FAMILIES in Chester have been enjoying the delights of a new 'enchanted forest' which has opened up in the heart of the city.

The creative installation is available to visit on Bridge Street for the next six months, having opened during half-term week.

Families enjoy what The Nest has to offer in Chester. Picture: Ant Clausen.

Families enjoy what The Nest has to offer in Chester. Picture: Ant Clausen.

Destination Chester, a network of the city’s tourism partners, took over the site of the former PROCook shop at 22 Bridge Street and immersive design artist Rachel Shore transformed it into a magical space where imaginations can run free.

The Nest will host a range of creative and reflective events and activities for people of all ages to take part in and enjoy.

Some will be free, and others ticketed, but all will be inexpensive.

The Nest in Chester is open for the next few months. Picture: Jonny Noakes.

The Nest in Chester is open for the next few months. Picture: Jonny Noakes.

The Nest is the first part of Chester, Designed by Nature, a new six-month community arts project launched by Destination Chester, with support from the European Regional Development Fund.

The project aims to embrace and explore the natural world that surrounds us through a programme of art, activities, performance, storytelling and amazing large-scale sculptural installations which will appear across the city.

Storyhouse and Cheshire-based outdoor arts specialists Wild Rumpus, masterminds of the Just So festival and The Lanterns at Chester Zoo have collaborated to bring the programme of events and installations to life, with Wild Rumpus designer Rachel Shore creating the magical ‘Nest’ environment.

Families enjoy what The Nest has to offer in Chester. Picture: Ant Clausen.

Families enjoy what The Nest has to offer in Chester. Picture: Ant Clausen.

Visitors are greeted by an avenue of trees which will guide them through an atmospheric dark forest with glimpses of nesting woodland animals and treasures among the trunks.

The autumnal-hued wonderland includes a performance space, while a willow arch leads to a craft area.

And beyond that is The Nest itself – a cosy, warm and inviting dome filled with floor cushions and tree stump stools where you can slow down, relax and reflect.

The Nest in Chester is open for the next few months. Picture: Jonny Noakes.

The Nest in Chester is open for the next few months. Picture: Jonny Noakes.