Plans to create a 23-hectare wetland habitat in Chester have been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The Chester Wetland Project will transform land in and around the Countess of Chester Country Park (CoCCP) with reedbeds, shallow pools, treatment wetlands and wet meadow habitat.

Developed by Chester-based wetland scientist Professor Christian Dunn and Andy Scargill, chair of the Countess of Chester Country Park Friends group, the scheme is intended to improve water quality, boost biodiversity and help protect flood-prone paths in the park.

More than £1 million in funding has been secured for the project from organisations including the Environment Agency, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Land Trust and Chester Zoo's Networks for Nature initiative.

"As all the best ideas do - this one started in a pub in 2020, and has grown into something real because of a remarkable team effort and the support of some fantastic organisations and individuals," said Professor Dunn.

"Now that we have planning permission we will be able to create a glorious wetland habitat including a wet meadow - which are now very rare in the UK - for the people of Chester to enjoy.

" I'm hoping this project helps people understand how important wetlands are not just for wildlife and our country's infrastructure, as Nature-based Solutions, but also our own health and wellbeing - it's no surprise they're often called nature's superheroes!"

The Environment Agency has provided more than £322,000 towards designs, surveys and modelling work.

advertisement

Networks for Nature has granted £250,000 to the project, while a further £500,000 has been secured through biodiversity funding sources by the council. Students from Bangor University have also contributed survey work and data collection.

The Land Trust said visitor infrastructure, including lookout points, would be added as part of the scheme.

Mr Scargill added: "It's going to turn a rather underused area of the park into something very special for local people to enjoy for generations.

"Creating the Chester Wetland isn't going to be done overnight so we'll keep park-users and the public up-to-date as we go along."

Groundwork is expected to begin in summer 2027.