Proposed safari site could house bears and wolves

Brown bears, lynx and wolves could be seen in Rutland as part of plans to create a 1,000-acre British safari experience.

A planning application has been submitted to build the Wild Rutland attraction on Burley Estate farmland, parkland and woods between Oakham bypass, Rutland Water and Burley Wood.

Long-term aspirations could see native animals including Eurasian brown bears, lynx and wolves reintroduced inside holding pens, according to developers.

Planning documents said the project would showcase "the wonder of British wildlife" if given the go ahead.

Boardwalks will need to be built to allow visitors to access the different habitats, sculptures, viewing platforms and animal enclosures planned across the site, the Wild Rutland Partnership said.

A barn on the site is planned to be refurbished while the scheme would also see a Close Encounters area to show small mammals, reptiles and insects to visitors, and a high ropes course and outdoor woodland play area built.

Chief executive of the Wild Rutland Partnership, 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."

As well as the wider nature reserve, Rutland council will be asked to approve a Visitor Village with a main reception including a shop, cafe and indoor play area, a restaurant, and an education and exhibition building.

A barn on the site is planned to be refurbished while the scheme will also see a Close Encounters area to show small mammals, reptiles and insects to visitors, and a high ropes course and outdoor woodland play area built.

Two clusters of self-catering guest lodges are proposed, with 22 lodges to the west of the site and nine more to its east, alongside a communal dining lodge.

A number of offices and animal care buildings are also proposed.

Rutland County Council has been consulting on the planning application, with a decision expected on the plan by late May.

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