Chester Zoo has planted 5,200 trees on its estate, creating more than five hectares of new woodland in Cheshire.
In a bid to boost biodiversity and tackle climate change, Chester Zoo partnered with the Mersey Forest and the Environment Agency to create the new woodland, which is roughly the size of 40 Olympic swimming pools.
Teams have been carrying out winter planting to establish 5,200 native trees on the zoo's property, building on the nine hectares of woodland planting completed in 2024.
Boosting biodiversity in Cheshire
Around 200 British tree species and woody shrubs, including pedunculate oak, downy birch, wild cherry and alder, have been planted on a section of the zoo’s land adjacent to the M53.
Ruby Merriman, estate biodiversity manager for Chester Zoo, said the project is part of the zoo's goal to manage 30 percent of its 265-hectare estate for biodiversity by 2030.
"Creating larger areas of woodland across the estate increases nesting, roosting and feeding opportunities for wildlife, and the woodland glades will offer even more habitat for butterflies, birds, bats and more," she said.
Chester Zoo partners with the Mersey Forest and the Environment Agency to create more than five hectares of new woodland.
The initiative aligns with the local nature recovery strategy for Cheshire, the Mersey Forest Plan and the Chester Zoo-led Networks for Nature project, which all aim to improve biodiversity in the region and combat climate change.
“It’s fantastic to be working in collaboration with Chester Zoo on another woodland creation project. We can’t wait to see this latest woodland become established and transform this area of the zoo’s estate," said Lauren Taylor, woodland advisor for Mersey Forest.
Katherine Causer, environment programme manager for the Environment Agency, said: "We have helped create a living legacy: new woodland that will strengthen local biodiversity, store carbon, and protect our communities for generations to come."
Images courtesy of Chester Zoo
