A free community event is set to celebrate the reopening of the Backies in Lache next week, following a recent transformation of the site.

Taking place on Wednesday 27 May from 12pm to 3pm, the event will offer a range of family-friendly activities including free food and refreshments, a nature scavenger hunt, natural arts and crafts, litter picking sessions, books and storytelling.

Local community groups will be involved, alongside Chester Zoo's Networks for Nature team.

The reopening marks the completion of works that began last year to restore and improve the previously neglected green space.

Initial efforts focused on clearing a considerable amount of fly-tipped waste, followed by constructing an accessible path, installing seating areas and signage, and creating a welcoming gate to the site.

New information panels installed across the site provide visitors with a brief history of the area.

The name "Backies" refers to the land located at the rear of homes on nearby streets such as St. Marks Road, Oak Road and Barwoods Drive. The site's history is also closely linked to the industrial heritage of the surrounding Saltney region, once known for brickmaking, shipbuilding and ironworks.

A nature panel highlights local plants and wildlife to look out for, along with ongoing conservation work led by volunteers and supported by ecologists and Chester Zoo.

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The wider Backies transformation forms part of the Lache Action Plan, funded through the FCC Communities Foundation and the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from Chester Zoo and local development partners.

Residents interested in volunteering or finding out more about the group can contact: [email protected].