Chester Zoo Networks for Nature
Networks for Nature is a landmark partnership project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, working across 60 square miles from the River Dee to the River Mersey, including Chester and Ellesmere Port. The project received £4,073,372 in funding and is now delivering ambitious action for wildlife and communities across the region.
Led by Chester Zoo, the partnership brings together Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Land Trust, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Canal & River Trust, the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Record to drive nature recovery across a mixed-use landscape, creating and connecting diverse habitats where wildlife can thrive now and into the future.
Through habitat restoration, community action, education and volunteering, Networks for Nature is empowering local people to play an active role in protecting and restoring nature. The project is making nature more accessible and inclusive, helping people build meaningful connections with the natural environment while supporting health and wellbeing.
Alongside habitat work, it supports schools to improve their grounds for nature, offers training and volunteering opportunities, and builds a network of “Wildlife Champions” to care for local spaces. By working with landowners, councils, trusts, and community groups, Networks for Nature seeks to create lasting, positive change for both wildlife and people, helping more communities access green spaces, improve wellbeing, and take action for the environment.
Stamford Street Allotment Society has two Wildlife Champions who are have started the grounds work on turning a perfectly manicured fruit orchard into a wildlife meadow to encourage the UK’s pollinators. Previous projects include creating a dead hedge to provide hiding spaces for our resident hedgehogs.
