Investment Projects Archives - Cheshire Local Nature Partnership.

Cheshire and Warrington Forestry Cooperative

What is it?

The Cheshire and Warrington Forestry Cooperative is a three-year initiative to support more sustainable, nature-positive woodland management by developing a local timber market across Cheshire, Warrington and neighbouring Flintshire.

Around 66% of Cheshire and Warrington’s woodlands are currently unmanaged. This creates a major opportunity to bring woodlands back into positive management in a way that benefits biodiversity, supports local markets and creates economic value from woodland products.

The initiative will explore how a local timber market can incentivise woodland management, support forestry products for local use and encourage more nature-positive approaches to woodland creation and restoration. It also has the potential to inform future planning policy, including opportunities for new developments to source local timber or forestry products where appropriate.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Unmanaged woodland can lose ecological value over time, particularly where there is limited active management for biodiversity, resilience, access or sustainable timber production.

At the same time, woodland creation grants and growing interest in nature-based solutions create a timely opportunity to connect woodland management with local economic benefits.

This project has been developed to re-establish woodland management, support local forestry markets, diversify income opportunities for local authorities and landowners, and improve biodiversity across the woodland network.

Carefully managed local forestry can help nature thrive while supporting practical economic outputs and future sustainable development.

What is it going to deliver?

The programme will deliver:

Development of a local timber market alongside Flintshire
Support for more sustainable and nature-positive woodland management
Re-establishment of active management in currently unmanaged woodlands
Greater availability of local forestry products
Support for local markets and potential future housing supply chains
Biodiversity improvements through better woodland management
New income opportunities for local authorities and landowners
Stronger links between woodland creation, management and local economic value
Exploration of planning policy opportunities linked to local sourcing

Estimated Cost:
£500,000

Project Location:
Across Cheshire and Warrington, alongside Flintshire.

Area Covered:
Pan-Cheshire woodland network.

Local Authority Area:
Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Warrington.

How Long is the Programme:
Three Years.

Lead Partner:

Potential Partners:
Cheshire East Council, Warrington Borough Council, Forestry Commission, Mersey Forest, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Tatton Estate, Grosvenor Estate, Cholmondeley Estate.

Impact & Returns:

Environmental Returns

Improved woodland management across Cheshire and Warrington
Biodiversity gains from better managed woodland habitats
Support for larger, better connected woodland networks
Potential reduction in pressure from invasive non-native species through active management
Greater resilience of woodland habitats

Economic Returns

Creation of a local market for forestry products
Diversified income opportunities for councils, landowners and woodland managers
Potential contribution to local development and housing supply chains
Ongoing costs designed to be supported through income beyond the initial programme period

Strategic Returns

Supports nature-positive woodland management
Links environmental recovery with local economic opportunity
Strengthens the case for woodland creation and management grants
Provides a practical model for connecting natural capital with local markets

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:



Goal One

Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.



Goal Three

Increase value of investment into nature.



Goal Four

Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.



W1

More, bigger, better and joined-up wildlife-rich woodland networks across the landscape



W2

A network of well-connected, well-managed and restored ancient woodlands, PAWS, veteran trees, orchards and exceptional trees



F1

Support and promote nature-friendly farming, land management and sustainable food production across the landscape



NBS1

Nature, people and economy thriving through more, bigger, better and more joined-up Green and Blue Infrastructure



INNS1

Invasive non-native species minimised across Cheshire and Warrington

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Protecting Wildlife Havens

What is it?

Protecting Wildlife Havens is a county-wide programme to manage, expand and connect Cheshire’s nature reserves so they can support wildlife recovery and provide more opportunities for people to experience nature.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust manages a network of nature reserves that act as refuges for rare and declining species and demonstrate how nature can recover with sustained care, monitoring and management. These sites are actively managed through practical conservation work including invasive species control, habitat restoration and ecological monitoring.

