Chester Zoo receives funding boost to help local habitats

This project will go to restoring wildlife habitats across Cheshire, making a lasting difference to both local wildlife and the community.

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00:00Chester Zoo has received a £4 million boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support their

00:06Networks for Nature initiative. This project will go towards restoring and creating vital wildlife

00:12habitats across Cheshire, making a lasting difference to both local wildlife and the community.

00:18The funding will go towards key initiatives, including restoring or creating 20 ponds,

00:24planting nearly 3,000 metres of hedgerow and developing over 100 hectares of varied habitats.

00:31In addition, over 4,500 students will take part in year-long school projects to improve school

00:37grounds, while 90 young people will receive training through an environmental leadership course.

00:44The funding will also help create 14 new jobs, support 18 community groups with their own

00:50conservation projects and maintain a network of trained wildlife champions across the region.

00:56The Zoo are leading this project in partnership with a range of organisations, including Cheshire

01:02West and Chester Local Authority, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the Canal and River Trust, Sustrans and the

01:08Land Trust. The overall goal of Networks for Nature is to create a thriving landscape where both wildlife

01:15and people can be their best. This includes revitalising wetland areas for amphibians and birds,

01:20creating community nature spaces and improving nature parks across the region.

01:25Since launching, Chester Zoo's led green initiatives in schools, hosted networking events for local

01:30community groups, trained wildlife champions in practical skills and worked on establishing wellbeing

01:36walking routes through improved areas. This funding will enable them to expand these efforts even further.