Chester residents to celebrate transformation of The Backies nature park

Eleanor Hughes Author 2026-05-21 14:45 4 min read

A smooth paved pathway leading through a lush corridor of green trees and bushes.

Contents

Free family launch event scheduled for Wednesday 27 May
From fly-tipping eyesore to 8-hectare community asset
Industrial heritage and the history behind the name
Lache Action Plan: Future improvements for the neighborhood

The Lache community is reclaiming an 8-hectare green space this May as a major environmental project reaches completion. Formerly a site plagued by fly-tipping, The Backies has undergone a comprehensive transformation into a dedicated area for wildlife and local residents. A public event will mark the official reopening, showcasing the new facilities designed to encourage outdoor activity and nature conservation in the heart of the neighborhood.

Free family launch event scheduled for Wednesday 27 May

A community celebration is set to take place on Wednesday, 27 May, from 12pm to 3pm. The event is free to attend and is organized in collaboration with local community groups and the Chester Zoo Networks for Nature team. Activities are designed for all ages, focusing on environmental education and community building.

Detail	Information
Date	Wednesday 27 May 2026
Time	12pm – 3pm
Location	The Backies, Lache
Cost	Free
Key Activities	Scavenger hunt, natural arts and crafts, storytelling, litter picking
Refreshments	Free food and drinks provided

From fly-tipping eyesore to 8-hectare community asset

The restoration project began last year with the removal of a significant volume of fly-tipped waste that had accumulated on the site over several years. Following the clearance, infrastructure improvements were implemented to ensure the space is accessible to all members of the community. This included the construction of a new accessible path network, the installation of seating areas for rest and observation, and the creation of a prominent welcoming gate.

New signage has been installed throughout the 8-hectare site to help visitors navigate the area. These improvements aim to make the space more inclusive, specifically inviting families who previously may have found the terrain difficult to traverse. The project emphasizes the importance of local green spaces for mental health and physical wellbeing, providing a safe environment for exercise and relaxation.

Chester residents to celebrate transformation of The Backies nature park

Industrial heritage and the history behind the name

Visitors to the site will find new information panels detailing the unique history of the area. The name “The Backies” is a local colloquialism derived from the land’s position sitting directly at the back of residential properties on St. Marks Road, Oak Road, and Barwoods Drive.

The site’s history is deeply connected to the industrial growth of the Saltney region. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was a hub for brickmaking, shipbuilding, and ironworks. The transformation of the land from an industrial-adjacent wasteland to a nature reserve represents a significant shift in how the Lache community interacts with its local environment.

Ecologists and volunteers, supported by Chester Zoo, have also installed a nature panel to help residents identify local flora and fauna. This educational component explains ongoing efforts to support smaller habitat improvements and the long-term ecological care required to maintain the site’s biodiversity.

Lache Action Plan: Future improvements for the neighborhood

The revitalization of The Backies is a central pillar of the wider Lache Action Plan. This initiative is funded by the FCC Communities Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional backing from Chester Zoo and local development partners. The plan is designed to guide investment into the neighborhood through four distinct projects.

Progress on the Action Plan includes the 2024 completion of the Lache Park play area on Sycamore Drive, which introduced inclusive equipment for children. In 2025, the first phase of the Lache Community Centre refurbishment was completed, resulting in the opening of a new operational café.

Looking ahead, the final stages of the plan involve traffic and road safety improvements on Hawthorn Road and Poplar Place. Consultations have already concluded on options to manage traffic flow and improve pedestrian and cycling routes, aiming to make the streets safer and more aesthetically pleasing for residents.

For those interested in the long-term maintenance of the park, a local volunteer group is currently seeking new members. Volunteering offers an opportunity to support nature while meeting neighbors and improving personal wellbeing. Inquiries regarding the volunteer group can be directed to the Health Ranger via the Cheshire West and Chester Council contact channels.

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council