Networks for Nature
The vision for Networks for Nature (NFN) is to expand a thriving, more connected, wildlife-rich landscape across Northwest Cheshire, maintained through collective community efforts and partnership.
The vision for Networks for Nature (NFN) is to expand a thriving, more connected, wildlife-rich landscape across Northwest Cheshire, maintained through collective community efforts and partnership.
Chester Zoo, Cheshire West and Cheshire Council and Cheshire Wildlife Trust are amongst a partnership of organisations who have committed to improving their own land in the area for wildlife. Working with stakeholders including landowners, environmental organisations, schools, community groups, and community leaders, the partnership will drive the recovery of nature in the region and tackle our increasing levels of disconnection from nature. The project will result in a joined-up network of improved and spaces for wildlife and people across an area of c.60 square miles from the River Dee to the Mersey, including Chester and Ellesmere Port (see map).
Map: Networks for Nature project area encompassing Chester and Ellesmere port, from the River Mersey to the River Dee in Cheshire
Objectives:
- Drive nature recovery in a mixed-use landscape, creating and connecting diverse habitats for species to thrive now and for years to come.
- Make nature more accessible to and inclusive for everyone to enable connection and improve wellbeing.
- Empower more people to have an active role in conservation to create and grow biodiverse habitats.
- Optimise collaborative working to establish strong partnerships to support NFN’s legacy into the future.
Impact:
Networks for Nature will deliver:
- Direct conservation action including habitat creation and improvement for the benefit of wildlife across partner land, community land, and privately owned land.
- Support and guidance for schools and community groups across the project area to improve their outdoor spaces and engage local communities with long term support.
- Wildlife Champion training for at least 250 community leaders, with access to a Wildlife Champions Network, facilitating peer to peer learning and knowledge sharing.
- A wellbeing and accessibility programme including training for GPs to promote green social prescribing, and accessibility improvements across green spaces in the area.
- A youth engagement programme, including trainee opportunities, intergenerational volunteering, and youth involvement in green space improvements.
- Volunteering opportunities and public engagement to learn new skills and improve connection to nature.
“We’re in midst of a global biodiversity crisis. The UN estimates that one million species are at risk of extinction, with one in six species at risk in the UK alone. There has never been a more urgent time to take action for the natural world. One way of doing this to repair our own relationship with nature.
Networks for Nature aims to make a difference to local wildlife by connecting people with nature and improving the state of nature for all.”
Signposts:
and further information:
Networks for Nature – What you can do (chesterzoo.org)
Nature Recovery Corridor – What you can do (chesterzoo.org)
Get Involved: Click Here