Preparatory ecological works at the Countess of Chester Country Park have begun as part of a major scheme.

Plans to create a 23-hectare wetland habitat in Chester were approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council earlier this year.

The Chester Wetland Project will transform land in and around the Countess of Chester Country Park 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.

With main groundwork expected to begin in summer 2027, flailing works have now started in the park as part of the wetland creation project.

A notice displayed at the country park states that habitat creation works are underway, helping to establish a new wetland area, creating valuable space for wildlife and improving biodiversity across the site.

A spokesperson for Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park confirmed flailing works were taking place on site.

They said: "As part of the Networks for Nature project, habitat creation works are underway to help establish a new wetland area, creating valuable space for wildlife and improving biodiversity across the site.

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"Thank you for your patience and cooperation while these important environmental improvements are carried out."

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.

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

Networks for Nature 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.