Great Park Reports

The Great Park will open up the currently restricted landscape to the benefit of the people of the region

In 1997 the Co-op Bank committed £300,000 to the development of 4 community woodlands, the total area of which amounts to more than 250 hectares of land. Between 1999-2007 we raised £4.5 million for the RSPB and for Britain's threatened wetlands, and in 2007 the bank raised enough money to help the woodland trust plant 5500 trees across the UK.

What we can do for the eco-town

• The protection of important views around the eco-town, including historic landscapes and particular aspects of the countryside in Harborough; protection of sensitive views both of and from villages in the area, some of which include conservation areas.
• Adding to the rural landscape of the area through plans for new habitat creation, woodland planting and the location of farmland next to existing settlements.
• Providing an informal recreational environment around the town – easily accessible green spaces for walking or cycling.
• Enhancing biodiversity in the area through a series of initiatives which will transform what is currently agricultural land. These include the creation of a new area where local rare species can be reintroduced, protected and used as a resource for education and training.
• Substantial enhancement of woodland and hedgerows which would encourage the population growth of species including the dormouse, skylark, linnet and nightingale.