The Wildlife in and around Wanlip and Wanlip Meadows

Mute Swan with 6 Signets at Watermead park

Wanlip and its surrounding parish is rich in wildlife thanks to its proximity to the Wildlife Trust meadows and wetlands and Watermead park. These areas were once gravel extraction sites which have since been made into desirable residences for all sorts of birds, animals and plants.

Wanlip Meadows

Click on the button to see a 3 minute video of the birdlife to be found in Wanlip Meadows

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) have recently remodelled the wetland area of the meadows, creating several small islands in the shallow water. These form 'Scrapes' for birds to rest and clean their plumage. The Meadow also hosts a small number of cattle which graze on the plants around the shallow lake fertilizing the ground as they go.

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WANLIP COMMUNITY NATURE GROUP

The Wanlip Community-Nature Charter asks residents to support the Community Nature Group and to do what they can to encourage and support Nature in their gardens and around the village.

The proposed Plan subject to ratification by the Village Meeting

The Nature Group was formed to identify, advise and implement initiatives that the Parish Meeting and residents can do to bring about improvement in our environment. Specifically, it will:

Identify environmental supporting actions that residents could do in their gardens.

Give guidance on where residents can get practical environmental advice.

Form links with local organisations such as Severn Trent and The Wildlife Trust to exchange information.

Report to the Parish Meeting concerning actions being taken by the government and local councils to improve the environment.

Support the Parish Chairperson on issues relevant to nature.

Use village Fayres to promote practical ideas, particularly those that children can engage with to improve their knowledge.

Organise talks on relevant subjects of interest.

Lead any special nature projects.

To implement the above plan the group will

Nominate a member of the group to be a lead person for each element of the plan.

Produce information sheets to support residents find information to improve their garden environment.

Report on progress, as things develop, to the Parish Meeting and residents.

Manage a small budget for practical items.

Welcome suggested subjects for investigation from residents.

Wanlip Nature Group April 2026