More than 5,000 native trees have been planted on Chester Zoo property as part of a major new woodland project.

Aimed at boosting biodiversity and tackling climate change, the scheme, led by The Mersey Forest and the Environment Agency, has created more than five hectares of new woodland in Cheshire - roughly the size of 40 Olympic swimming pools.

As part of the latest phase, teams carried out winter planting to establish 5,200 native trees on land owned by the zoo, building on nine hectares of woodland planted in 2024.

Ruby Merriman, Estate Biodiversity Manager at Chester Zoo, said the work was an important step towards the goal of managing 30% of the zoo's 265-hectare estate for biodiversity by 2030.

She said: "The zoo estate is home to iconic woodland species like tawny owls and brown long-eared bats, however with only small pockets of mature woodland currently available their habitat is limited.

"Creating larger areas of woodland across the estate increases nesting, roosting and feeding opportunities for wildlife, and the woodland glades incorporated into the design will offer even more habitat for butterflies, birds, bats and more."

Around 200 British tree species and woody shrubs - including pedunculate oak, downy birch, wild cherry and alder - have been planted on land next to the M53.

Thousands of mycorrhizal pellets were also buried alongside a third of the saplings as part of a research project looking at how to improve tree establishment and resilience, particularly on degraded soils.

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The pellets contain beneficial soil fungi that bond naturally with tree roots and help protect against soil-borne diseases. Findings from the research could help shape future planting projects.

Managed open ground has also been incorporated into the woodland design to create a mosaic of connected habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.

Lauren Taylor, Woodland Advisor for The Mersey Forest, said: "We support a wide range of landowners across Cheshire and Merseyside in creating woodlands and habitats that support their objectives and provide benefits for local people, nature, and climate.

"We can't wait to see this latest woodland become established and transform this area of the zoo's estate."

The project supports the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Cheshire, The Mersey Forest Plan and Chester Zoo's Networks for Nature initiative, which aim to improve biodiversity across the region and help meet national climate targets.

Funding has come from the UK Government's Trees for Climate Fund, with the project managed by The Mersey Forest and supported by the Environment Agency.

The Mersey Forest is also inviting enquiries from landowners interested in creating woodland next winter, with free support and grants available through its website.