Charnwood Forest

Charnwood Forest is a distinctive area of rugged upland landscape towards the north-west of Leicestershire. It is valued for its geological importance, rich biodiversity, landscape beauty, historical importance, and recreational role. It is also a traditional working landscape with a high proportion of land in agricultural use and, in some parts of the area, mineral working. The western part of Charnwood Forest is part of the National Forest

The East Midlands Regional Plan recognised the need for measures to protect and enhance the particular character of Charnwood Forest through a Regional Park initiative.

A conference on The Future of Charnwood Forest was held in June 2007. Stakeholder update events were held in December 2007, November 2008 and March 2011. The proceedings of all these events are available.

A Vision Statement and a series of Topic Papers have been prepared. Topic Paper 3 sets out recommendations for a formal governance structure for the Regional Park.

An exhibition celebrating the geology of Charnwood Forest has been produced by the County Council in partnership with Natural England and the British Geological Survey.