The countryside next door

Leicestershire is a beautiful and astonishingly diverse county.

All too often the qualities and importance of its attractive countryside and picturesque unspoilt landscapes go unrecognised. It is the hidden county at the heart of rural England and needs to be protected.

Leicestershire’s countryside is unique, essential, precious and finite – and it is in danger. Every year, a little bit more is lost forever to urban sprawl, new roads, housing, industry and other developments.

Rural communities are threatened. Local people lack affordable housing, post offices, pubs and local shops close. Intensive farming is changing the character of the countryside and climate change, too, will have serious impacts on the rural environment and our flora and fauna.