Chester Zoo receives £4m lottery boost to “transform the environment in Cheshire”

The zoo - an international conservation charity - has been awarded £4,073,372 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support its Networks for Nature initiative, an ambitious project to restore wildlife habitats across the region.

The funds will be used to create or restore 20 ponds, nearly 3,000 metres of hedgerow and more than 100 hectares of habitat. The grant will also be used to engage 4,500 students in year-long school projects to improve school grounds for wildlife and people, and train 90 young people through an environmental leadership course.

Made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the money will help the zoo to fund 14 new jobs, work closely with 18 community groups to improve their outdoor spaces for natural heritage, and continue to support a network of trained ‘Wildlife Champions’.

The project is being led by the conservation-focussed zoo, in partnership with a host of other organisations including Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the Canal and River Trust, Sustrans and The Land Trust.

Hannah Brooks, Senior Community Participation & Engagement Manager at Chester Zoo, said The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant was a massive boost for the project.

She said: “As a charity we’re so grateful that this funding has come through. This is an exciting moment for the project. There has been a lot of work behind-the-scenes to bring people together and find out what these community groups need to take action to improve spaces for wildlife and people.

“Now, we will be able to support people to make real change across a vast landscape. This could really transform things for the environment in Cheshire and for the people who live here.

“Individual action can be difficult, but collectively we can inspire each other and provide a network that will keep having impact long into the future.”

The ultimate aim of the project is to create a thriving landscape for people and wildlife. This involves creating community nature spaces, reviving wetland areas to support amphibian and bird species, and improving existing nature parks.

Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We’re delighted to support Chester Zoo’s Networks to Nature project thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. The project has already made significant progress towards creating a thriving, wildlife-rich landscape that will not only aid nature recovery but also reap many benefits for people across Cheshire.

“It is vital that we value, rebuild and protect our natural heritage so it is sustained for the future, and we are excited to see the zoo and its communities taking forward this shared ambition in new and innovative ways.”

Since the foundations of the project were put in place, the zoo has championed green initiatives in schools, held networking events for local community groups, trained ‘Wildlife Champions’ in practical skills, and coordinated work to establish wellbeing walking routes within the improved area.

To do this, organisers have been linking up community groups across the region and delivering conservation workshops. The National Lottery Heritage Fund windfall will help this work go further.

Farhan Patel from Stamford Street Allotment Society in Ellesmere Port has attended many of the sessions.

He said: “Through working with the network, I have discovered methods for creating a haven for nature, promoting biodiversity, and encouraging habitats for hedgehogs and other animals that feed on slugs - eliminating the need for chemical pest control, which can have harmful effects on wildlife.

“Recently, we have decided to convert some of our well-maintained lawns into wildflower meadows to attract and support pollinators. As a committee, we understand that a commitment to nature is not static but an ongoing process of adaptation and growth. We are excited to attend more sessions and continue learning how to encourage wildlife to thrive in Ellesmere Port.”

The project has also benefitted from funding from the Westminster Foundation, Lord Leverhulme's Charitable Trust, Marjory Boddy Charitable Trust and Sykes Cottages.

However, with the full budget for this ambitious plan at more than £5 million, the not-for-profit zoo is seeking more support. Find out more at www.chesterzoo.org/conservation-science-education/global-conservation-programmes/conservation-campaigns/networks-for-nature.

To get involved, contact ukwildlife@chesterzoo.org