutland’s tourism sector. Rutland is a county with exceptional natural beauty, as well as a host of fantastic restaurants, cafes and businesses. Wild Rutland aims will support the county’s economic ecosystem by encouraging visitors to stay longer in Rutland and giving them an opportunity to experience what the county has to offer.”
Set within 1,000 acres of historic parkland and woodland near Oakham, Wild Rutland plans to support Rutland’s tourism strategy and vision by offering another unique reason for people to visit and stay in the county and increase footfall for local shops, restaurants and cafes and businesses.
The destination’s high quality accommodation offering will provide much needed places for visitors to stay overnight in the county and explore the surrounding villages and attractions. By encouraging longer stays and attracting both national and international visitors, the development is projected to generate around £12,000,000 per year for Rutland, supporting local businesses and enriching the wider community.
Wild Rutland’s plans include a nature inspired visitor zone, to support the site’s operations and offer extensive high-quality food and beverage outlets which will create jobs for the local community as well as opportunities for local businesses.
During its two-year construction phase, Wild Rutland is projected to inject £67,000,000 into the local area. Once operational, the project will offer a welcome boost for the regional workforce by creating approximately 75 direct jobs, prioritising local recruitment, alongside numerous part-time, indirect, and supply-chain roles.
In addition to creating new jobs, Wild Rutland will create new education and training opportunities designed to nurture a deep appreciation for the natural world and support development of practical skills. As part of its commitment to supporting local careers in conservation, Wild Rutland aims to launch specialist apprenticeships schemes to create new career pathways, focusing on sustainable land and woodland management.
Through events and hands-on conservation projects, Wild Rutland will also offer volunteering and engagement opportunities for the wider community to get closer to nature, learn about wildlife and play a vital role in its future protection.
“Education and training are vital components of Wild Rutland. By creating meaningful opportunities for people to learn, volunteer and build careers in conservation, we are not only protecting wildlife today but also investing in the people who will care for it in the future.
“The plans for Wild Rutland were developed in close consultation with local businesses in Oakham to ensure that the project benefits everyone. We are committed to working closely with residents, local businesses, and the council throughout the development of the project and once its open to the public. Our goal is to create something the whole community can feel part of and be proud of,” Hugh added.
