For the first time in more than 1,000 years, native bears, wolves and lynx could be seen within the Rutland countryside if local proposals, announced this week, are successful.

Wild Rutland is a new nature and wildlife park in the early stages of planning, proposed within 1,000 acres of Oakham countryside. The project would deliver a visitor attraction to encourage tourism to Rutland and offer nature and animal lovers the opportunity to enjoy everything the British countryside has to offer – from ancient woodland, indigenous species, and wild animals.

The unique site hopes to offer paying visitors the opportunity for recreation, adventure, and education, complementing what the county and neighbouring tourism destinations have to offer. Two generations of the Hanbury family are leading the project - farmers and residents of Burley in Oakham for hundreds of years.

The exciting and ambitious project has been put together by Joss and James Hanbury, family members who have farmed the land in Oakham for centuries.

Joss and James Hanbury. Image credit: Wild Rutland.

With conservation at its heart, the aim is to turn over 1,000 acres of land stretching from Burley Wood to the Oakham bypass, into Wild Rutland - a public wildlife and British nature reserve.

The plan is to open an immersive visitor attraction for nature and wildlife lovers, which complements the area and offers a place where the local community and tourists can enjoy the natural world in all its glory.

Re-introducing British species into the wild including Eurasian brown bears and lynx, both native to Britain until their extinction over a millennia ago, along with grey wolves which roamed free in the UK until the 17th century – will mean Wild Rutland is one of the only reserves in Britain where visitors can reimagine the landscape as it once was.

"Like many farms in the UK, Burley needs to diversify in order to remain self-sufficient, but it has been a long-held dream of our family to develop a project that benefits the natural environment, builds upon what Rutland has to offer both residents and visitors and retains the integrity of the county," said James Hanbury.

"We hope that our proposal will be seen as complementary to what is already on offer in Oakham for nature lovers, and provide a place where people can explore and learn more about indigenous species and their habitats. We sincerely hope that Wild Rutland will enhance the county and be something that Rutland can be proud of."

The planning application, which is anticipated to be submitted to Rutland County Council next year, will set out the nature park's mission to improve the biodiversity of Burley Wood and the surrounding fields.

James added: "Wildflower meadows would be created from areas that currently grow arable crops, we would introduce native trees and, in an appropriate and controlled manner, some indigenous animals that are either extinct in Britain or very rare.

"The overriding intention is to improve the natural habitat and ecology of the area, which in turn will create new opportunities for greater bird, insect and reptile diversity. Ultimately, our ambition is that Wild Rutland will facilitate education and understanding and encourage people to enjoy the natural world, whilst reflecting positively on and promoting Rutland to a wider audience."

The team behind Wild Rutland intends that the vision should be shaped through genuine consultation and collaboration with all relevant local authorities, residents, neighbours, businesses, and environmental agencies.

CEO, Hugh Vere Nicoll, said: "It is hoped that this style of collaborative approach will ensure that the final proposal delivers the maximum benefits to the local environment, landscape, community and economy."

Stay in touch with the progress of the project on the website and social media channels by visiting www.wildrutland.com

The full planning application is due to be delivered to Rutland County Council in 2024.