The trust, which was founded in 1956, has grown over the seven decades, and now has 37 sites, with more than 19,000 members and 700 volunteers supporting the conservation work.<\/p>\n
One of the first reserves to come into its care in the 1960s was Charnwood Lodge, in Coalville, which is now a national nature reserve recognised for its geology and wildlife.<\/p>\n
The establishment of Rutland Water Nature Reserve followed in 1976 – after one of the first agreements of its kind with Anglian Water – which saw a newly-constructed seven-mile reservoir and about 350 acres of surrounding land. <\/p>\n
Five years later, the reserve was internationally recognised as part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest and later declared a Special Protection Area and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.<\/p>\n
Rutland Water has developed over the decades with a new visitor centre and a volunteer training centre – both opened by Sir David Attenborough.<\/p>\n