Waterways are the lifeblood of our environment, providing essential habitats for wildlife and valuable resources for our communities. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, protecting and preserving these waterways is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring clean water for future generations. This January, let’s explore the importance of our local rivers, canals, and streams, and discover how we can all contribute to their protection.
The Importance of Waterways
Waterways such as the River Trent, River Sow, and the extensive network of canals in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are home to a diverse range of species. These include fish like the brown trout and European eel, birds such as the kingfisher and grey heron, and numerous invertebrates and plants. Healthy waterways also support recreational activities, enhance the beauty of our landscapes, and play a vital role in flood management.
Local Conservation Efforts
Several initiatives are underway to protect and restore waterways in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent:
Trent Rivers Trust: This organisation works on projects like the Weston River Restoration, which aims to reconnect the River Trent to its floodplain, improving habitats for wildlife and enhancing flood resilience.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust: They have been involved in river restoration projects in the Churnet Valley, using innovative techniques like engineered log jams to improve riparian zones and reduce flooding.
Canal & River Trust: Collaborating with local councils, they manage and enhance the canal network, balancing rural preservation with leisure use.
How You Can Help
Reduce Pollution: Properly dispose of waste and use eco-friendly products to minimise runoff. Participate in local clean-up events to help keep waterways free of litter.
Support Native Plants: Plant native species along riverbanks and in gardens to provide habitats for wildlife and prevent erosion.
Get Involved: Join local conservation groups and volunteer for projects that focus on protecting and restoring waterways.
Educate Others: Raise awareness about the importance of clean and healthy waterways. Encourage friends and family to adopt water-friendly practices.
By taking these steps, we can all play a part in protecting the precious waterways of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Let’s work together to ensure these vital ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.
Empowering Community Groups for Nature Recovery in Staffordshire
Community groups play a crucial role in nature recovery. They inspire local residents to participate in efforts to restore and protect the environment. These groups have unique insights into their communities, making them ideal for shaping the future of nature recovery in Staffordshire. Our Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) aims to support and expand the great work these groups are already doing.
Recent Activities
In December, our Liaison Officers attended several local forums hosted by Support Staffordshire in Cannock, Newcastle, Stafford, the Moorlands, and Bilbrook. The goal was to raise awareness about the LNRS and show how local organisations can contribute to and benefit from it.
We also have a Community Advisory Group that meets monthly. This group brings local knowledge into the development process and advises on improving community green and blue spaces. They focus on issues like flooding, pollution, health, and connecting people to nature.
How Can Community Groups Contribute?
We have set up an interactive map designed for you to share your favourite outdoor places to visit in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to know if you have spotted any changes to the environment, any concerns you have or any improvements you think could be made to protect nature. Click here to share your thoughts.
In 2025, we will host workshops to gather input on nature recovery priorities. Later in the year, a public consultation will allow all residents to review the draft strategy and ensure it aligns with their goals.
Get Involved
If you’re part of a community group and want to learn more or get involved, contact our Communities Liaison Officer, Tristan Allerton, at tristan.allerton@staffordshire.gov.uk .
Together, we can make a real difference for nature recovery in Staffordshire.
We are thrilled to introduce a new opportunity for you to contribute to the development of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Our interactive map is designed to collect valuable insights from the community about your favourite places to visit in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, as well as any ecological or environmental challenges these areas might face. This platform also allows you to share your suggestions for improvement. Your participation is essential in helping to shape our strategy.
About the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a key part of our commitment to enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable land use. Our goal is to create a detailed map that highlights areas of importance and identifies opportunities for nature recovery. By participating in this survey, you will help us gather essential data to support these efforts.
How to Participate
Click here to visit our interactive map and mark your favourite outdoor locations. Share any ecological and environmental concerns you may have, along with suggestions for improvement. You can plot as many places as you like. It only takes a few minutes to complete.
Spread the Word
We encourage you to share this survey with friends, family, and colleagues.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us: lnrs@staffordshire.gov.uk
As winter sets in, the wildlife in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent faces the challenge of surviving the cold months ahead. Understanding how these animals adapt and how we can help them is crucial for their survival. This December, let’s delve into the fascinating strategies of winter wildlife survival and explore ways we can support our local plants.
Many animals enter a state of hibernation to conserve energy during winter. Hedgehogs and bats are prime examples. Hedgehogs build nests from leaves and grass, while bats find sheltered spots in caves or buildings. During hibernation, their body temperature drops, and their metabolic rate slows down, allowing them to survive on stored fat.
