IS it a fern? Is it a plain? No, it's Supertrees!

The three new 7.5-metre high sculptures have finally descended on what was once a neglected Chester roundabout.

Currently, the subways into the garden area at the Hoole Way Roundabout by Mecca Bingo are closed while construction works have been taking place this week.

Work started earlier this year, preparing the site that is a main entrance into Chester city centre from Newtown, Brook Street, Chester Train Station and Chester Bus Interchange. The unique public open space sits below ground level in the middle of a busy roundabout.

The Supertrees installation is just the start of the revamp for the roundabout, as various climbing plants will take root at the Supertree sculptures in September, increasing the plant diversity, which in turn will increase the animal and insect diversity.

It is expected to take between two to three years for the climbing plants to reach the top of the trees.

In addition, volunteers have planted seeds in the newly created flower beds, ensuring the landscape will look much more thriving than it had previously when it was overgrown with weeds and shrubs, promoting biodiversity.

Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This is only really the beginning, the Supertrees will take a few years to establish the plants growing on them.

"The area is being transformed and not only provides a new area to enjoy but is creating a new welcome for the city”.

The project was the idea of the ForEST (For Eco Supertrees) community group and is supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

ForEST raised funds through various community based events, they also secured funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Pocket Parks Plus grant. A grant was provided through FCC Communities Foundation Action Fund. Section 106 funding and New Homes Bonus funding has also been used for this project.

Chester’s Supertrees are on a much smaller scale but still aims to achieve some of the same environmental and social goals as Singapore.

Steve Hughes, chairman of the ForEST group, previously said "The inspiration for the Chester Supertrees project came from the Planet Earth II documentary Sir David Attenborough did, in the final episode it shows the success of Supertrees Grove in Singapore’s nature park.

"It shows the species and ecosystems that exist within cities across the world, but finishes with the Gardens by the Bay project, where the Supertrees are located.

"They create an environment for a variety of plant life that would not normally exist in a City. Chester’s are on a much smaller scale but still aim to achieve the same environmental goals and social inspiration as they have done in Singapore."

The project includes re-landscaping around the trees and there will also be a new mural in the subway.

Chester Zoo and the ForEST group are working together to make sure the space is used as an educational space, funded and maintained to a high standard for years to come.