Plans for eco-park in Whitwick gets green light from council

Work on the site is set to begin in the autumn.

Plans to create an eco-park at Hermitage Recreation Ground have been approved by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

Councillors have approved plans for an outdoor activity trail and a ‘tiny forest.’

Work on the site is set to begin in the autumn.

Plans for the eco-park include:

• Installing outdoor equipment as part of an outdoor obstacle course for children of ages three to 18
• Planting 3,500 extra trees and a fast-growing native woodland, known as a Tiny Forest in partnership with Earthwatch UK, with an invitation to the community to plant and care for over time
• Introducing a number of interactive points and information boards along footpaths to engage children, such as balancing logs
• Creating five additional footpaths and a footbridge between Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre and Hermitage Recreation Ground.

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “Our vision is to create a biodiverse area that would serve as an attractive visitor destination for families.

“The local community is at the heart of these plans and it’s great to hear that our proposals reflect their idea of what an eco-park looks like.

“With their backing and the green light from Cabinet, we can start thinking about the next steps and getting started on site which is likely to be in the autumn.”

NWLDC has secured £282,000 to fund the project and is working in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, Everyone Active, The National Forest and Earthwatch UK. This project has received £130,000 from the UK Government through the UK Share Prosperity Fund.