Birds in Winter
Birds such as the robin, blackbird, and blue tit remain active throughout winter. They rely on berries, seeds, and insects for food. Providing bird feeders with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms can help them survive the harsh conditions. Additionally, keeping bird baths ice-free ensures they have access to water.
Mammals’ Winter Strategies
Red foxes and badgers do not hibernate but reduce their activity to conserve energy. Foxes grow thicker fur and hunt less frequently, while badgers stay in their setts for longer periods. Leaving natural debris like logs and leaves in your garden can provide shelter and foraging opportunities for these animals.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Amphibians such as the common frog and smooth newt seek out frost-free places to hibernate, like the bottom of ponds or under logs. Reptiles like the common lizard find crevices in rocks or burrow into the soil. Creating winter shelters in your garden can support these species.
Insects’ Winter Adaptations
Insects have various strategies to survive winter. Bees cluster together in their hives to keep warm, while butterflies like the peacock and small tortoiseshell find sheltered spots to enter a state of dormancy. Leaving areas of your garden undisturbed, with leaf litter and dead wood, can provide essential habitats for overwintering insects.
How You Can Help
Provide Food and Water: Set up bird feeders and keep bird baths ice-free. Offer high-energy foods to help birds maintain their energy levels.
Create Shelters: Leave natural debris like logs, leaves, and stones in your garden to provide shelter for mammals, amphibians, and insects.
Avoid Disturbing Hibernating Animals: Be mindful of hibernation sites and avoid disturbing them during winter.
By taking these steps, we can help ensure the survival of our local wildlife during the challenging winter months. Let’s appreciate the resilience of these creatures and do our part to support them.
As Autumn deepens, the ground is blanketed with leaves, inspiring us all to consider a spot of raking – or at least a brisk kick through the piles. This year, you may have noticed that the colours have been somewhat muted – likely due to the stretch of grey, rain-soaked days and recent storms that have swept through, dulling autumn’s usual vibrancy. Yet even in a season with fewer fiery displays, the annual cycle of leaf fall remains crucial for our local ecosystems. This annual process of renewal is deeply connected to nature recovery, laying the groundwork for healthier landscapes and aiding efforts to revive struggling habitats in Staffordshire.
To understand why this is so essential, let’s first delve into the fascinating science behind autumn’s colour change – an intricate process involving pigments, length of night, and weather.
Why do leaves change colour?
The brilliant colours of autumn leaves are the final gift of the year from deciduous trees, a breathtaking display created by hidden pigments within each leaf. Pigments are the natural compounds that give leaves their colours, each type producing its own distinct hue.
Throughout spring and summer, green chlorophyll is being constantly produced and repaired, helping trees soak up sunlight and produce sugars that sustain them. Trees also store these sugars for use during the winter dormant season.
In autumn, as the days become shorter and nights grow cooler, chlorophyll production slows and begins to break down in the leaves eventually allowing other pigments to be revealed. Carotenoids and xanthophylls bring forth shades of orange and yellow, casting a warm glow across the landscape.
The autumnal show is shaped by weather conditions, too. Perfect conditions for autumn colours include clear, sunny days followed by a series of mild cold fronts that gradually lower temperatures without leading to an early frost. Bright sunlight can also trigger a chemical reaction in some tree species that stimulates the production of anthocyanins, tinting leaves in vibrant reds, purples and crimsons. As is often the case in Britain, 2024 had other ideas, with grey, soggy weather dominating much of the season. Strong winds, like Storm Ashley in mid-October, also swept in early, causing leaves to fall before their colours could fully develop.
The author standing with Pando, the vast aspen clone in Utah, USA. The golden hues are brought on by crisp cold temperatures and clear skies found in this semi-arid, high elevation region in autumn. Image credit: Tristan Allerton
Seasonal cycles are essential for Staffordshire’s biodiversity
Autumn represents more than a seasonal change – it’s a crucial stage in nature’s cycle that supports biodiversity and ecosystem health. As trees shed their leaves, the resulting leaf litter enriches the soil, providing essential nutrients that sustain plants, fungi, and numerous organisms. This process is vital for forest and soil health, creating habitats for insects and feeding a variety of species. Leaf litter also supports local wildlife, offering shelter and food for creatures like woodlice, shrews, hedgehogs, and amphibians.
In Staffordshire, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) aims to strengthen these cycles by guiding residents to restore and enhance native woodland. By increasing tree cover and expanding natural areas, we allow the cycle of leaf drop and regeneration to continue undisturbed.
