Continue public access to Attenborough Arboretum
The Issue
For many years, Attenborough Arboretum has been a special sanctuary for countless families and nature enthusiasts in Leicester. Sadly, the University is now restricting public access to organised groups only.
My 3-year-old grandson finds immense joy playing hide and seek in the willow tunnel. These visits have become more than just playtime; they are lessons in biodiversity, where he learns the names of trees and birds, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature. Such experiences are invaluable, nourishing our well-being, and igniting curiosity and respect for the natural world.
Attenborough Arboretum, owned by Leicester University, has provided an invaluable connection to nature not only for local residents but for volunteers and children visiting from afar. It embodies the legacy of Sir David Attenborough, a beacon for conservation and education, allowing people of all ages to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the natural environment.
Access to natural spaces like the Arboretum is crucial, offering a reprieve from urban life, empowering children with crucial environmental education, and supporting the mental health of our community. The benefits of interacting with nature are well-documented, from reducing stress and improving mood to enhancing creativity and concentration. Public access to such areas plays a vital role in developing environmentally conscious citizens.
The decision to restrict access would not only sever this connective tissue binding the community to an area of rich heritage and learning but diminish the community's collective growth and understanding of our natural world. Let’s safeguard this vital green space for current and future generations.
We urge Leicester University to prioritize the community's access to Attenborough Arboretum, ensuring that it remains a public haven where nature and people thrive together. Your signature can make a difference in preserving this remarkable piece of nature for all to enjoy. Please sign this petition to protect public access to Attenborough Arboretum.
1,012
The Issue
For many years, Attenborough Arboretum has been a special sanctuary for countless families and nature enthusiasts in Leicester. Sadly, the University is now restricting public access to organised groups only.
My 3-year-old grandson finds immense joy playing hide and seek in the willow tunnel. These visits have become more than just playtime; they are lessons in biodiversity, where he learns the names of trees and birds, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature. Such experiences are invaluable, nourishing our well-being, and igniting curiosity and respect for the natural world.
Attenborough Arboretum, owned by Leicester University, has provided an invaluable connection to nature not only for local residents but for volunteers and children visiting from afar. It embodies the legacy of Sir David Attenborough, a beacon for conservation and education, allowing people of all ages to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the natural environment.
Access to natural spaces like the Arboretum is crucial, offering a reprieve from urban life, empowering children with crucial environmental education, and supporting the mental health of our community. The benefits of interacting with nature are well-documented, from reducing stress and improving mood to enhancing creativity and concentration. Public access to such areas plays a vital role in developing environmentally conscious citizens.
The decision to restrict access would not only sever this connective tissue binding the community to an area of rich heritage and learning but diminish the community's collective growth and understanding of our natural world. Let’s safeguard this vital green space for current and future generations.
We urge Leicester University to prioritize the community's access to Attenborough Arboretum, ensuring that it remains a public haven where nature and people thrive together. Your signature can make a difference in preserving this remarkable piece of nature for all to enjoy. Please sign this petition to protect public access to Attenborough Arboretum.
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Petition created on 20 June 2026