Adult entry to Chester Zoo has been reduced this January to mark the launch of a new programme.

Designed to help visitors improve their wellbeing by immersing themselves in nature, the conservation charity will run a series of activities from January 17 until the end of March.

These include app-guided and accessible 'wild walks', buggy fitness sessions for parents, nature play activities, immersive animal talks, and monthly members' days - aimed at encouraging people to spend time together in nature.

To mark the campaign launch, adult entry to the zoo has been reduced to £25 for January.

The wellbeing initiative comes as Chester Zoo scientists carry out a cross-continental study examining how zoo visits affect visitor wellbeing, learning and environmental awareness.

The study has been designed by conservation scientist Bridget Johnson, who is undertaking research supported by Nottingham Trent University, and is preparing to survey Chester Zoo visitors.

"There's a real and growing body of evidence that spending time in green spaces, surrounded by plants and animals, is good for you," said Ms Johnson.

"There's also evidence that the more immersive the experience is, and the more actively engaged with it, the greater those benefits tend to be."

Ms Johnson said zoos offer opportunities for "intense connections" with nature, through animal experiences, talks and structured activities, as well as quieter moments of observation.

"Reading interpretation boards, listening to ranger talks and taking time to stop and watch animals can all help people get more out of a visit," she said.

"Research suggests visitors spend just a few seconds looking into an animal habitat before moving on if they don't immediately see something. Slowing down and giving yourself more time can make a difference."

She highlighted areas such as Monsoon Forest, the lemur habitat, Butterfly Journey and Hidden Savannah as particularly immersive environments.

"Stepping into these multi-textured spaces can help people feel more connected to nature and support wellbeing," she said.

The zoo's education team said the programme has been designed for people of all ages and encourages self-guided exploration, which can have wellbeing benefits.

Lyndon Howson, Chester Zoo's Wildlife and Wellbeing Officer, said "One of the best things you can do is to slow down and notice what's around you. That might be a bird, a leaf, the sound of rain in a puddle or the scent of a flower."  

He added that the zoo can function as both a social space and a place for quiet reflection, depending on what visitors are looking for.  

"A lot of people come here because they know they'll share something in common with others - a love of animals," he said. "It often leads to easy, organic conversations.  

 "But if you want peace and quiet, you can find that too. I often practise mindfulness exercises in the zoo's Sunken Garden. There's something about the thick planting and the way sound is softened that makes it feel peaceful. It helps me feel grounded." 

Further details of Chester Zoo's new wellbeing programme can be found here.

Information about the associated scientific survey will be released in the coming weeks.