Thousands of people have joined forces to help Cheshire wildlife, planting 14,000 trees and restoring 1.6km of hedgerow during the first year of a major conservation project.

The organisers behind Networks for Nature, a large-scale community biodiversity project launched by Chester Zoo, are celebrating this week after the project hit its twelve-month mark.

Roughly 8,700 participants have already engaged in the Networks for Nature project, taking action for UK wildlife, such as planting, clearing, garden revamps, footpath laying, bug hunts and building bird boxes.

They have also removed 269 tonnes of aquatic invasive species, enhanced or created 6.98ha of woodland, built 1,090 metres of pathway to give residents easier access to green spaces, and created or restored 13 ponds.

Hannah Brooks, Senior Community Participation and Engagement Manager at Chester Zoo, has been leading on the project.

She said: "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.

"The project is bringing together landowners, community groups and individuals to make real change across Cheshire."

Chester Zoo's conservationists have worked in collaboration with Cheshire Wildlife Trust and five landowners to enhance local habitats and have linked up with experts from Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Land Trust, Canal and River Trust, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and RECORD.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Key partnership projects include improving access at Gowy Meadows Nature Reserve near Ellesmere Port, reopening The Backies in Lache as an enhanced community green space and clearing invasive species along the Shropshire Union Canal.

Organisers say young people played a central role in the project's achievements, with 83 young people taking part in hedgehog awareness campaigns, bird and bat box construction and community allotment improvements.

Alongside completing leadership Skills Foundation Courses, local school pupils also pitched in through wildlife clubs and initiatives.

Helen Featherstone, director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, 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."

The project is run by Chester Zoo with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Westminster Foundation and individual supporters.

To get involved, visit www.chesterzoo.org/NFN