Lache Green Space Reopens as Community Nature Hub

Simon Pemberton 2026-05-21 14:47 3 min read

A grey heron perched on a fallen branch beside a calm body of water with lush greenery.

Residents in Lache are invited to celebrate the official reopening of The Backies on Wednesday, 27 May. This free community event, running from 12pm to 3pm, marks the completion of a major project to transform the 8-hectare site into a welcoming environment for both wildlife and local families.

Family Event Schedule and Activities

The reopening celebration is designed as an inclusive afternoon for all ages. Organised in partnership with local community groups and the Chester Zoo Networks for Nature team, the event provides a first look at the site’s new facilities.

Activity	Details
Nature Scavenger Hunt	Exploration of the new 8-hectare site
Arts & Crafts	Natural-themed creative sessions
Storytelling	Book readings and local history tales
Refreshments	Free food and drinks provided for attendees
Community Care	Guided litter picking and nature awareness

From Fly-Tipped Land to Eight Hectares of Nature

The transformation of The Backies began last year, addressing a long-standing issue with fly-tipped waste. Following a significant clearing operation, the site has been upgraded with infrastructure designed to improve accessibility and comfort.

Visitors will find a newly constructed accessible path that winds through the site, along with strategically placed seating areas and a welcoming main gate. New information panels have been installed to guide visitors through the landscape. One panel highlights the specific plants and wildlife that inhabit the area, while another explains the ongoing ecological work supported by Chester Zoo and a dedicated group of local volunteers.

Industrial Heritage and the Origins of The Backies

The name “The Backies” is rooted in local geography, referring to the land’s position sitting “at the back” of residential streets including St. Marks Road, Oak Road, and Barwoods Drive. Beyond its local nickname, the site holds a deep connection to the industrial evolution of the Saltney region.

Historically, this area was a hub for brickmaking, shipbuilding, and ironworks. The new signage on-site provides a brief history of this industrial past, helping residents connect the modern green space with the heritage of the surrounding landscape. The shift from an industrial and later neglected area to a managed nature site represents a significant change in how the land serves the Lache community.

Lache Green Space Reopens as Community Nature Hub

Opportunities for Local Volunteers

The long-term care of the site relies on community involvement. A volunteer group, supported by professional ecologists and Chester Zoo, manages habitat improvements and site maintenance. Volunteering at The Backies is promoted as a way for residents to support local biodiversity while improving their own health and wellbeing through outdoor activity.

Those interested in joining the volunteer group or seeking further information on conservation efforts can contact the Health Ranger via email at [email protected].

Progress of the Lache Action Plan

The restoration of The Backies is a central pillar of the wider Lache Action Plan. This initiative, funded by the FCC Communities Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to guide investment and infrastructure improvements across the neighbourhood.

Several other projects within the plan have reached key milestones. The new children’s play area at Lache Park on Sycamore Drive was completed in July 2024, featuring inclusive equipment. Additionally, the Lache Community Centre has undergone refurbishment, with a new café now operational as of 2025. Future work continues to focus on Hawthorn Road and Poplar Place, where traffic management options are being reviewed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Community Update

This report is based on official project updates from Cheshire West and Chester Council regarding the Lache Action Plan.

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