'The Council has a wide range of fantastic green spaces, these provide the opportunity for an enjoyable walk, a family day out and to keep in touch with nature.'

'The name Countesthorpe originates from the 11th century when the area was part of the marriage dowry of the Countess Judith niece of William the Conqueror. The "thorpe" part of the name is a variant of the Middle English word thorp, meaning hamlet or small village.'

'Local farmer Henry Archer made if possible for Blaby District Council to acquire land to provide the public with a large countryside area which is now called Fosse Meadows. The land had been used as farmland and so to diversify the landscape and habitats, woodlands were designed and over 30,000 trees have now been planted ...'

Leicestershire & Rutland Ornithological Society

Fosse Meadows Nature Area, Fosse Way, Nr Sharnford [Blaby District Council] | Fosse Meadows Country Park [LeicestershireVillages.com]

'The picturesque moated remains of Kirby Muxloe Castle are surrounded by grassed areas and a moat, perfect for picnics or walks. There are also a number of benches situated throughout the grounds.'

'To mark H.M. The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Parish and Town Councils of Braunstone, Enderby and Leicester Forest East, and the Stepping Stones Countryside Management Project agreed to work together to promote six countryside walks connecting the three parishes. (The paths used for these walks also cross a fourth parish, Lubbesthorpe, which is served by a yearly parish meeting instead of a parish council.)' ALERT Neither the Leciestershire Villages Website referenced here nor the description of Walks arising from the LCC Stepping Stones Project now seem to be available online. You could try browsing through the alternative Website I have referenced instead ...

Leicestershire County Council Stepping Stones Project