Wonderful wetlands

Wetlands are some of the most wonderful, hardworking and wildlife‑rich places in our landscape. With World Wetlands Day coming up on Monday 2 February, we’re celebrating these special habitats and the vital role they play for nature, climate and our communities. The Cheshire and Warrington Local Nature Recovery Strategy places a strong focus on wetlands and the actions needed to protect and restore them. There are already a range of conservation‑led programmes underway across the borough to safeguard and enhance wetlands, including on Council owned sites.

Read more about wetlands and the work to protect them

Be an energy saver in 2026

Energy Savers Week, a national campaign led by the Energy Saving Trust and Citizens Advice, took place earlier this month. The week encouraged organisations and individuals to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions and save money through practical, everyday actions. The campaign is a great reminder to think about how we use energy at work and at home — and how small changes, when added together across our communities, can make a real difference.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for practical tips

Government launches Warm Homes Plan

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched the Nationwide Warm Homes Plan to support low-income households in improving the energy efficiency of their homes.  The plan will deliver £15 billion of public investment, roll out upgrades to up to five million homes that could save them hundreds on energy bills and help to lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030

Read more about the Government’s Warm Homes Plan

Mika and the Polar Bear: A Journey of friendship, courage and climate hope

A new show called Mika and the Polar bear is coming to Theatre Porto in Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port, this February. The show has been created in response to the climate crisis and is designed for young audiences and families, combining contemporary dance, puppetry, animation and live music. The show takes the audience on an imaginative journey into the wonders of the natural world, with themes of friendship, compassion, and the power of hope at its heart.

Photo: Elly Wel Photography

Find out more about Mika and the Polar Bear and book tickets

Praise for Bikeability course

The Council has provided Bikeability training to schools across the borough through BikeRight for the past five years. In 2025 alone, over 3,500 children completed the course, gaining the skills and confidence to ride safely. Pupils, who’ve completed the training recently, shared how they had found the sessions fun and it helped them feel more confident on a bike — even those riding for the first time. One parent told us their child now cycles regularly and always wears a helmet, a key safety habit taught on the course.

Read more about Bikeability and feedback from participants

First events revealed for 2026 Festival of Ideas

The award-winning, four-day annual Festival of Ideas is returning in the summer for the third time, after proving a success with thousands of visitors enjoying its near-to-100 events held each year since its launch. Created by the University of Chester in collaboration with partners, the festival, which takes place takes from Thursday July 2 to Sunday July 5, offers a programme of free and accessible public events on a wide range of themes, for all ages and interests, at venues across the Chester. Organisers are also inviting individuals, organisations, communities and schools to submit their event ideas through the events form on the festival website before 4 March.

Find out more about the festival and how to submit an idea

Residents can now subscribe for 2026 garden waste collections

Residents can now sign up for the Council’s optional £55 garden waste collection service, with fortnightly collections restarting the week of 9 March 2026. Garden waste is great for producing compost and green energy that can be used in our borough. Sign-up before mid‑February to receive all 20 collections this year.

Find out more about how to sign up

Dates for your diary

2 February: World Wetlands Day

14 - 21 February:  Nest Box Week

19 February: People, Planet, Pint

24 February: Envisioning a Better Ecological Future: Visions and Achievements of Female Environmentalists with Dr Cecilia Skordilis

28 March: Hoole Green Festival