Zoo receives £4m grant for conservation projects

A zoo has been awarded more than £4m for a project to restore and reconnect habitats.

Workers at Chester Zoo aim to restore nearly 9,842 ft (3,000m) of hedgerows and more than 247 acres (100 hectares) of other habitats in Cheshire.

The National Lottery heritage fund grant will also fund a project for 4,500 students to improve school grounds for wildlife.

Hannah Brooks, from Chester Zoo, said the cash injection was "an exciting moment for the project".

Ms Brooks said the Networks for Nature initiative "could really transform things for the environment in Cheshire and for the people who live here".

She also said: "There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to bring people together and find out what these community groups need to take action to improve spaces for wildlife and people."

The cash will help Chester Zoo to fund 14 new jobs, and continue to work with community groups to improve their outdoor spaces.

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