The project will maintain existing reserves in favourable condition, strategically expand and buffer key sites, improve habitat connectivity and support species recovery. It also includes the ambition to establish a large-scale rewilding site where natural processes can drive ecological restoration.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Habitats across Cheshire are under pressure from loss, fragmentation, climate change and inappropriate management.

Even well-managed reserves can decline without continued intervention. Isolated sites also struggle to sustain wildlife populations unless they are connected to the wider landscape

This project has been developed to strengthen Cheshire’s nature reserve network by ensuring habitats remain in favourable condition while expanding, buffering and connecting sites to create a more resilient ecological network.

Public access is also an important part of the programme, helping people engage with and benefit from nature.

What is it going to deliver?

By 2030, the project will deliver:

Management of more than 318 hectares of nature reserves in favourable condition
Strategic land acquisition to expand the reserve network
Buffering of existing reserves to reduce external pressures
Improved habitat connectivity between wildlife-rich sites
Practical conservation work including invasive species control
Habitat restoration and ecological monitoring
Support for rare and declining species
Public access and engagement with nature
Establishment of a large-scale rewilding site
Stronger long-term ecological resilience across the reserve network

Estimated Cost:
£1,979,424

Project Location:
Across Cheshire.

Area Covered:
Cheshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve network.

Local Authority Area:
Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Warrington.

How Long is the Programme:
Phased delivery programme to 2030 and beyond.

Lead Partner:

Project Partners:
Partnership delivery model currently in development with landowners, conservation organisations, local authorities and community stakeholders.

Why Invest Now?

Nature reserves are core areas within the LNRS
Habitats are under pressure from fragmentation, climate change and inappropriate management
Continued intervention is needed to maintain reserves in favourable condition
Strategic acquisition and buffering can strengthen long-term ecological resilience
Public access to nature supports community engagement and wellbeing
The project protects existing natural assets while creating a stronger platform for future nature recovery

Impact & Returns:

Species Recovery Returns

Cheshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves are core areas within the LNRS.

LNRS priority species supported through the programme include:

Lapwing
Lesser silver water beetle
Mud snail
Willow tit

LNRS reintroductions supported through the programme include:

Beaver

Environmental Returns

More than 318 hectares maintained in favourable condition
Stronger protection and management of core LNRS areas
Improved habitat connectivity across Cheshire
Better resilience for rare and declining species
Reduced impact from invasive non-native species
Expanded and buffered nature reserve network

Social & Community Returns

Improved opportunities for people to experience nature
Increased public engagement with wildlife-rich places
Greater awareness of the value of nature reserves
Long-term community benefit from access to natural spaces

Strategic Returns

Supports core LNRS areas
Strengthens long-term ecological infrastructure
Creates a more resilient reserve network
Supports landscape-scale nature recovery through acquisition, buffering and connectivity

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:



Goal One

Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.



Goal Two

Increase connection between people and nature including raising awareness of nature.



Goal Three

Increase value of investment into nature.



Goal Four

Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.



INNS1.2

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Returning the Water Vole

What is it?

Returning the Water Vole is a focused, catchment-scale species recovery programme designed to restore water vole populations across the Gowy catchment and Mersey Washlands.

Water voles were once widespread along Cheshire’s rivers, ditches and streams, but are now absent from 94% of their former range in the county. Habitat loss, river modification, poor water quality and the spread of American mink have pushed populations to the brink. Many remaining colonies are now too small and isolated to recover without targeted intervention.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is leading a programme that combines mink eradication, habitat restoration, landowner engagement and, where needed, water vole reintroductions or population reinforcement. The core delivery model is a coordinated volunteer trapping network using raft-based detection and rapid response to create a mink-free catchment.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Water voles are a priority species for Cheshire, but their recovery is not possible without tackling the pressures that caused their decline.

American mink predation remains one of the most significant barriers to water vole recovery. At the same time, degraded riverbanks, poor water quality and fragmented wetland habitats limit the ability of existing colonies to expand or reconnect.

