Regeneration Champion of the Year ProCon Leicester Mercury People’s Choice Award The Heart of the National Forest Foundation has made it to the sho

Regeneration Champion of the Year
ProCon Leicester Mercury People’s Choice Award

The Heart of the National Forest Foundation has made it to the shortlist in this year’s ProCon People’s Choice Award.  Leicester Mercury readers are being asked to vote for the ‘Regeneration Champion of the Decade’ and the Foundation is one of 6 finalists.

For the past 10 years, the Foundation (set up in 1998) has led the regeneration of derelict collieries and the surrounding landscape at the heart of the National Forest, into a vibrant woodland environment for people and local communities.

Under the Chairmanship of the late Nicholas Corah, the Foundation raised over £20 million to create Conkers which welcomed its 2 millionth visitor recently.  CONKERS, a hands-on experience set in 150 acres of woods and lakes, tells the story of forests and the importance of the environment.  Attractions include indoor and outdoors exhibits, walks, outdoor shows, train rides and a daily education programme.

The Foundation’s vision is to transform at least 1000 acres of former quarries surrounding CONKERS into a forest with woods, trails, lakes and wildlife – the centrepiece of the wider National Forest.  We are working with local people and organisations to make this happen.

Already, as part of its vision, the Foundation has created the National Forest Youth Hostel, the Conkers Caravanning and Camping site and the Conkers Circuit, a 5 mile multi-user trail for walking, cycling and horse riding.

It’s your Forest and only you can help the Foundation win the Award for ‘Regeneration Champion of the Decade’.  Every single vote counts and you can vote for the Heart of the National Forest Foundation by going to:  http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Awards-vote/article-2610234-detail/article.html
The deadline for voting is Friday 1st October and winners will be announced on 11th November
Make us your People’s Choice !