Work to start on improving green space at The Backies in Lache

Initial works to improve green space for wildlife and for people to enjoy at The Backies in Lache are due to start on Wednesday 14th February.

The Backies is an eight-hectare former landfill site which following consultation and engagement with residents, forms part of the Lache Action Plan endorsed by Cabinet in November last year.  Plans for how the space will be improved for different species of wildlife and as a green space for local people to enjoy are being developed in a partnership between local residents and the Council's landscape designer, ecologist and community and regeneration teams.

Some initial works are being carried out to the entrance to the site on 14 February before the bird nesting season begins and should take around a week to complete. This will include works to trees in different states of collapse near paths, removal of diseased trees to allow for an extra pathway into and through the area, and the removal of roots to help make paths level. Concrete posts may also be removed to help improve the grassland and encourage biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

During the works, contractors will be onsite during the day with machinery, a digger and chainsaws. If residents still wish to access the area during this time, it is asked that dogs are kept on a lead.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“We are delighted that work is beginning at The Backies to make this area a great place to be for local people, and to protect and encourage wildlife and biodiversity.

“This is just the first phase of our plans that have been developed in ongoing consultation with residents and the Friends of The Backies group, and we thank everyone involved for their enthusiasm working on this project. We are now working in collaboration to develop the longer-term plan for the site and then put bids together for funding to carry out the next phases of the works for more improvements to the site such as footpaths, benches and a new entrance gate.”

Further information about The Backies project will be posted on the revamped Lache Action Plan website from early March.

To get involved with projects in Lache, email:

chesterlocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk