Doxey Marshes wildlife set for summer boost as major habitat work begins

Major habitat restoration work is set to begin at Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve in Stafford this month.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will carry out work on the River Sow and its floodplain to improve the wetland for wildlife.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will carry out work on the River Sow and its floodplain to improve the wetland for wildlife.

The work is due to begin with preparation during the week of Monday 8 June, depending on weather and ground conditions. Contractors and trust staff will set out equipment and carry out wildlife surveys before the main work starts the following week, from Monday 15 June.

The project is expected to move from the north of the reserve to the south over about five weeks, subject to weather and ground conditions.

The work will include restoring more natural features to the river, helping water stay on the floodplain for longer and creating shallow pools for wading birds and aquatic insects.

New sections of boardwalk will also be installed to improve access and help people enjoy views across the wetland.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says the work will not increase flood risk to nearby homes.

The project will also include work to remove artificial embankments along the river and add gravel riffles. Riffles are shallow gravel areas in a river that help improve oxygen levels in the water and create better habitat for fish and insects.

Some ditches will also be widened to create more shallow wetland pools. Soil removed during the work will be reused on the reserve to create shallow areas in existing pools.

A small earth bund near the bird hide will also be rebuilt where it has worn away, to help protect the hide from high water levels in the future.

Victoria Bunter, Living Floodplains Manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said Doxey Marshes is already an important place for wetland birds and the project will improve it further.

She said the work will support wading birds and improve the wider habitat, with other wildlife such as fish, frogs and dragonflies also expected to benefit.

There may be short-term footpath closures or diversions while the work takes place. Visitors are asked to follow signs and instructions on the reserve.

The project is funded by the Environment Agency and is part of a wider programme of habitat work to help wildlife recover across Staffordshire.

Additional information

People with questions about the work can email staffordbrooks@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or call Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre reception on 01889 880100.