CHESTER Zoo is offering a unique experience for nature lovers to camp on the site on September 14 and 15 as part of an annual festival celebrating rare UK wildlife.

Campers will be given the exclusive opportunity to experience the 14-acre nature reserve at night, on a British nocturnal safari, guided by the zoo’s UK wildlife experts, before being treated to a hot dinner and refreshments.

The following morning, sleepover guests will be taken on an early bird tour around the zoo, before daytime visitors arrive.

The tour will finish with breakfast in the zoo’s Grade II listed restaurant, The Oakfield, which was the original family home of zoo founder, George Mottershead. Day visitors to the 'Wildlife Connections Festival' will enjoy storytelling sessions, conservation activities, live music and theatre.

Annabella Bashforth, assistant team manager of informal education at Chester Zoo, said: “We’re certain it will leave campers feeling far more connected to the incredible species we have living here in the UK.”

Visit chesterzoo.org/wcfest