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Father's Tribute: 50-Acre Nature Reserve Opens
23 Jul
Summary
- An 81-year-old father opened a 50-acre nature reserve in memory of his son.
- Over 22,000 trees were planted by local volunteers in the past year.
- Phase two of the reserve is planned to open in winter 2026.
Mick Adler, 81, has inaugurated the initial phase of the James Adler Nature Reserve, a 50-acre site in Great Bowden, Leicestershire. This significant natural space was established in memory of his son, James, who died at 42 from Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Mr. Adler donated the land to the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, ensuring it would not be developed.
Over the past year, dedicated local volunteers contributed to planting 22,000 trees on the reserve. Mr. Adler expressed that James, who previously served as chief executive of Ashdown Forest, would have cherished managing this land. He emphasized his desire to create a lasting legacy for his son.
The reserve is part of a larger 500-acre landscape nature recovery project. Phase two of the James Adler Nature Reserve is scheduled for completion and opening in winter 2026, with plans for a bridge across the River Welland connecting different sections of the site.
