Nature in the Park

The ecological importance of Beacon Hill has been recognised in the designation of much of the Country Park as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by English Nature.

Native Tree Collection

Beacon Hill Country Park is situated within the new National Forest and, as part of this initiative; a Native Tree Collection has been established close to the lower car park.
Around 8,000 trees have been planted with representatives of each of the 28 species of trees and shrubs native to the British Isles and cultivated, ornamental varieties of these species.

Before and during the Second World War, many of the largest trees were felled and removed from the Park but you can still see fine specimens of Beech, Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine, remnants of bygone days.
Most of the wooded areas on the Park have been replanted since then or have grown naturally. The native Charnwood Forest trees are Oak and Silver Birch. These wooded areas provide homes for a great variety of insects, birds and animals.

The open heathland around the slopes of Beacon Hill is of special value, providing an important habitat for a wide range of plants, insects, birds and mammals, many of which require such conditions for their survival.
Unfortunately, the wildlife value of the heath has declined over recent decades due to the gradual spread of bracken, scrub and trees, replacing heathland plant communities.
With the support of English Nature and The Countryside Agency, Leicestershire County Council has begun a long-term programme to restore the heathland around Beacon Hill. This involves reducing invasive species of plants and trees and encouraging the growth of Heather, Bilberry, Heath Bedstraw and other characteristic heathland plants.
The attractive mosaic of heathland vegetation, which is re-emerging, supports a wide range of insects and other small creatures which, in turn, provide food for reptiles, birds and mammals.