Image credit: Darren Tennant
The Roaches, with Hen Cloud and Tittesworth Reservoir in the distance— a popular spot for invigorating autumn hikes and a perfect place to connect with nature.
Autumnal processes, like leaf drop and decomposition, also play a role in broader environmental issues such as flooding, air quality, and climate change that affect us all. Leaf litter helps absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and flooding risks, while supporting plant growth that improves air quality. Trees contribute to the carbon cycle, influencing climate stability. Disruptions to these processes, such as climate change or habitat loss, can exacerbate these challenges. Supporting nature recovery, through the LNRS, strengthens these natural cycles, enhancing resilience and mitigating environmental issues.
As farmers and landowners carry out vital autumn tasks, such as harvesting crops and caring for livestock, their efforts contribute to nature recovery. Much of the autumnal beauty we see unfolds in the woodlands and fields they manage, not just in protected reserves, fostering a healthier landscape for all. These land stewards are playing an important role informing the strategy based on their decades of experience working with nature.
Play your role in providing for nature
One way we can support local wildlife is by considering the plants in our own gardens. Many species, like the hazel dormouse, rely on a variety of plants throughout the year for food. While blooms of oak, hawthorn, honeysuckle and bramble are important sources of food early in the year, dormice switch to nuts and berries like hazelnuts and blackberries in the autumn. By planting a mix of native species, we can help provide food for pollinators, invertebrates, birds, and mammals, even into the colder months. Creating plant diversity in gardens and landscapes can provide a steady food supply for these species throughout the year.
Image Credit: People’s Trust for Endangered Species
Hedgerows are a prime example of habitats that support local wildlife year-round. Plants like ivy and holly, often disliked by gardeners, play an important role in sustaining biodiversity into the autumn. Image credit: People’s Trust for Endangered Species.
Through the LNRS, we can enhance the benefits of these natural cycles, strengthening our landscapes and supporting a thriving ecosystem. To get involved, sign up for our newsletter and stay updated on upcoming events on our website.
Despite the soggy weather, vibrant autumn colours are still out there – so get outside and explore! For a quieter experience, consider visiting Staffordshire’s hidden gems like Swineholes Wood, Downs Bank, Consall Valley, or Chillington – lesser-known spots that offer beautiful autumn displays away from the crowds.
Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of our local ecosystems. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, these plants are perfectly adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, providing essential resources for wildlife. This November, let’s explore the importance of native plants and how we can support their growth and preservation.
Why Native Plants Matter
Native plants are the backbone of our local ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals. Unlike non-native species, native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, creating a balanced and sustainable environment.
Key Native Plants in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Crab Apple – Crabapple trees are small trees known for their beautiful blossoms and colorful, often edible fruits. Crabapple trees provide valuable habitat for wildlife. The leaves are a food source for many moths, and the autumn fruits are devoured by many birds.
Common Hawthorn – A small tree with white flowers in spring and red berries in autumn. The berries are a vital food source for birds, and the dense foliage offers excellent nesting sites.
Field Maple – A deciduous tree with distinctive lobed leaves that turn golden in autumn. Field maples support a wide range of insects and provide seeds for birds and small mammals.
Dog Rose – A climbing shrub with pink or white flowers and red hips in autumn. The hips are rich in vitamin C and are eaten by birds and small mammals. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators.
Teasel – A tall plant with spiky flower heads that turn brown in autumn. Teasels provide seeds for birds, especially goldfinches, and their dried flower heads offer winter interest in gardens.
How to Support Native Plants at Home
Plant Native Species: Choose native plants for your garden to support local wildlife. They are often more resilient and require less maintenance than non-native species. When buying plants, ensure they are grown in peat-free compost. Peat-based composts contribute to the destruction of wild habitats.’
Create Diverse Habitats: Include a variety of plants to create a rich and diverse habitat. This will attract different types of wildlife and help maintain ecological balance.
By planting and protecting native species, we can help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. This November, let’s celebrate our native plants and the vital role they play in our environment.
Following attendance at Hedgelaying Matches in Burton, Uttoxeter, Eccleshall and on his own farm LNRS liaison officer Richard Hollingsworth, a keen Hedgelayer outlines the importance of this craft.
When a hedge is continually machine cut it eventually becomes weakened with flat growth at the top and open gaps at the bottom, similarly if a hedge is left to grow naturally it becomes tall with gaps and becomes a line of small open trees, in either case the hedge will not fulfil its purpose as a stock proof boundary and have little value for wildlife.
