Cheshire Scouts announce conservation partnership with Chester Zoo for Chamboree 2026

Cheshire Scouts have announced an exciting new partnership with Chester Zoo that will see more than 6,000 Scouts and Guides take part in hands-on conservation activities as part of Chamboree 2026.

Chamboree is a week-long international camp taking place at Cheshire Showground from 8–15 August 2026, and is one of the largest events in the global Scouting calendar. The partnership means that every participant will have the opportunity to learn directly from conservation specialists and play an active role in protecting the natural world.

For the first time, Chamboree will include a dedicated conservation day at Chester Zoo, a national charity carrying out species-saving work in the UK and around the world. During the visit, Scouts and Guides will explore a conservation trail, use the iNaturalist app to record native species, and take part in practical activities such as updating bee and bug hotels.

The focus on conservation continues throughout the camp. Young people will be encouraged to get involved in citizen science projects across Cheshire, record wildlife sightings, and take part in science-based activities in the event’s Thrive Zone. Alongside this, participants will also take part in litter picks and canal path clear-ups, helping to make an immediate positive impact on communities near the camp.

Chamboree 2026 is open to Scouts and Guides aged 10–17 from across the UK and overseas. Younger members from Cheshire will also be able to get involved through day visits and festival-style activities, including sessions for Squirrels aged four and up.

Chester Zoo’s education team say the partnership is a chance to inspire a lifelong connection with nature among young people, while showing that conservation starts close to home. They emphasised that taking action for local wildlife in Cheshire can be just as meaningful as protecting species further afield.

Cheshire Scouts have announced an exciting new partnership with Chester Zoo that will see more than 6,000 Scouts and Guides take part in hands-on conservation activities as part of Chamboree 2026.

Dave Hopley, County Lead Volunteer and Camp Chief for Chamboree 2026, said the partnership reflects what the event is all about.

“Chamboree is about adventure with purpose,” he said. “By working with Chester Zoo, our Scouts and Guides will learn from experts, take part in real citizen science, and see how their actions here in Cheshire contribute to something much bigger.”

He added that the partnership will help young people leave Chamboree feeling confident, inspired and connected to nature, with a clear understanding that even small actions can make a real difference.

To find out more about Chamboree 2026, visit www.chamboree.org.uk.