Although summer is pretty much over, we’re still all about the outdoors and the gorgeous nature that surrounds us – in fact, autumn makes us even more excited about crunching in the leaves. Now, Chester Zoo is inviting the public to get hands-on with nature at Nature Fest, a free festival this September celebrating the natural world and the joy that it brings.
Two days of music, games, crafts, and community-based conservation will take place at Nature Fest on September 13 and 14, set in the zoo‘s nature reserve. There will be hands-on activities, workshops, talks, and performances, including the interactive Hedgehog Hideaway adventure, which teaches participants how to make their gardens more hedgehog-friendly.
The 2025 event is part of Chester Zoo’s Networks for Nature initiative, which recently received a £4 million boost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to expand its community-led conservation work across the UK. Nature Fest aims to showcase all the work within the project, provide opportunities for people to get practically involved in UK wildlife conservation, and showcase biodiversity work at the zoo.
There are also opportunities to take on conservation volunteering tasks like habitat restoration, take part in interactive wildlife talks at the Picnic Patch, and blend art, music, and nature.
Nature Fest activities & workshops to get involved in at Chester Zoo
Festival Field – A hub of fun and creativity
From live music to face painting, drumming workshops to games, the Festival Field is buzzing with activity! Bring your little ones to join in the fun, build dens, and unleash their imagination. With delicious food and drinks available, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect day out.
Hedgehog Hideaway – A wild adventure awaits
Join the Zoo Rangers at the Hedgehog Hideaway for an exciting journey to learn about those prickly friends. Get ready for hibernation by solving problems and exploring different gardens while discovering ways to help hedgehogs and other native species thrive in our outdoor spaces.
Actions Arena – Games for good
Ready to make a difference? In the Actions Arena, you’ll dive into fun activities and games that teach you how to improve your garden for wildlife. Learn to make a lasting impact by creating something special that can help native species survive and thrive in your own backyard.
Wildlife talks and Picnic Patch – Relax and learn
Take a break and unwind at Picnic Patch where you can relax on a blanket and enjoy talks from a team of UK wildlife experts. From planting wildflowers to composting and bird conservation, these informal talks offer plenty of inspiration and practical tips on how we can all contribute to protecting local ecosystems.
Get stuck in – Conservation volunteering
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a conservation volunteer? Now’s your chance to find out! Get hands-on and try out conservation tasks that help restore nature and protect wildlife. Whether you’re new to volunteering or experienced, this is a great opportunity to make a difference and learn from passionate conservationists.
Nature Fest Chester Zoo Main Stage line-up
Saturday 13th September
- 11.45am – 12.15pm: Amasing Kids
- 12.15pm – 1pm: Chester Rock Choir
- 1pm – 1.20pm: Chester Zoo Rangers
- 1.30pm – 2.30pm: Chester Wind Band
- 2.30pm – 3pm: Evolution Dance School
- 3.30pm – 3.50pm: Chester Zoo Rangers
- 4pm – 4.30pm: Hol Clark
Sunday 14th September
- 11.45am – 12.15pm: Freedom Dance School
- 12.15pm – 1pm: Annie Howarth
- 1pm – 1.20pm: Chester Zoo Rangers
- 1.30pm – 2.30pm: Chester Big Band
- 2.30pm – 3pm: CHS singers
- 3.30pm – 3.50pm: Chester Zoo Rangers
- 4pm – 4.30pm: Artizan Band
Ruby Merriman, estate biodiversity manager, said: “Chester Zoo’s nature reserve is open to people all year round, but Nature Fest is a chance to shine a spotlight on this vital part of the zoo. The nature reserve is an important haven for British wildlife and offers the opportunity to see plants and animals in their natural habitat. It is also part of our pledge to manage 30% of the zoo estate for biodiversity by 2030.
“There are real, documented benefits to spending time in nature, both for people and nature itself. It boosts people’s mental and physical health and encourages understanding of and engagement with the natural world. As one of the most nature-depleted countries on earth, British wildlife needs just as much support as species abroad, and Nature Fest offers a way for aspiring conservationists to learn how to get involved.”
Do I need tickets & where at Chester Zoo is Nature Fest located?
You do not need to book for Nature Fest – just turn up on the day. Nature Fest takes place from 11.30am to 4.30pm on September 13 and 14, and it’s open to anyone with activities for all ages.
The Nature Reserve is located at the far end of Chester Zoo car park and parking is free.
📍 The Nature Reserve is located at Chester Zoo, Chester CH2 4BB.
