Wild Rutland, the 1,200-acre wildlife and nature reserve planned for Oakham, has named local and renowned conservationist Tim Appleton MBE as an advisor to the project.
Best known not only as the instigator of the world-famous Rutland Water nature reserve, where as reserve manager he took it to international status, but also as the founder of the renowned former Birdfair started in 1989 which has so far raised over £42 million, Tim’s vast experience and credentials in working with nature has given him a keen understanding of the impact of populations on wildlife, which he now addresses as a committed supporter of sustainable eco-tourism.
His work in the field alongside his local expertise means Tim’s insight and advice are hugely valuable to Wild Rutland – which is aiming to sympathetically establish a wildlife, education and leisure destination that is a centre of excellence for conservation, breeding and research of extinct and threatened species in the UK.
Following Wild Rutland’s first public exhibition in March, where it revealed its early plans to residents, it is now developing its full planning application for submission to Rutland County Council later this year.
“Tim is a driving force in local conservation and it’s phenomenal that he is working with us as special advisor to the project,” said CEO Hugh Vere Nicoll.
“We are honoured to have him on board and his knowledge of the Rutland landscape and his passionate work in the area to protect indigenous species is exactly what we look to emulate at Wild Rutland.
“Our ambition is that Wild Rutland will be an exemplar model of a sustainable visitor attraction that puts conservation and education at the heart of its plans, geared towards healing our landscape and allowing a connection to the natural world.”
Tim Appleton said of the project: “I have been a resident of Rutland for over 40 years and the county is known for its rich association with British wildlife conservation.
“I am delighted to be on board as advisor to such an important project for the region which will contribute in a sustainable way to the natural beauty and existing biodiversity of the local area.
“Wild Rutland will open up nature to new audiences and work hand in hand with other visitor attractions in the area like Rutland Water, to ensure the county remains a leader in positive nature conservation tourism.”