This project has been developed to create the conditions for long-term water vole recovery by removing mink pressure, improving riparian habitat and reconnecting isolated populations across suitable catchments.

What is it going to deliver?

The programme will deliver:

• Catchment-scale water vole recovery across the Gowy and Mersey Washlands
• Mink eradication through a coordinated volunteer trapping network
• Raft-based mink detection and rapid response
• Protection and enhancement of key water vole habitats
• Improved bankside vegetation
• Restoration of wetland features
• Landowner engagement and advice on managing land for riparian wildlife
• Reintroductions and population reinforcement where natural recovery is not viable
• Stronger partnerships with landowners, volunteers and local communities
• A long-term ambition to establish a mink-free catchment by 2030

Estimated Cost:
£1,450,499

Project Location:
Gowy catchment.

Area Covered:
Gowy catchment and Mersey Washlands.

Local Authority Area:
Cheshire West and Chester.

How Long is the Programme:
Phased delivery programme to 2030 and beyond.

Lead Partner:

Project Partners:
Chester Zoo, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Mersey Rivers Trust, Canal & River Trust, RECORD.

Why Invest Now?

Water voles are absent from 94% of their former range in Cheshire
Remaining colonies are fragmented and vulnerable
Mink control must be coordinated at catchment scale to be effective
Habitat restoration and population reinforcement are needed before further local losses occur
Strong partnership delivery and volunteer involvement create long-term stewardship
The project directly supports LNRS species recovery and invasive species priorities

Impact & Returns:

Environmental & Species Recovery Returns

Recovery of a key LNRS priority species
Increased resilience of water vole populations
Improved riparian and wetland habitats
Reduced pressure from invasive non-native species
Better connected river and ditch habitats

Water and Ecosystem Returns

Healthier bankside vegetation
Improved wetland function
Stronger ecological resilience across the catchment
Improved habitat quality for wider riparian wildlife

Community & Partnership Returns

Volunteer-led monitoring and mink control
Stronger landowner engagement
Increased local stewardship of rivers, ditches and wetlands
Greater public awareness of water vole recovery and invasive species management

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:



Goal One

Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.



Goal Four

Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.



WA1



INNS1.1



INNS1.2



INNS1.6

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White-letter Hairstreak Butterfly

What is it?

Project to Minimise Species Vulnerability: White-letter Hairstreak is a landscape-scale species recovery initiative focused on increasing habitat availability and ecological resilience for the threatened White-letter Hairstreak (WLH) butterfly across Cheshire and Warrington.

The White-letter Hairstreak is closely associated with elm trees, particularly Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra), which historically grew widely across Cheshire. However, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) has devastated elm populations across the landscape, leaving remaining trees fragmented and isolated. Existing WLH colonies are now vulnerable due to the loss of connected breeding habitat.

The project builds upon an existing Butterfly Conservation programme working with landowners and local partners to restore elm habitat through strategic landscape-scale planting. The initiative combines the planting of Wych Elm with smaller numbers of disease-resistant elm varieties, including Ulmus ‘Sapporo Autumn Gold’, which has proven suitable for WLH breeding and more resilient to DED.

The programme also supports community nurseries, volunteer-led propagation, species monitoring and long-term ecological mapping to reconnect fragmented colonies and reduce species vulnerability.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

The White-letter Hairstreak butterfly has become increasingly vulnerable due to the widespread decline of elm trees caused by Dutch Elm Disease.

While isolated Wych Elm trees still survive across Cheshire, habitat fragmentation means remaining butterfly populations are often disconnected and vulnerable to local extinction. Existing surveys within the Butterfly Conservation branch area have also failed to identify surviving Field Elm populations, highlighting the scale of historical loss.
Without strategic intervention, suitable habitat will continue to decline, reducing the species’ ability to disperse and establish resilient populations.

