Staffordshire Wildlife Trust secures land gift to expand nature reserve

New land acquired for reserve

The organization has purchased wet woodland and marsh areas alongside pastureland south of the River Sow. This acquisition comes from a generous gift left in a will by David Aldred, a known supporter of the group. The new territory joins existing holdings near Eccleshall to create a larger protected area for local species.

Planned management and restoration work

Staff members intend to coppice mature alder trees and manage willow growth to increase plant diversity. These actions will allow the river to move more slowly when heavy rain occurs, which helps reduce downstream flooding risks. Public footpaths are also being planned so visitors can walk over the newly owned land.

Benefits for local wildlife populations

The expanded site offers a bigger scale for restoring habitats that animals need to live and breed. Jeff Sim of the trust noted that this change makes a greater difference to creatures relying on these places. The project serves as an example of how bequests can create lasting positive outcomes for nature.