Save Ulverscroft, Copt Oak & Markfield’s Countryside

Stop Industrial Development off Junction 22, M1- Ulverscroft

The Issue

The peaceful green landscapes of Ulverscroft and Markfield are under threat from an industrial development proposal near Junction 22 of the M1, Ulverscroft. This area is part of the Charnwood Forest and National Forest, close to the Ulverscroft Wooded Valley — home to ancient woodland, rare wildlife, and much-loved walking routes.

Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!…

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose any industrial or warehouse development off Junction 22 in the Ulverscroft/Markfield area.

Why this matters:

Nature & Biodiversity – The site lies within a vital green corridor linking ancient woodland, hedgerows, and meadows. It is habitat for protected and priority species such as bats, owls, red kites, and pollinators.

Landscape & Heritage – This countryside is part of the Charnwood Forest landscape character area, valued for its scenic beauty, tranquillity, and cultural heritage.
Local Policy Conflict – The Markfield Parish Neighbourhood Plan (Sections 4.20 & 4.21) commits to strengthening the National Forest woodland mosaic and expanding green infrastructure. Industrial development here would directly contradict those aims.
Traffic & Safety – Increased HGV movements will add congestion and accident risk to rural lanes and the busy Junction 22 interchange.
Environmental Health – Noise, light pollution, and air quality impacts will harm both wildlife and human wellbeing.

What we’re asking for:

We call on Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council to:

Reject any planning applications for industrial or warehousing use in this location.

Protect and enhance the Ulverscroft and Charnwood Forest landscape as part of the National Forest vision.
Prioritise brownfield redevelopment and existing industrial sites over destruction of green countryside.

By signing this petition, you stand up for our wildlife, our heritage, and the health of future generations.

Can you help out by signing this petition?
https://chng.it/Wxgr99R65b

Church Services

Hello St Peter’s and Friends

The Thornton church service this Sunday (10th)  is J22 Worship with Holy Communion, followed by refreshments.  It will be led by Rev Andrew. It’s a modern service of Christian Worship, family friendly with contemporary music.


Everyone is very welcome. 

 

Markfield History Society

MARKFIELD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP – 2025 PROGRAMME

FROM JULY

Tuesday 22nd July                VILLAGE WALK   ***meet on The Green (opposite the Methodist Church) from 7.15PM for a 7.30PM start ***

Join us for a walk of discovery, looking at the history of Markfield.  This will again be part of the Festival of Archaeology. 

We will explore part of the old village, encompassing the lower and upper Green, lower Main Steet, Forest Road and Queen Street. Providing a glimpse into village life in times past, we will pick out notable older buildings, together with more recent changes and the expansion of housing over the years.

There is no charge for the walk which will last for approx. 1 hour – all are very welcome.

Tuesday 16th September    MAINTAINING AND REPAIRING BRITAIN’S HISTORIC BUILDINGS DAVID SLEIGHT

Find out how Britain’s historic buildings and monuments are protected and repaired as part of our heritage, to protect them for future generations to enjoy and cherish.

David worked for English Heritage for many years and now has his own building conservation business.

Tuesday 18th Nov                HISTORY OF MARKFIELD QUARRIES                                COLIN SHARPE

Granite has been quarried locally at least as far back as Roman times and has shaped the landscape. Commercial quarrying started at Hill Hole in the 1850s and at Cliffe Hill in the 1870s, employing many people. Some innovations made the national and international news.

Colin is a member of our history group and will tell us about the history of the quarries in Markfield and the surrounding area.

Annual membership is currently £8 for individuals and £14 for couples/ families. This includes all the talks during the year, so no extra to pay.  Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each talk.  Please note these fees are subject to change at the AGM in January.

All meetings are at Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street (Opposite The Green) at 7.30 unless otherwise stated.

Website – www.markfieldhistory.org 

FB – Bygone Markfield

Further details for each talk nearer the time