Chester Zoo Plants 19,000 Trees for Wildlife

Chester Zoo has successfully planted nearly 19,000 trees across nine hectares of land in Upton, transforming a low-biodiversity silage field into a significant sanctuary for UK wildlife. This project marks the zoo's largest habitat creation effort to date and is part of a broader wildlife corridor initiative in Cheshire. The diverse mix of native broadleaf tree species, including oak and beech, aims to bolster biodiversity and enhance carbon storage, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. Dr. Simon Dowell, the zoo's Director of Science and Policy, highlighted the importance of the site’s strategic location to connect two smaller woodlands, facilitating improved habitat connectivity. Funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs through the Nature for Climate Fund, the project is also aligned with Cheshire's Nature Recovery Strategy. The initiative is expected to attract various species like green woodpeckers and butterflies, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.