Major habitat restoration work at Doxey Marshes is beginning to take shape, with new pools, islands and river features now visible across the Stafford nature reserve.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust issued an update on Wednesday 26 August confirming that new scrapes and pools have been created alongside existing ditches, providing additional wetland habitat for wildlife. New riffles have also been installed in the River Sow to improve water flow and create better conditions for fish and aquatic insects, with the Trust saying it is already encouraging to see how the river is responding.
One of the biggest changes can be seen in the large pool, known as the flash, where new islands have been created. Temporary land bridges used by machinery have now been removed, leaving behind islands designed to provide safer areas for birds to feed, roost and nest.
New boardwalk now being installed
Materials have also arrived for a new 500-metre boardwalk, with installation now under way.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says the boardwalk is expected to be completed in late October and will provide a new route for visitors once the work is finished.
Until then, walking routes across the reserve will remain closed.
The Trust says this is partly because a small number of visitors have ignored closures and entered working areas, forcing contractors to stop work on several occasions due to safety concerns.
Visitors are being asked to respect barriers and safety signs and not enter areas where machinery is operating.
Extra care needed during weekday works
The closures are particularly important while contractors are actively working on the reserve from Monday to Friday.
Heavy machinery, construction vehicles and materials continue to move around parts of Doxey Marshes, so people are being asked not to use closed paths or enter restricted areas while work is taking place.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has warned that entering work areas could result in serious injury and may also delay the project if contractors are forced to stop.
Some routes have already been closed for several weeks, including the public right of way from Warrens Lane, off Creswell Farm Drive, and the nearby permissive path.
Part of the Stafford Brooks project
The work at Doxey Marshes forms part of Stafford Brooks, a wider project aimed at improving waterways and wetland habitats around Stafford.
Specialist contractors Ebsford Environmental are carrying out the restoration work in collaboration with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency.
The project is designed to improve the River Sow and its floodplain, creating better habitats for birds, fish, insects, amphibians and other wetland wildlife without increasing flood risk to surrounding areas.
The latest work includes creating shallow pools, improving existing ditches and introducing more natural features into the River Sow.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says the project will continue until all planned improvements have been completed.
Further updates can be found at:
https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/stafford-brooks
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