New 1,000-acre British safari with bears, lynx and wolves is revealed in plans for top tourist spot
A MAJOR new safari park could be coming to the East Midlands.
The “ambitious” planning proposal would see bears, wolves, and even lynxes arriving to a 1,000-acre woodland.
Wild Rutland Partnership hopes to open a new nature conservation and wildlife park in Rutland, near Leicester.
If given the green light, Wild Rutland would house Eurasian brown bears, lynxes and wolves inside holding pens, with animal lovers able to see the mammals from various different viewing platforms.
The proposed safari park would be built on a huge site stretching from Burley Wood to Oakham bypass.
A barn already on the land is expected to be refurbished to house small reptiles and insects.
Plus, Wild Rutland is also seeking approval of its Visitor Village.
This would consist of a main reception area with a shop, a café, a restaurant, an indoor play area, as well as an education and exhibition building.
There will also be 22 self-catering guest lodges and a communal dining area for visitors who wish to stay the night.
A decision by the council is expected to be made in May.
CEO of Wild Rutland, Hugh Vere Nicoll, said: “Wild Rutland aspires to be an exemplar model of conservation-led ecological-tourism – one that restores heritage landscapes, reconnects people with nature and sets a benchmark for sustainable land management in the UK.
“Wild Rutland is driven by a team with a deep knowledge and respect for the site and the local area, working with experts in the fields of restoration, conservation, education, tourism, attraction development and management.”