This project has been developed to restore connected elm networks across Cheshire by combining habitat creation, volunteer engagement, community propagation and long-term monitoring. The programme builds upon approaches already proven successful both nationally and within Cheshire itself, where WLH butterflies have successfully colonised newly created habitat.

What is it going to deliver?

The programme will deliver:

Strategic Elm Habitat Creation

Planting of Wych Elm and disease-resistant elm species across the LNRS area
Integration of elm planting into woodland creation and urban tree replacement schemes
Strategic landscape-scale habitat connectivity focused on areas within 5km of known or suspected WLH colonies
Recommended planting ratio of approximately 15 Wych Elm to 1 disease-resistant elm

Community Nurseries & Local Provenance Tree Growing

Seed collection from locally sourced elm trees
Propagation through community nurseries and volunteer networks
Development of locally resilient elm stock
Support for Cheshire Wildlife Trust tree growing programmes

Species Monitoring & Ecological Mapping

Mapping of existing elm locations and new planting sites
Centralised ecological data collection and monitoring
Mapping of WLH sightings and colony locations
Integration with iRecord and Butterfly Conservation MapMate datasets
Monitoring for Dutch Elm Disease and replanting where required

Volunteer & Community Engagement

Volunteer training in elm identification and WLH monitoring
GPS recording and citizen science participation
Expansion of local planting partnerships and community involvement
Long-term stewardship and monitoring support

The project aims to create connected and resilient elm habitats capable of supporting sustainable White-letter Hairstreak populations across Cheshire and Warrington.

Estimated Annual Costs:

Approximately £3,000 per annum for tree provision
Approximately £1,000 per annum for survey mapping and data layers
Approximately £750 for contracted planting support where required

Indicative costs include:

Approximately £4 per Wych Elm tree
Approximately £100 per disease-resistant elm tree
Approximately 300 Wych Elm and 20 disease-resistant elm trees purchasable annually at a planting ratio of 15:1

Some trees will also be supplied free of charge through community nurseries, volunteers and partner organisations using locally collected seed.

Project Location:
At sites throughout the LNRS area and included as part of all suitable woodland planting and urban tree replacement schemes.

Area Covered:
Focused on sites within 5 kilometres of known or suspected WLH colonies but extended within suitable hedgerows and tree planting schemes beyond 5 kilometres.

Local Authority Area:
All LNRS authorities.

How Long is the Programme:
Long-term phased habitat restoration and species recovery programme.

Lead Partner:

Current supporting organisations include:
Forestry England, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, All LNRS local authorities, Community nurseries and local volunteer groups.

Why Invest Now?

White-letter Hairstreak populations remain vulnerable due to fragmented elm habitat
Dutch Elm Disease continues to threaten remaining elm populations
Proven approaches already demonstrate successful habitat colonisation by WLH
Community nurseries and volunteer networks are already engaged and active
The project creates long-term landscape connectivity through strategic planting
Strong alignment with LNRS woodland, hedgerow and species resilience priorities
Opportunity to integrate species recovery into wider woodland and urban tree planting programmes

This project represents a practical and scalable approach to species recovery, combining habitat restoration, local tree propagation, ecological monitoring and community stewardship to rebuild resilient White-letter Hairstreak populations across Cheshire and Warrington.

Impact & Returns:

Environmental & Species Recovery Returns

Increased habitat availability for White-letter Hairstreak butterflies
Restoration of connected elm habitat networks
Improved ecological resilience across woodland and hedgerow systems
Increased biodiversity within woodland and urban tree planting schemes
Strengthened long-term resilience to Dutch Elm Disease through mixed planting approaches

Landscape & Climate Returns

Increased tree cover across urban and rural landscapes
Improved habitat connectivity between fragmented colonies
Support for landscape-scale nature recovery and green infrastructure
Increased resilience of future tree planting through local provenance stock

Community & Volunteer Returns

Volunteer-led species monitoring and habitat recording
Community nursery development and local propagation
Increased public awareness of species recovery and tree heritage
Development of practical conservation and identification skills
Stronger long-term stewardship of woodland and hedgerow habitats

Strategic Returns

Supports LNRS woodland, hedgerow and species vulnerability priorities
Builds on successful existing Butterfly Conservation delivery models
Creates stronger ecological evidence through centralised mapping
Integrates species recovery into wider woodland and urban planting schemes

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

The project supports the following species action:

White-letter Hairstreak: Create suitable habitat to minimise vulnerability

This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:



Goal One

Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.



