Proposed Rutland safari site could house bears and wolves

A planning application has been submitted to create a 1,000-acre Wild Rutland safari on Burley Estate that could include holding pens for Eurasian brown bears, lynx and wolves. Rutland County Council is consulting on the proposal and expects to decide by late May.

Developers have submitted a planning application for a 1,000-acre Wild Rutland safari on Burley Estate, comprising farmland, parkland and woods between the Oakham bypass, Rutland Water and Burley Wood. The proposal includes habitats, boardwalks, viewing platforms and animal enclosures. Long-term aspirations reported by the developers include reintroducing native species such as Eurasian brown bears, lynx and wolves inside holding pens. The scheme also proposes visitor facilities, lodges and activity areas. Key details: - Site: about 1,000 acres on Burley Estate, between Oakham bypass, Rutland Water and Burley Wood. - Animals: planning documents report long-term aspirations to reintroduce Eurasian brown bears, lynx and wolves in holding pens. - Visitor facilities: a Visitor Village with reception, shop, café, indoor play area, restaurant, and an education and exhibition building is proposed. - Amenities and features: plans include boardwalks, sculptures, viewing platforms, a Close Encounters area for small mammals, reptiles and insects, a high ropes course and a woodland play area. - Accommodation and buildings: two clusters of self-catering lodges (22 to the west, nine to the east), offices, animal care buildings and refurbishment of a barn are included in the proposals. - Process: Rutland County Council has been consulting on the planning application and a decision is expected by late May. Summary: If approved, the project would establish a large visitor reserve with habitats, visitor amenities and animal enclosures across the Burley Estate. Planning documents describe the scheme as conservation-led ecological tourism and frame reintroductions as long-term aspirations. Rutland County Council is consulting on the proposal and is expected to reach a decision by late May.