University students from Chester have teamed up with Chester Zoo to pledge their efforts towards nature conservation.

This collaboration between the University of Chester’s Hedgehog Friendly Campus group, who will work alongside Chester Zoo to create a more friendly environment for hedgehogs on their campus.

This venture is part of the zoo's broad-based Networks for Nature campaign that aspires to create a wildlife-rich landscape throughout the North-West Cheshire, through strong partnerships and community collaborations.

The commitment came after a consultation with students involved in the Hedgehog Group project, coordinated by students Lyndon Howson and Katie Whitfield, supported by the School of Natural Sciences, and the Volunteering and Mentoring Team at the university.

People who signed the pledge include Professor Eunice Simmons, vice-chancellor of the University of Chester and Charlotte Smith, director of conservation education at Chester Zoo along with Ms Howson and Ms Whitfield.

The pledge is inclusive of initiatives to improve wildlife habitats on the campus, installing wildlife cameras and data sharing, organising litter collection days, and creating further hedgehog-friendly areas.

The presentation of this pledge took place at a recent university event where Chris Ablett, Chester Zoo’s community volunteer and training coordinator, and Ms Smith gave a presentation about the Networks for Nature initiative.

Mr Howson said: "We are honoured to have collaborated with Chester Zoo in creating the Pledge for Nature, establishing a lasting legacy for our project.

"This inspiring initiative gives us a meaningful goal to strive towards each year."

His co-coordinator, Ms Whitfield added: "Having this support is truly amazing, as it empowers us to champion biodiversity, not just for hedgehogs but for all wildlife on campus.

"Furthermore, it enables us to work closely with various organisations and groups via the Networks for Nature project, amplifying our collective impact."

Ms Smith, added: "Pledges can help to motivate people to make positive conservation behaviour changes.

"That’s why we were delighted to work with the team at the Hedgehog Friendly Campus project and the wider student body at the University of Chester, to develop this new pledge for nature.

"We hope it’ll encourage more students to get out into nature, commit to taking action for wildlife and be voice for change in their student community, including getting involved in wildlife monitoring, creating habitats and delivering training."

She also said: "The Hedgehog Friendly Campus group will be the trail blazers.

"This is the first pledge for nature that Chester Zoo has developed with a community of people in this way.

"We'll apply what we learn from this project to encourage many more community groups and schools to take pledges for nature in the future."