One year on: Networks for Nature delivers major gains for Cheshire wildlife
The community-led conservation project has reached its first anniversary after delivering major gains for nature, people and green spaces across Cheshire.
Conservationists are celebrating a year of achievements for wildlife across Cheshire as the Networks for Nature project marks its first anniversary.
Roughly 8,700 participants have already engaged in the Networks for Nature project, taking action for UK wildlife, such as planting, clearing, garden revamps, footpath laying, bug hunts and building bird boxes.
Communities taking action for nature
Since launching 12 months ago, the project has delivered significant environmental improvements across Cheshire, with volunteers and partners removing 269 tonnes of aquatic invasive species, enhancing or creating 6.98ha of woodland, building 1,090 metres of pathway to give residents easier access to green spaces, and creating or restoring 13 ponds.
Other achievements include:
- Planting 14,000 trees
- Establishing and restoring 1.6km of hedgerow
- Removing 500m³ of fly-tipped rubbish from local green spaces
- Reopening community green spaces
- Improving habitats for local wildlife
Scientific studies suggest accessing green spaces and engagement with nature provides an important boost to human wellbeing, and the project includes a programme of Green Social Prescribing through Western Avenue Medical Centre in Blacon and Great Sutton Medical Centre in Ellesmere Port.
Hannah Brooks, Senior Community Participation and Engagement Manager at Chester Zoo, has been leading on the project.
“This has created opportunities for communities from diverse backgrounds to connect with nature, whether that’s taking part in a bulb-planting session or training as a Wildlife Champion so they can continue to inspire their local communities to improve outdoor spaces in the long term."
Hannah Brooks, Senior Community Participation and Engagement Manager at Chester Zoo
She continued:
“Connectivity is so important to nature. It’s how plants and animal species grow and thrive. It’s also at the core of Networks for Nature, which could not work without co-operation. The project is bringing together landowners, community groups and individuals to make real change across Cheshire.”
Working together across Cheshire
Our conservationists have worked in collaboration with Cheshire Wildlife Trust and five landowners to enhance local habitats and have linked up with experts from Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Land Trust, Canal and River Trust, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and RECORD.
Key partnership projects include improving access at Gowy Meadows Nature Reserve near Ellesmere Port, reopening The Backies in Lache as an enhanced community green space and clearing invasive species along the Shropshire Union Canal.
Young people playing a central role
Organisers say young people played a central role in the project's achievements, with 83 youngsters taking part in hedgehog awareness campaigns, bird and bat box construction and community allotment improvements, while completing Leadership Skills Foundation Courses.
Local school pupils also pitched in through wildlife clubs and initiatives.
Supporting long-term conservation
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
"We're so pleased that money raised by National Lottery players has been supporting Networks for Nature, which highlights our shared belief with Chester Zoo in collaborative, community-led conservation.
“This project demonstrates how community and nature conservation organisations can work together, creating lasting impact across the UK. It is vital that we value, rebuild and protect our natural heritage so it is sustained for the future, and it's fantastic to see all that the project has achieved in its first year."
The project is run by Chester Zoo with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Westminster Foundation and individual supporters.
