100 Treasures
Charnwood Forest in 100 Treasures
We invite you to join us on our journey of discovery as we seek to uncover what makes Charnwood Forest so special through the selection of one hundred ‘treasures’.
charnwood forest
Celebrating All Things Charnwood Forest
100 Treasures
Charnwood Forest’s long history stretches back over millennia. Today, it is possible to piece together the fascinating story of a landscape whose first chapter began some 600 million years ago. This story takes us on a remarkable journey that begins with Earth’s earliest animal life, taking in ancient deserts and Ice Age hunters, invaders and settlers, religious communities, farmers, industrialists and conservationists on its way to the twenty-first century. The people and processes that shaped the landscape of Charnwood Forest over the course of its history left behind indelible evidence of the exceptional nature of our region. Some of this evidence – its outcrops, quarries, waterways, nature, fields, woodlands, historic buildings and settlements to name but a few examples – surrounds us still. And yet more lies within museums, archives and public institutions. Whether you live, work or play within Charnwood Forest Geopark, we invite you to join us on our journey of discovery as we seek to uncover what makes Charnwood Forest so special through the selection of one hundred ‘treasures’ that are meaningful in the context of Charnwood Forest’s 600-million-year history.
Get Involved
Nominate a Treasure
We want your nominations for what should be included in the official 100 Treasures of Charnwood Forest. Got an idea? Submit it using the button below:
What You Need To Know
How Do I Take Part?
If you would like to nominate a Treasure, simply complete our form telling us:
- The name of the treasure
- The age/date of the treasure
- The current location of the treasure (if known)
- The original location of the treasure (if known)
- Where we can find a photograph of the treasure (if possible)
We will also ask you for a short paragraph of up to 1200 characters (about 200 words) explaining why you think your Treasure should be selected. When writing this, it might be helpful to consider how your proposed treasure is connected to Charnwood Forest, how it highlights something meaningful about the region’s history, community, or landscape, and why you think your proposed treasure is significant enough to be considered. See our FAQs below for further information.
If you prefer, you can send in entries by post to:
Susan Kilby, Heritage Education Officer, Charnwood Forest Geopark, The National Forest, Bath Yard, Moira, DE12 6BA
You can submit your entries from now until the 30th April 2025. The final 100 Treasures will be revealed later this year.
100 Treasures
Helping You Submit Your Nomination
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many treasures can I nominate?
You may nominate as many treasures as you wish, but they must each be submitted separately. - What might a treasure look like?
You might decide to nominate an object, like a coin, a painting or a tile. Or perhaps a document, photograph or artwork. Perhaps you’ll be inspired by Charnwood Forest’s geology, its landscape or biodiversity – possibly through a particular site, a museum specimen or an example found within the Forest. Maybe some of its architecture will draw your eye. It’s entirely up to you! - What kinds of treasures are you looking for?
We leave that up to you, but we are especially keen to uncover treasures that hint at some of the personal stories from the region’s past. So, for example, rather than simply nominating Swithland slate, perhaps you could think of an object made from that material – a headstone or a cheese press, or something else?
- What if my proposed ‘treasure’ relates to Charnwood Forest, but is now somewhere else?
You can nominate a treasure that, whilst linked to Charnwood Forest, may now reside outside the region. For example, some of our medieval manorial records are held at the Huntington Library in California, but they would qualify for submission. You can see a map of Charnwood Forest here. - What are the boundaries of the Charnwood Forest Geopark?
You can find a map of Charnwood Forest Geopark here. - Where can I look for inspiration?
You may have lots of ideas already, but if you don’t, there are several online databases that may help you:
– The Record Office for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
– Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Environment Record
– Portable Antiquities Scheme
– The National Archives
– There are also local collections that you might consider. These include Charnwood Museum in Loughborough and several collections held by local history societies.
– For potential natural treasures and sites, you might consider looking up some of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest within Charnwood Forest. - How can I find out which treasures have been chosen?
As part of your submission, we will take your contact details. Everyone taking part will be contacted by us to let you know about the big reveal! You’ll also be able to see the 100 treasures on our website. - What is Charnwood Forest Geopark?
Charnwood Forest Geopark is being developed to celebrate and conserve our very special region of Leicestershire. Discover more here.
Image by Roger Bowdler
Featured Nomination
Rothley's Anglo-Saxon Cross
Nominated by Elizabeth Tingle
This cross in the grounds of St Mary and St John’s Church in Rothley is a rare example of a standing cross from the pre-Viking period; it is one of only two near-complete examples in the East Midlands.
Elizabeth said “The cross’s long history and solidity makes me feel rooted in deep time. It is an immediate, tangible link to the distant past of Leicestershire. It has witnessed the coming and integration of people speaking different languages and explaining its stories in different ways. Yet we all share the same space, and the cross is a marker of the permanence of place, across a very long time.”
Image by GCR Railway
Featured Nomination
Quorn & Woodhouse Station
Nominated by Jack Arthur Shaw
Opening in 1899 as part of the Great Central Railway, this Grade-II listed building is now and important part of the GCR heritage railway.
Jack said “The opening of Quorn and Woodhouse station in 1899 opened up Charnwood Forest to a new audience and made travel to places like Woodhouse Eaves, Windmill Hill and Beacon Hill much easier. In the first half of the 20th Century, travelling to Quorn and Woodhouse station to visit the Forest became a Leicestershire Bank Holiday tradition. A somewhat forgotten story today, Quorn station re-defined how people accessed Charnwood Forest before the advent of the motorcar and as the current Station Master, it is my privilege to champion the station’s story and bring it to the attention to a new generation.“
Featured Nomination
Anstey's Packhorse Bridge
Nominated by Sue Bicknell
Built around 1500AD the bridge over the Rothley Brook, that forms the boundary of Charnwood Forest, has been an entrance to the Forest ever since.
Sue said “On leaving the hustle and bustle of Leicester city and heading to Charnwood Forest you cross the boundary of Rothley Brook on the approach to Anstey. The packhorse bridge nestles on the green bounded by a ridge and furrow field with an Anglo-Saxon standing marker post. Watch the brook flow under the 5 arches. Sometimes the water fills the arches and at other times an egret or heron will stand on the parapets hoping for a catch as the water flows on to Castle Hill Country Park. You are immediately embraced by the rich nature of Charnwood Forest.”
Get Involved
Nominate A Treasure
Got an idea for a treasure to be included in our 100? It could already be well-known, or perhaps a forgotten treasure that deserves greater fame? Either way, let us know by nominating your treasure today.
Discover What Makes Charnwood Forest Special
From amazing fossils, to rare creatures, and thousands of years of human history, Charnwood Forest has it all. Explore the rich layers of heritage in the Geopark on our website.
