VISITORS of Chester Zoo are being urged to help save rare British wildlife by receiving a free gift.

Since 2013 the zoo has been working with the Canal and River Trust, Butterfly Conservation and other zoos to help save one of the most protected species in the UK the barberry carpet moth.

The species numbers have been dwindling due to their food source - the barberry plant disappearing from Britain’s landscape.

Now, horticulturalists at Chester Zoo have been busy growing more than 1,500 of the barberry bushes to give away to visitors during February half term as part of its “Wildlife Connections” campaign.

It is hoped that by giving out the bushes they will be planted in gardens across the country to help create a safe network of places for the threatened moth and its caterpillars to thrive.

Wildlife connections project officer Manon Keir said: “From rhinos to orangutans, most of us are aware that animal species across the globe are under threat – and most wish they could do more to help.

“What people may not realise that over the last two centuries more than 500 unique species have been lost forever to extinction, right here in the UK.

“Now more than ever conservation is critical – but there is hope. We won’t stand back; we won’t give up. Every one of us can take simple actions.

“With almost 1.9 million people visiting the zoo each year we think we are uniquely placed to help inspire the nation. We hope people will join us in protecting threatened species here in the UK by taking this free bush and planting it at home this spring, creating safe habitats for UK wildlife to thrive. Thank you to everyone who joins our fight.”

Free plants will be available at the main entrance at the zoo until Thursday 23 February.