Rangers at Bradgate Park are now using 'greener' transport, with the support of Leicestershire County Council.

Receiving around 750,000 visitors at the park every year, Bradgate Park rangers and volunteers are carrying out tasks around the park such as litter picking or updating the noticeboards on an electric cargo bike.

The e-bike, funded through the council's grant for active travel, will replace some of the Trust's diesel vehicles, supplying an eco-friendly alternative for the short trips taken along the park's most popular pathways.

With an estimated 33 tonnes of carbon dioxide produced yearly from the diesel vehicles, it is hoped that investing in 'pedal power' will improve air quality in heavily used areas of the park and make walking on the pathway more peaceful for visitors.

As well as expanding opportunities to be more inclusive of those with limited mobility, the bike will improve the mental wellbeing of staff and volunteers, increase levels of physical activity and time spent outdoors.   

The grant organised by the council's Choose How You Move (CHYM) team forms part of a wider commitment to work with residents, schools, businesses, and organisations to choose healthy and environmentally friendly travel options such as public transport, car sharing and cycling. 

Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Bradgate Park is a huge Leicestershire landmark, and it is fantastic to see the Trust invest in such initiatives which promote cycling, walking and wheeling.  Projects like this help us continue to work towards our net zero goal and set an example to the local area.

"We encourage organisations across Leicestershire to do their part in choosing greener alternatives, by not only helping improve air quality but also promoting health and wellbeing to their staff."

James Dymond, director of the Bradgate Park Trust, said: "We're big advocates for sustainability and it is great that we now have the capability to offer the e-bike to rangers and volunteers to use in and around the grounds. 

"I'd like to thank the council's Choose How You Move team for the funding which has helped make this happen. The e-bike is estimated to complete 20 miles of site transport a month across different terrains and over all our site, so we view it as a valuable addition to our service." 

The council is again inviting organisations to submit a bid for up to £2,500 in matched funding to support active and sustainable travel initiatives. 

Applications are open from this week (Monday 24th July) until Friday 15th September. Businesses wanting to apply can find out more on the website: https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/grants-for-active-travel/