Earlier in 2025 we were pleased to fund a new project with the Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust (LVCHT) to undertake historical research introducing the history of the various communities of Charnwood Forest. When complete, this will be made available online for the public.
This project builds on work undertaken between 2013 and 2017 as part of Charnwood Roots, with volunteers playing a prominent role in bringing records together and researching Charnwood Forest’s history. For this new project some other historical information will also need to be collected, and that’s where volunteers have a new opportunity to get involved.
In early 2026 LVCHT will begin part of this project in Thornton and Botcheston. If you’ve always wondered about how these places developed, who lived there and what they did for a living, this is your opportunity to help us find out! You don’t need to have any experience of history research – although if you do, great! You will be supported by a qualified historian, and free training will be provided. Whilst some volunteers may wish to work locally, LVCHT can pay travel expenses for those wanting to explore the archive at the county record office in Wigston. LVCHT would love to hear from you, so if you would like to find out more about joining them – please contact Dr Susan Kilby at sk565@leicester.ac.uk.
The overall project is being run by Dr Pam Fisher and Dr Susan Kilby at LVCHT. This project is made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund support provided to the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme that underpins the Geopark.