A new Charnwood Forest Geopark Information Hub has been unveiled on the campus of Loughborough University by Vice-Chancellor Prof Nick Jennings. The Information Hub promotes the university’s place within Charnwood Forest, celebrating the amazing heritage within the region, including some of the oldest animal fossils in the world. Visitors to the Hub are also provided with several maps, encouraging people to see nearby sites of interest.
The opening occurred alongside Loughborough hosting the UK UNESCO Chair’s Conference, and we were pleased to be joined by Prof Mike Wilson, UNESCO Chair in Storytelling, as well as James Ömer Bridge, Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
This new Geopark Information Hub was funded by the LOVE Project, with support from Loughborough University’s Impact Hub, the Loughborough Town Deal, and the UK Government. The LOVE Project – the Loughborough Observatory for the Visualisation of the Natural and Built Environment – encouraged residents living in Loughborough to live active and healthy lives that are connected to local heritage, through the co-development of a number of new heritage walking routes. Residents of Loughborough and the Geopark had the opportunity to shape the heritage sites that were represented, including buildings, natural sites, art installations, and so much more.
The main outcome of the LOVE project was an online Storymap, promoting the thirteen newly created walking routes, many of which connect the centre of Loughborough with Charnwood Forest Geopark, through the heritage on campus in Loughborough. The new Information Hub compliments this as a new focal point and last legacy for the project.
Dr Guy Tallentire, lead researcher on the LOVE project said “It’s really exciting to see the information hub now situated on the West Park of our campus, within the Geopark boundary. This was a key outcome of our HM Government funded research project connecting Loughborough town to the university and the Geopark. I am very grateful to Dr Jack Matthews and his team for the support they have provided throughout this work and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come. More information about the project and the team who completed the work can be found on our Storymap.”
In 2024 Loughborough University signed a wide-ranging agreement with Charnwood Forest Geopark, covering everything from research and education, to science outreach and support for local communities. Many of the University’s world-leading sports facilities lie within the Geopark, and several field trips for students and conferences have visited Charnwood Forest’s world-famous geological sites.
The opening of the Information Hub comes just weeks before Charnwood Forest is evaluated as part of its UNESCO Global Geopark application. Two international experts will visit the region at the end of July to assess Charnwood Forest’s readiness to receive the prestigious designation. A decision on the application is expected in Spring 2027.