The Heritage Warden network is made up of volunteers who help monitor and conserve the rich heritage of Leicestershire & Rutland’s countryside and landscape.

A Heritage Warden might gather information from local people about areas of the environment that are important to them; co-ordinate the mapping of different wildlife habitats and heritage features; act as a voice on heritage protection in each parish; liaise and network with various interested groups and bodies; bring a natural heritage slant to Village Appraisals or Village Design Statements; be a source of information and assist with community education in natural heritage issues.

A Heritage Warden is not expected to be an expert. A guidance pack is provided and the warden training events should give all the information wardens need to carry out surveys and projects in their parish. Heritage Wardens’ most essential qualification is that they genuinely care for their local environment and its heritage and cultural distinctiveness.