73 - Charnwood : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

Charnwood is a unique landscape, marked out by its geology and upland qualities, which contrast with the surrounding gentle lowlands. It is formed by a mosaic of heathland, farmland, parkland and woodland. The underlying Precambrian geology has given rise to the distinct area of land characterised by exposures of rugged, rocky outcrops. It is a relatively well wooded landscape, with many areas of mixed, deciduous and coniferous woodlands. The western part of Charnwood lies within The National Forest, which offers people extensive access, environmental education and volunteering opportunities, and the chance to become involved with local community projects.

Situated between Coalville, Loughborough and Leicester, Charnwood is surrounded by large, urban areas, but retains a rural character. Larger villages lie on the southern, western and eastern fringes, with small, linear villages in the central area. Many buildings in the central part of the area are characterised by local Charnian rocks and Swithland Slate.

Key ecosystem services provided by Charnwood include its internationally important geology – which provides fossilised evidence of the earliest forms of multi-cellular life in Britain – and its internationally and nationally important wildlife, such as the unique Charnwood spider. Recreation is also a key service: Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill Country Park are both places where local communities can enjoy the health benefits of recreation, and the reservoirs (Blackbrook, Cropston, Thornton and Swithland) provide opportunities for walking and birdwatching, as well as water supplies.

The area is facing key challenges around how to protect and enhance its unique natural assets while accommodating the pressure for modern growth and development, and significant mineral extraction. There is great scope to build on and support the partnership work of the Charnwood Forest Regional Park to protect and enhance this area, and the work of The National Forest in promoting sustainable woodland management and extending woodland (where appropriate).

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Protect, manage and promote the important geology and cultural interests of Charnwood, including the internationally significant Precambrian geology, the characteristic rocky outcrops, the unique country parks, the manor houses and the medieval monastic buildings, to ensure access and interpretation, and for people to enjoy and understand these important resources.

SEO 2

Conserve the strong settlement character of the inner Charnwood villages and ensure that development is sympathetic to the character of this rural NCA, surrounded by large and expanding urban areas. Maximise the green infrastructure and sustainable recreation opportunities.

SEO 3

Protect and significantly increase the extent and quality of the unimproved grasslands, heathlands, open waterbodies and streams, to enhance biodiversity, ecological networks, water availability and quality, climate regulation and sense of place.

SEO 4

Where appropriate, manage and expand the native woodlands throughout Charnwood to reinforce the wooded character, to increase the potential for biomass, access and recreation, and to regulate climate change and water quality.