Chester Zoo's community-led conservation project, Networks for Nature, has delivered significant environmental improvements across Cheshire, the zoo has announced.
Since launching 12 months ago, around 8,700 volunteers and partners have taken action for UK wildlife, from planting and clearing to bug hunts and building bird boxes.
Achievements in the first year include enhancing or creating 6.98 hectares of woodland, creating or restoring 13 ponds, and removing 269 tonnes of aquatic invasive species.
Additionally, participants have planted 14,000 trees, established and restored 1.6km of hedgerow, removed 500 square metres of fly-tipped rubbish from local green spaces, and improved habitats for local wildlife.
Hannah Brooks, senior community participation and engagement manager at Chester Zoo, said the initiative has provided "opportunities for communities from diverse backgrounds to connect with nature... so they can continue to inspire their local communities to improve outdoor spaces in the long term".
"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," she added.
"The project is bringing together landowners, community groups and individuals to make real change across Cheshire."
Networks for Nature is run by Chester Zoo with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund Chester Zoo
The scheme is run by Chester Zoo with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Westminster Foundation, and individual supporters.
Helen Featherstone, north of England director at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the project "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," she said.
"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."