Goal Three

Increase value of investment into nature.



Goal Four

Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.



W1.7

Increase biodiversity in all woodlands



W3.3

Plant suitable replacement urban trees where planted urban trees are reaching end of life



W4.1

Safeguard and enhance existing hedgerows to achieve species diversity and enhance landscape value

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Champions for Cheshire Trees

What is it?

Cheshire’s trees tell the story of its landscape, communities and economy, from ancient yews in churchyards and mighty oak wood pastures, to the hedgerows and orchards that once fed the booming industrial cities of Manchester and Liverpool. Yet today, much of this natural heritage is unrecorded, declining and under threat.

Champions for Cheshire Trees will establish a county wide network of trained community Tree Champions to record, restore and celebrate Cheshire’s most important trees and hedgerows.

Over three years, we will equip volunteers, landowners and community groups with the skills, data and local plant material needed to safeguard tree heritage for future generations, while rebuilding the culture of tree stewardship that once defined the county.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Cheshire has a rich tree and hedgerow heritage, but much of it is at risk.

Only around 350 important trees are currently recorded across Cheshire, which represents a small fraction of the veteran, ancient and culturally important trees known and valued locally. Two-thirds of Cheshire’s hedgerows have been lost since 1976, despite the county once having more hedges than any other in England. Two-thirds of native and ancient woodland in the county has not been actively managed for wildlife or timber since the Second World War.

Traditional orchards and historic fruit varieties, once part of Cheshire’s “fruit basket” supplying Georgian and Victorian industrial cities, now survive only in scattered fragments. Many are undocumented and unmanaged.

Without urgent action, important trees, hedgerows, orchards, local genetics, wildlife value and cultural stories could be lost before they are properly recorded.

What is it going to deliver?

Record and protect Cheshire’s most important veteran trees, orchards and hedgerows.
Restore traditional skills for managing hedgerows, orchards and veteran trees.
Grow local provenance trees to ensure resilient future landscapes.
Build a sustainable, confident volunteer network championing trees across the county.
Celebrate tree heritage through stories, events and community engagement.

A County-Wide Network of Tree Champions:

Supporting at least 60 trained volunteer activists
Establishing 12 new community tree groups
Expanding and strengthening the Tree Warden network
Provide coordination, mentoring and peer support
Empowering volunteers to act as local advisors, advocates and recorders of tree heritage

Recording what matters:

Survey veteran, ancient and distinctive trees
Record historic orchards and churchyard yews
Map and assess hedgerows to identify restoration priorities
Contribute verified records to county and national databases
Improve evidence available for planning, protection and long-term stewardship

Restoring and Growing for the Future

Collect seed and cuttings from locally distinctive and historic tree varieties.
Establish community nurseries to grow trees with local provenance, ensuring genetic resilience.
Support traditional orchard creation and restoration, recording and Cheshire heritage varieties.
Help encourage hedgerow creation and restoration, repair and train more people in hedge laying techniques.

Supporting Landowners to Act

Provide practical advice on managing veteran trees, orchards and hedgerows
Help landowners access appropriate funding schemes
Support long-term stewardship and restoration
Encourage better management of important tree and hedgerow assets

Celebrating Cheshire’s Tree Stories

Research and share the social, cultural and historical stories behind local trees
Deliver events, walks, talks and training days
Reconnect communities with trees as living heritage assets
Build local pride and long-term stewardship

Estimated Cost:
£250,000–£300,000 (Over 3 Years)

Project Location:
Across Cheshire.

