The Backies in Lache re-opens

A free family event on Wednesday 27th May (12pm to 3pm) marks the reopening of the Backies in Lache, following the transformation of the site into a green space area for wildlife and residents to enjoy.

The event with local community groups and Chester Zoo’s Networks for Nature team will include free food and refreshments, nature scavenger hunt, natural art and crafts, litter picking,  books and storytelling. It’s an opportunity to explore and get involved in the beautiful new community green space.

Work started last year clearing a considerable amount of fly-tipped waste, followed by constructing an accessible path, installing seating areas and signage, and creating a welcoming gate to the 8-hectare site.

The improvements are designed to make the Backies a more inclusive space, inviting more people and families to get outside in nature.

New information panels tell a brief history of the site; the name Backies comes from the land sitting ‘at the back’ of houses on streets like St. Marks Road, Oak Road and Barwoods Drive. The history of the area is closely tied to the industrial development of the surrounding Saltney region, which was historically known for brickmaking, shipbuilding and ironworks.

A nature panel shows some of the plants and wildlife to look out for and explains the work being carried out by a group of volunteers, with support from ecologists and Chester Zoo, to support smaller habitat improvements and longer term care for the site.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, improve health and wellbeing and do something positive to support nature and the community. For anyone wanting to be a volunteer, or receive further details about the volunteer group, contact email: 

HealthRanger@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

The Backies transformation is part of the Lache Action Plan, made possible thanks to funding from the FCC Communities Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from Chester Zoo and local development partners.

The Lache Action Plan consists of four elements aiming to help improve the neighbourhood for residents and guide investment in the area.

The four Action Plan projects are:

Lache Park (Sycamore Drive) - new children’s play area equipment, including inclusive play, to support improved facilities for children. Completed in July 2024.

Backies/LAPA Field – work now completed to improve the 8-hectare area for wildlife and residents to enjoy as a green space amenity.

Lache Community Centre – Refurbishing the building to improve facilities for residents and help improve its financial and environmental sustainability. The first phase was completed in 2025 with a new café now operational.

Traffic/road improvements on Hawthorn Road and Poplar Place – Consultation has been completed on the options to better manage traffic, making it safer to walk or cycle, and improving the way the area looks and feels.