Bid to win Unesco status for historic landscape

A landscape in Leicestershire could be set for the world stage as a bid is made to secure a prestigious international designation.

An application to get Unesco Global Geopark status for Charnwood Forest is being led by The National Forest.

The area in the north of the county is home to attractions including Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill, and is famous for its landscapes and ancient fossil finds.

Organisers behind the bid said an application would be submitted to Unesco later this year with international evaluators visiting the site in 2026.

If the application is successful, the designation would be awarded in the spring of 2027.

Geoparks are areas of outstanding geology that are used by local communities to promote sustainable economic development, conservation, and education, organisers said.

There are currently 229 Unesco Global Geoparks in 50 countries.

Charnwood Forest Geopark has been developed over the past four years as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported scheme, hosted by the National Forest.

The site has a geological story that dates back nearly 600 million years, and is home to some of the oldest animal fossils ever found.

These include a 560 million-year-old fossil representing the earliest known animal predator.

Since 2020, a partnership comprising several organisations including Bradgate Park Trust, Leicestershire County Council, the Environment Agency and the British Geological Survey, has been working to try to raise the profile of Charnwood Forest.

Dr Jack Matthews, a geo-heritage officer who is part of the team behind the application, said: “Since the discovery of our famous fossil Charnia by two schoolchildren in the 1950s, Charnwood Forest has been one of our planet’s most important places to visit and understand how animals first evolved.

“The Geopark is promoting this fascinating story through new interpretation at sites across Charnwood Forest, welcoming local people and visitors to learn more about their oldest animal ancestors and support local businesses while they’re here.

“From rocks and fossils to our unique human history, and biodiversity, Charnwood Forest has many layers of heritage, and with Unesco Global Geopark status we can share these with even more people.”