Wildlife at Stafford Wetland Set for Major Summer Boost as Restoration Work Begins at Doxey Marshes

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is preparing to begin a significant conservation project at Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve in Stafford, with work expected to start from mid June and continue for around five weeks, subject to weather conditions.

Funded by the Environment Agency, the project aims to restore more natural features to the River Sow and its floodplain, helping water move and settle more naturally across the landscape. The work will include the creation of shallow pools designed to attract wading birds and aquatic invertebrates, alongside improvements to visitor access through new sections of boardwalk.

The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is already recognised as an important habitat for wetland birds. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says the improvements will support a wider range of wildlife, including fish, frogs, dragonflies and other wetland species.

Preparatory work is scheduled to begin during the week commencing 8 June, with contractors and wildlife specialists carrying out surveys before restoration work starts the following week.

Victoria Bunter, Living Floodplains Manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said the project would enhance an already important site for wildlife and help strengthen habitats across the reserve.

The Trust has stressed that the work will not increase flood risk to nearby homes. Visitors may encounter temporary path closures or diversions during the project and are being asked to follow on-site signage for safety.

The restoration forms part of a wider programme of work across Staffordshire aimed at helping nature recover and improving habitats for wildlife across the county.