John Craven opened the new trail

Since 1999 almost 50,000 new trees and shrubs have been planted around the walk.

Ecological surveys have found areas of diverse habitats which, despite the noise of planes, are home to numerous rare birds and animals.

Hedgehogs from the Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital have been released back into the wild on the site where special hedgehog hotels have been built for them.

Will Heynes, the airport's technical director, said: "There is no doubt that future airport growth is vital to the economic wellbeing of the East Midlands region.

"This preliminary step is an exciting move forward and early visitors will be surprised at the already established wealth of wildlife.

"It is a project we will develop in years to come."