Booth Wood becomes local nature reserve

"As a local nature reserve, not only will it offer some protection for future generations but will also help wildlife and plant species flourish."

Booth Wood in Loughborough has been designated as a local nature reserve to help support and encourage more wildlife at the site.

Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s lead member for open spaces said: “It is fantastic that Booth Wood is now a local nature reserve.

“The site offers a beautiful and accessible route to the west of Loughborough and is popular with school pupils and the local community. As a local nature reserve, not only will it offer some protection for future generations but will also help wildlife and plant species flourish.

“I would like to thank our open spaces partner idverde who worked with us to create a management plan for the site and supported our application.”

Charnwood Borough Council manages the 10-acre woodland to the west of the town.

Booth Wood is dominated by oak, with ash and conifer trees. During the spring months, the site is home to native bluebells.

As part of the process of becoming a local nature reserve, a five-year management plan was produced to outline how the area will be looked after in the future.

The plan includes ways to improve access to the wood and encourage more species to populate the area.