Area Covered:
Pan-Cheshire.

Local Authority Area:
Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Warrington.

How Long is the Programme:
Three-years.

Potential Project Partners Could Include:
The Tree Council, National Hedge laying Society, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), CPRE, The Mersey Forest, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Cheshire Wildlife Trust, The Orchard Project, International Tree Foundation.

Outcomes & Impact:

By the end of three years we will have:

Created a self‑sustaining, skilled volunteer network supporting tree stewardship across Cheshire.
Dramatically increased the number of recorded important trees, orchards and hedgerows.
Safeguarded local tree genetics through seed collection and community propagation.
Reintroduced traditional management skills such as hedge laying and orchard care.
Built stronger relationships between communities, landowners and decision‑makers.
Increased public awareness of trees as living heritage assets, not just landscape features.

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

Champions for Cheshire Trees supports the Cheshire & Warrington Local Nature Recovery Strategy by delivering against habitat restoration, community-led action, climate resilience and nature-positive growth.

This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:



Goal One

Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.



Goal Two

Increase connection between people and nature including raising awareness of nature.



Goal Four

Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.

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Connecting Nature and Our Next Generation

What is it?

Nature Connect is a county-wide demonstration pilot designed to create a step-change in how people across Cheshire and Warrington access, engage with and benefit from nature-based activity.

The project responds to a growing disconnect between people, nature and health systems, despite the county already having a rich network of parks groups, wellbeing walks, community growing spaces, conservation volunteering, outdoor recreation and nature-based wellbeing activity. Many of these groups currently operate below capacity, lack visibility and are difficult for residents and health professionals to access or navigate.

Nature Connect will create the missing infrastructure between people, nature and health systems through a county-wide, quality-assured directory of nature-based opportunities, integrated mapping, coordinated communications and stronger health and care referral pathways.

The programme is designed as a scalable county model that connects environmental investment directly to measurable health, wellbeing and social outcomes.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Health inequalities across Cheshire and Warrington remain significant, with access to nature often lowest in the communities that would benefit most.
National evidence demonstrates strong links between access to nature and improved mental health, reduced loneliness, healthier lifestyles and lower preventable mortality. A 2026 national analysis found significant improvements in wellbeing, life satisfaction and anxiety following social prescribing referrals, with an estimated social value return of approximately £9 for every £1 invested.

At the same time:

Nature-based groups often lack visibility and sustainable membership
Health and care services lack a trusted referral platform
Delivery remains fragmented and short term
Existing grassroots assets are underutilised

Nature Connect has been developed to create a shared county-wide infrastructure that supports prevention, social prescribing, environmental stewardship and long-term community resilience.

What is it going to deliver?

A Living County Directory of Nature-Based Opportunities

The programme will create:

A comprehensive, quality-assured county-wide directory of nature-based opportunities
Direct engagement with providers to assess capacity, accessibility and inclusion needs
Long-term self-managed listings enabling sustainable delivery
Improved visibility for community and environmental organisations
Mapping Access to Nature

The programme will deliver:

User-friendly mapping of accessible green and blue spaces
Identification of transport links and inclusive routes
Support for self-referral and social prescribing
Integration with post-hospital and adult social care pathways
County-Wide Awareness Campaign

The initiative will include:

Coordinated digital and social media campaigns
Professionally produced promotional film content
Communications materials for GP surgeries, pharmacies, libraries and public spaces
Public campaigns normalising nature as part of everyday health and wellbeing
Health and Care Integration

The programme will actively engage:

GP practices and Primary Care Networks
Adult social care teams
Hospital discharge pathways
Voluntary and community sector organisations
Social prescribing partners

The project aims to strengthen long-term community pathways rather than short-term isolated interventions.

Estimated Cost:
£250,000–£300,000 (Over 3 Years)

Project Location:
Across Cheshire and Warrington.

