Market Update: Wild Rutland promises major boost for local economy – Full Analysis

Wild Rutland – a new conservation and wildlife-led visitor attraction – has promised to deliver significant long-term economic benefits to Rutland, stimulate local business growth, and create new employment and training opportunities for the surrounding community.

Wild Rutland aims to strengthen the local tourism offer, increase overnight stays, enhance environmental awareness and provide an accessible green space for residents and visitors.

Plans for Wild Rutland were submitted to Rutland County Council earlier this month.

Beyond its ecological impact, the team behind Wild Rutland believes it will be a catalyst for the local economy. It is anticipated that Wild Rutland will welcome approximately 335,000 visits per year, generating sustained footfall and expenditure into the local area, building on growth in the visitor economy over recent years which has seen a steady increase in visitor numbers, economic impact and sector employment.

Hugh Vere Nicoll, CEO of Wild Rutland, said: “Wild Rutland represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a truly meaningful conservation-led tourist destination and bolster Rutland’s tourism sector. Rutland is a county with exceptional natural beauty, as well as a host of fantastic restaurants, cafes and businesses.

“Wild Rutland aims will support the county’s economic ecosystem by encouraging visitors to stay longer in Rutland and giving them an opportunity to experience what the county has to offer.”

Set within 1,000 acres of historic parkland and woodland near Oakham, Wild Rutland plans to support Rutland’s tourism strategy and vision by offering another unique reason for people to visit and stay in the county and increase footfall for local shops, restaurants and cafes, and businesses.

The destination’s accommodation offering will provide places for visitors to stay overnight in the county and explore the surrounding villages and attractions. By encouraging longer stays and attracting both national and international visitors, the development is projected to generate around £12m per year for Rutland, supporting local businesses and enriching the wider community.

Wild Rutland’s plans include a nature inspired visitor zone, to support the site’s operations and offer food and beverage outlets which will create jobs for the local community as well as opportunities for local businesses.

During its two-year construction phase, Wild Rutland is projected to inject £67m into the local area. Once operational, the project will offer a boost for the regional workforce by creating approximately 75 direct jobs, alongside numerous part-time, indirect, and supply-chain roles.

In addition to creating new jobs, Wild Rutland will create new education and training opportunities designed to nurture a deep appreciation for the natural world and support development of practical skills. As part of its commitment to supporting local careers in conservation, Wild Rutland aims to launch specialist apprenticeships schemes to create new career pathways, focusing on sustainable land and woodland management.

Through events and hands-on conservation projects, Wild Rutland will also offer volunteering and engagement opportunities for the wider community to get closer to nature, learn about wildlife and play a vital role in its future protection.