Our Trustees

Our Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall control and strategic direction of the Bradgate Park Trust.

They meet regularly to discuss, decide and review our strategies and policies and receive reports and updates from the Trust's senior managers.

Our trustee role is voluntary and they work to make sure we’re working to meet the aspirations of the Trust to maintain the land in our care for the benefit of wildlife and people.

In accordance with the terms of Charles Bennion’s gift, three Trustees are nominated by Leicestershire County Council, three by Leicester City Council and three by the National Trust. Following a review of governance by the Trustees in 2014, up to a further three Trustees can be appointed by the Board itself.

Deborah Taylor (Chair)

Deborah lives in Anstey with her husband Paul and their rescue dog Duke, a Saluki/Greyhound Cross. Deborah has been an Anstey Parish Councillor since 2011, a Charnwood Borough Councillor since 2015 and a Leicestershire County Councillor since 2017. In her leisure time, she enjoys keeping fit, dog walking and spending time with family and friends. Deborah enjoys visiting Bradgate Park and is honoured to be a Trustee, hoping to make a difference during her time here.

Sean Atterbury (Vice Chair)

Sean is Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services at Leicester City Council and joined the board of Trustees in October 2022.

Sam Lattaway

Sam is the Head of Land Strategy & Research for the National Forest Company, where he has worked since 2006. He trained in biology and computing, going on to work in local government, government agencies, consultancy and the mining industry. In his current role, he leads on issues relating to wildlife, public access, heritage protection and the funding of landscape-scale conservation projects. He has lived in the Charnwood area for more than 13 years and has developed a strong passion for its wildlife, landscape and heritage. Bradgate Park has long been a favourite destination, often with a trusty camera in hand, and so he is proud to be a Trustee of the Bradgate Park Trust.

Philip Bittner

Philip is a Consultancy Manager - Midlands & East Region for the National Trust and joined the board of Trustees in March 2023.

Cllr Elly Cutkelvin

Elly is a Leicester City Councillor representing the Saffron ward of the City and is also the Deputy City Mayor - Housing and Neighbourhoods. She joined the board of Trustees in March 2024.

Simone Hines

Simone is Assistant Director for Finance, Strategic Property & Commissioning at Leicestershire County Council and joined the board of Trustees in December 2024. Simone joined the County Council in September 2023, having previously had senior roles at Sandwell, Nuneaton and Bedworth local authorities. She has always lived in the Leicestershire area and enjoys visiting Bradgate Park with her family.

Dr Jenna Waters

Jenna is Deputy Chief of Staff at Loughborough University and joined the board as an independent Trustee in June 2025. She is a keen trail runner, and the park has been home to some of her favourite training routes since she moved to Leicestershire in 2011. Jenna is a passionate advocate for the benefits of the outdoors and natural environment, and ensuring they are accessible to all.

Anna Lawton-Collins

Anna is a passionate advocate for the natural world and for helping people connect with and appreciate the benefits of spending time in nature. Growing up in Leicester, she fondly remembers childhood trips to the park, which sparked a lifelong love for the environment.

With over 20 years of experience in the natural environment sector, Anna has worked in both operational and policy roles. Her extensive knowledge of local habitats spans Charnwood and the wider county, where she has held various positions.

Anna is thrilled to have been appointed to the board of trustees, where she looks forward to contributing her expertise and passion to the Trust's vital work. She is committed to helping others enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature, building on her wealth of experience to support the Trust's mission.

Anna joined the board as an independent Trustee in June 2025.

Cllr Linda Danks

Latest

The Leat at Bradgate Park Walk

It’s the early 16th century. How can you get water to your new house at Bradgate, built well above the River Lin? Our walk through the park will explore the answer (which appears to flow uphill) and also some of the other ways water was used in the park. An opportunity for a ‘walk in the park’ whilst learning about one of its little-known features.
Bradgate Park Summer fayre 2026
Beneath the Bracken: The Archaeology of Bradgate Park 2026

Step back through 15,000 years of history with an exclusive archaeological walking tour of Bradgate Park.
Hare Willow Weaving Workshop

Create your own Willow Hare

Visit Bradgate Park

Bradgate Park is Leicestershire's only Medieval Deer Park to the north of Leicester City. Over 830 acres, steeped in history, teeming with wonderful wildlife, the UK's oldest fossils, 550 red and fallow deer and the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey. Rich in heritage, wildlife and amazing landscapes, Bradgate Park is Leicestershire's favourite day out with two tearoom and free-to-visit Visitor Centre.
Parking Charges

Parking charges apply at all car parks.
Opening Times

Visiting Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood: Opening times and parking details
Getting Here

Details of how to reach Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood, including postcodes, parking details and a map of visitor access areas
Opportunities

Vacancies across the Park.
Visit Swithland Wood

Swithland Wood is an attractive and atmospheric area of Ancient Woodland, covering 170 acres. Rich in history and wildlife, it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Wood is an important habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, with rocky outcrops and old quarries.
Food & Drink

Details of the Deer Barn Café, the Visitor Centre shop, and the Deer Hut.
Visitor Guidelines

When visiting Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood, it is important that certain rules are followed to ensure areas remain safe and clean for everyone to enjoy and protect the heritage in our care. Help us care for these spaces by following these guidelines.
Annual Parking Permits

For regular visitors a car park annual parking permit offers a low-cost option to pay and display parking when Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood.
Visitor Centre & Shop

Our free to visit Visitor Centre and shop is set in the heart of Bradgate Park. It tells the story of the rich geological, archaeological, social, built and natural heritage of Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood.