Plans drawn up for new 1,000-acre wildlife attraction in Rutland

The proposals include a treetop adventure course and visitor centre and lodges for guests

Plans have been drawn up to create a new wildlife and nature reserve in Rutland.

About 1,000 acres (four sq km) of land from Burley Wood to the Oakham bypass has been earmarked for the project.

The Burley Estate Farm Partnership said its plans would help the environment and open up previously private parkland to the public.

The firm said it wanted to create a "British wildlife safari" experience, called Wild Rutland.

Preliminary planning documents for the attraction have been lodged with Rutland County Council.

'Safari of discovery'

Wild Rutland chief executive officer Hugh Vere Nicoll said: "Many country estates across the UK are diversifying the way they manage their land in order to remain self-sufficient, be it through housing developments or renewable energy.

"Wild Rutland will bring changes to the way people interact with the parkland. The local biodiversity and nature will benefit as a result of these proposed changes.

"Our dream is to open a woodland wonder that will take you on a British wildlife safari of discovery."

Documents show the attraction could have a new café and visitor centre, a 1,000-space car park, a treetop adventure course, and lodges for guests staying on site, on the north shore of Rutland Water.

They said a full application was expected later this year and, if permission was granted, construction work could be complete in 2025.

The county council is assessing the plans.