A tree-planting project is providing a big boost to biodiversity and plant science in the North West.
The Mersey Forest, Chester Zoo and the Environment Agency have created more than five hectares of new woodland in Cheshire, roughly the size of 40 Olympic swimming pools.
Now, ahead of the International Day of Biodiversity, the partnership has announced they have met this milestone, the latest in an ongoing regional project to boost biodiversity and tackle climate change.
Teams have been carrying out winter planting to establish 5,200 native trees on Chester Zoo property, building efforts which saw the planting of nine hectares of woodland completed in 2024.
Around 200 British tree species and woody shrubs, including pedunculate oak, downy birch, wild cherry and alder, have been planted on a section of the zoo’s land adjacent to the M53.
Uniquely, thousands of mycorrhizal pellets were buried alongside a third of the saplings as part of a research project to improve establishment and resilience rates of newly planted trees, particularly on degraded soils.
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The integration of agricultural land into the broader ecological network allows conservationists to test advanced soil science within the regional habitat framework.
Lauren Taylor, Woodland Advisor for The Mersey Forest, said:
“It’s fantastic to be working in collaboration with Chester Zoo on another woodland creation project.
“We support a wide range of landowners across Cheshire and Merseyside in creating woodlands and habitats that support their objectives and provide benefits for local people, nature, and climate.
“We can’t wait to see this latest woodland become established and transform this area of the zoo’s estate.”
The pellets provide soil fungi that naturally bond with tree roots and offers additional protection against soil-borne diseases.
The results of the research might shape future planting projects. Managed open ground has been incorporated into the design of the new woodland, creating a mosaic of well-connected habitats to support a range of pollinators and species.
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The expansion of the woodland footprint forms a key part of the long-term land management strategy for the biological park, bridging gaps between existing pockets of mature trees.
Ruby Merriman, Estate Biodiversity Manager for Chester Zoo, expressed that this was an important step toward the goal of managing 30% of the 265ha zoo estate for biodiversity by 2030.
She said:
“The zoo estate is home to iconic woodland species like tawny owls and brown long-eared bats, however with only small pockets of mature woodland currently available their habitat is limited.
“Creating larger areas of woodland across the estate increases nesting, roosting and feeding opportunities for wildlife, and the woodland glades incorporated into the design will offer even more habitat for butterflies, birds, bats and more.”
The project aligns with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Cheshire, The Mersey Forest Plan and the aims of the Chester Zoo-led Networks for Nature project.
Katherine Causer, Environment Programme Manager for the Environment Agency, said:
“This five-hectare planting project shows what’s possible when partners come together with a shared vision.
“We have helped create a living legacy: new woodland that will strengthen local biodiversity, store carbon, and protect our communities for generations to come.
“These trees are an investment in a healthier, more resilient future.”
The project is funded through the UK Government’s Trees for Climate Fund.
Volunteer teams helped get the trees in the ground ahead of future seasonal planting phases.
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