Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has announced that Jackson’s Coppice and Marsh Nature Reserve near Eccleshall will double its footprint thanks to a land donation left in a will. The acquisition includes wet woodland and marsh areas alongside pastureland situated south of the River Sow.
David Aldred, a supporter of the trust, made the donation. Under the new ownership, the trust plans to develop public footpaths across the expanded area and implement measures to slow river flow during periods of heavy rainfall, which will help reduce downstream flooding.
Management of the floodplain will involve coppicing mature alder trees and controlling willow growth to encourage greater plant and wildlife diversity. Jeff Sim of the trust highlighted the significance of the gift, noting it demonstrates how legacies can produce enduring benefits for nature.
Sim added that the larger landholding allows for habitat restoration on a more significant scale, providing better opportunities for species to live, feed, and breed.
Reducing downstream flooding is a huge bonus. Glad the trust is thinking about both nature and community safety.
Coppicing alder trees sounds like the right call. I wonder if they will involve local schools in the restoration work?
It is inspiring to see how legacies can leave such a lasting positive impact on our environment for future generations.
I hope they keep the new footpaths well-maintained. It would be great to have more accessible nature near Eccleshall.
This is wonderful news! Doubling the reserve size will make such a difference for local wildlife and flood management.