Charnwood Roots
- Bradgate Park
The Charnwood Roots project will explore the rich history of Charnwood Forest and the towns and villages that surround it.
Charnwood Roots is a partnership between professional historians, archaeologists, geologists and volunteers from the local community. Together we will:
- Discover how people have lived, worked and enjoyed this unique part of Leicestershire across the centuries.
- Explore the interaction between people and the landscape of Charnwood Forest, uncovering and explaining how the area’s resources have been exploited throughout history.
- Learn how Charnwood’s geology and natural resources have shaped our towns and villages and the lives of local communities.
- Uncover hidden stories form the darker side of Charnwood’s past and celebrate the many contributions Charnwood has made to the nation.
Charnwood is a special place. It has a distinctive landscape, different to the rest of Leicestershire. Its rugged upland character formed from pre-Cambrian slates and volcanic rocks contain internationally important fossils – some of the earliest evidence for life on earth. The underlying geology has shaped Charnwood’s history, its habitats and its unique heritage. It has influenced industry, patterns of settlement and employment, architecture and many other aspects of local life.
The Charnwood Roots project will use research and educational activities to increase local understanding of why Charnwood’s history is special.
