Gift in will doubles Jackson’s Coppice and Marsh Nature Reserve near Eccleshall

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust were able to purchase the land thanks to a generous gift left in the will of supporter David Aldred. His gift will leave a lasting impact for wildlife for generations to come.

The newly acquired land extends the reserve south uphill of the floodplain and an area of wet woodland and marsh. The expansion creates more space for wildlife and allows for exciting habitat restoration work.

The field beside the small car park has been purchased. This has been leased and managed by the Trust since the 1970s. Over the years, it has been restored using species-rich green hay. This has helped to bring a wealth of wildflowers back to the site, including the striking common spotted orchid.

The newly acquired floodplain land is naturally wet for much of the year. It presents exciting opportunities for habitat enhancement. Plans include coppicing some mature alder trees and managing willow growth. This will allow more sunlight into the marsh, creating conditions that support a greater diversity of plants and wildlife.

Under the Trust's ownership the floodplain can continue to act as nature intended - during heavy rainfall it will enable the river to flow slower. This helps to alleviate flooding downstream.

Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves and Species Recovery at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said:

"This is fantastic news for wildlife and a wonderful example of how gifts in wills can create lasting change for nature. Thanks to David's generosity, we have been able to secure more land which will be protected for wildlife forever. We can restore habitats on a much bigger scale, making more of a difference to the wildlife that relies on these places to live, feed and breed.

"Over time, we'll create a richer mixture of habitats across the reserve. We'll help more wildflowers grow and increase scrub – areas of brambles and small trees. These will support pollinators, butterflies to farmland birds. It's an exciting future for this special place."

The improved areas will provide food and shelter for the Red-listed yellowhammer. Their population has plummeted by 61% between 1967 and 2020 due to a lack of food and nesting habitat. They are a priority species in Staffordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This means efforts to safeguard their future are essential to prevent further decline. Other birds which will benefit include linnet, fieldfare, redwing and song thrush.

The floodplain area may also play a role in future wetland restoration projects. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is investigating this area for future wild beaver releases. The Trust will explore opportunities with local landowners to determine whether beavers could help further enhance the natural management of water in the landscape surrounding the River Sow.

Visitors will also benefit from the reserve expansion. There are public footpaths over the new land, so visitors will be able to add more time to their walk after or before enjoying the existing nature reserve trails.

Like David, many members choose to leave a gift in their will to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust - together they have a huge impact on the future of wildlife in Staffordshire.