Area Covered:
County-wide nature connection, health and wellbeing infrastructure programme.

Local Authority Area:
Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Warrington.

How Long is the Programme:
Three-year demonstration pilot with long-term scalability ambitions.

Lead Partner:

Potential Project Partners Could Include:
Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork, Public Health, University of Chester, NHS partners, Cheshire East Council, Warrington Borough Council, Active Cheshire, TCV, Canal & River Trust, Chester Zoo.

Why Invest Now?

Growing national focus on prevention and social prescribing

Strong evidence linking nature with improved health and wellbeing outcomes

Increasing pressure on health and care systems

Existing grassroots infrastructure already in place but underutilised

Strong alignment with LNRS, NHS and health inequality priorities

Opportunity to create a scalable county-wide model for nature-based engagement

Creates long-term social, environmental and economic value from existing natural assets

Strengthens the sustainability and resilience of local community organisations

Nature Connect represents an opportunity to transform how people, health systems and nature interact across Cheshire and Warrington, creating a scalable model that connects environmental recovery directly with healthier communities and long-term preventative value.

Impact and Returns:

Health & Wellbeing Returns

Research evidence linked to nature-based interventions demonstrates:

Improved mental health and emotional wellbeing

Reduced loneliness and social isolation

Improved quality of life

Increased physical activity

Improved management of long-term conditions

Reduced preventable mortality

Increased life satisfaction and reduced anxiety

The programme also supports preventative health approaches aligned to social prescribing and community-based wellbeing models.

Social & Community Returns

Increased participation in nature-based activity

Greater connection between people and nature

Improved access to nature in deprived communities

Stronger grassroots organisations and volunteer networks

Increased community resilience and social cohesion

Improved visibility and sustainability of local groups

Environmental Returns

Increased stewardship of parks, waterways and natural spaces

Greater public support for nature recovery

Increased use and understanding of green and blue infrastructure

Stronger connection between environmental investment and lived community benefit

Economic & Strategic Returns

Estimated social value return of approximately £9 for every £1 invested through social prescribing

Reduced pressure on health and care systems through prevention pathways

Improved return on investment from existing community and environmental assets

Shared county infrastructure reducing duplication and fragmentation

Scalable and replicable model for future commissioning and investment

Evaluation & Evidence

The University of Chester will co-design an independent evaluation framework to assess:

Individual wellbeing and behaviour change

Long-term value of group-based nature activity

Sustainability and resilience of community organisations

Participation and access patterns

Impact on environmental stewardship and community resilience

The Programme Will Also Collect

Participation and engagement data

Referral pathway information

Community case studies

Volunteer and provider feedback

Evidence linked to health, wellbeing and prevention outcomes

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

The programme directly supports the Cheshire & Warrington Local Nature Recovery Strategy through:

Increasing connection between people and nature

Supporting collaborative and joined-up delivery

Strengthening nature-based health and wellbeing outcomes

Mainstreaming nature recovery into health, education and community systems

Supporting urban green space and blue-green infrastructure engagement

This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:



Goal One

Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.



Goal Two

Increase connection between people and nature including raising awareness of nature.



Goal Four

Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.



The initiative also aligns strongly with:

Cheshire & Merseyside ICS prevention priorities

Social prescribing strategies

Health inequalities agendas

Community resilience and VCSE sustainability priorities

Healthy placemaking and preventative health approaches

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GET INVOLVED

Contact the Cheshire Nature Local Partnership

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Invest in nature

Are you looking for opportunities to invest in nature or natural capital strategically across Cheshire?

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Offset your carbon impact

Need to offset your carbon impact locally or acquire Biodiversity Net Gain units for development and large infrastructure projects?

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Corporate opportunities for volunteering

Need corporate opportunities for volunteering or does you wish to adopt a nature recovery project or community action?

We can help you find opportunities the right opportunities across Cheshire. Contact us today to get involved in the Local Nature Partnership or to find out more.

CONTACT US

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