A number of Rutland residents have come together to raise concerns about the future use of land in Uppingham that has previously described as 'unused' that provides a natural haven for wildlife.  

At a council meeting on 5 November, the town council put out a call to local groups to find out what they would be interested in developing the site behind the Elms housing estate off Leicester Road. Space for youth football, archery club and dog walking are all options being considered. 

The residents are keen to highlight that is has, over several years, become a valuable wildlife habitat and is already functioning informally as a nature rich space and the use of the space for recreation will undermine the ecological value.  

Nicky, who lives near-by, said: 'While the land has been described as 'unused', residents have observed for many years that it functions as a valuable wildlife habitat, supporting protected species and birds of conservation concern. Any future decisions about the use of this land should start from an accurate understanding of the site's existing ecological value.' 

Barn own, muntjac and badger spotted at the site (Photo: provided)

Regular observations by residents have included sightings of protected species and birds of Conservational Concern, including barn owls, tawny owls, deer, badgers, song thrush, linnet, reed bunting and woodpeckers, as well as other woodland wildlife. 

Habitat changes, increased light and noise pollution and human disturbances could significantly affect the species that currently rely on the site.  

One the residents, Tom, explained: 'This isn't about keeping the land for a few residents, but about recognising its existing nature value and the wider benefits it could offer the whole community if managed sensitively. Uppingham currently lacks natural parkland, and a nature-led approach could be a real asset to the town. 

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Another resident, Joe, emphasised the importance of protecting green spaces: 'The UK is currently one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, but it is local opportunities like this that can support the reversal of this decline. 

'This is a unique opportunity to turn an unmanaged space into a thriving sanctuary for both people and wildlife.' 

The land is also between four Sites of Specialist Scientific Interest, managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Priors' Coppice, Great Merrible Wood, Launde Wood, Rutland Water. 

The group believe that the land by the Elms could be functioning as a natural stepping stone for these important species. 

The group have been 'engaging constructively' with the council to provide additional context about the site. They have also been in touch with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust to get more details about the ecological importance of the site. 

It has been confirmed that this piece of land falls within the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy priority areas, specifically within an area identified as "Areas that could become of particular importance for biodiversity", supporting the need to retain the land for wildlife.