The laying process involves cutting the grown plants , usually quickthorn with an axe or chainsaw and layering/pleaching at an angle which allows the hedge to regenerate providing a dense field boundary and providing shelter, food and protection for wildlife.
Hedgelaying has many regional styles depending on the landscape and type of livestock/ farming in the area. Staffordshire, Derbyshire or Midland Bullock most commonly found in this area.
You don’t have to be a farmer/landowner to be a hedgelayer and many people from all walks of life have taken up this rewarding job sometimes as a pastime but also as an alternative income stream throughout the winter months with rates usually £10 to £15 per metre depending on experience and the size of hedge.
If interested I would recommend enrolling on a training course. These are usually held throughout the country over 2/3 days to find out more nhls.training@hedgelaying.org.uk you will need a 3 and 7 Lbs axe, a small chainsaw and protective clothing to get started.
Hedges are also important in urban areas and can help to provide shade and shelter not just for wildlife but for people too, and can provide pollution control, prevent soil erosion and flooding.
Hedges can provide a secure boundary and alternative to walls and fences, if you don’t want a thorny hedge then consider field maple, hornbeams and hazel which also provide some amazing colours throughout the year. Find out more at Hedgelink.org.uk
Keele University, a leader in sustainability within the UK university system, provides an inspiring model for integrating nature recovery within low-carbon energy systems. This approach delivers multiple benefits for both nature recovery and addressing the climate crisis.
Their 617-acre campus boasts 12,200 solar panels and two wind turbines. Since their installation, research has shown rapid nature recovery, with newly established grassland habitats supporting a wide species diversity, including foxes, badgers, small mammals, birds of prey, and a wide variety of insects. This diversity is likely to be due to a switch in use from arable farmland to permanent grassland.
Keele University students and teachers frequently visit the solar field for teaching and research. Recently, second-year Geography, Environment, Ecology, and Conservation students visited the solar field as part of their Environmental Impact Assessment module.
To enhance the ecological value of solar fields, the university considers it crucial to incorporate habitat connectivity and maintain wilder field margins. This can be achieved by:
Providing space to establish hedgerows and small woodlands: These natural features connect habitats across the landscape, supporting wildlife movement and biodiversity, and helping to maintain healthy ecosystems
Preserving Wilder Field Margins: Ensuring that areas within and around the solar farm are left as tussocky or wildflower-rich grassland provides essential habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, while also improving soil health and water retention.
Considering beneficial management at the design stage: Biodiverse grasslands can be managed in several different ways, but good infrastructure design and maintenance regimes are vital to increase species diversity.
By combining these practices, solar developments can become more sustainable and beneficial for the environment.
The LNRS Core team is currently discussing multiple avenues for collaboration in supporting the development and delivery of the LNRS.
Keele’s sustainability leadership, vast green estate, and strong experience in engagement make them an ideal “Champion” for Staffordshire’s LNRS.
Their support will be key to raising awareness and involving the younger generation in nature recovery efforts.
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent offers a spectacular display of nature’s beauty. This season is a perfect time to explore the local wildlife and understand how we can protect and preserve these natural wonders.
Birds of Prey
Staffordshire is home to a variety of birds of prey, including the buzzard, sparrowhawk, and kestrel. These majestic birds can often be seen soaring high in the sky, hunting for small mammals and birds. Autumn is a great time to spot them as they prepare for the colder months ahead.
Mammals Preparing for Winter
Local mammals such as the European hedgehog and red fox are busy preparing for winter. Hedgehogs are building nests from leaves and grass, while foxes are increasing their food intake to build up fat reserves. You can help by creating hedgehog-friendly gardens with log piles and leaf litter. Hedgehogs travel miles every night in search of food. One of the biggest barriers they face is garden fencing, which can curtail their journeys. By cutting a small ‘doorway’ in the bottom of your fences, you’ll enable hedgehogs to travel more easily from garden to garden.
Autumn Flora
The region’s flora also puts on a stunning show in autumn. Look out for the vibrant colours of the field maple and rowan trees. There is a huge variety of fabulous fungi to look out for – from the bright red fly agaric to purple amethyst deceivers. These plants provide essential food sources for insects and birds.
Amphibians and Reptiles
As temperatures drop, amphibians like the common frog and smooth newt seek out hibernation spots. Reptiles such as the common lizard can still be seen basking in the autumn sun before they too retreat for the winter. Creating ponds and leaving areas of your garden undisturbed can provide vital habitats for these creatures.
Insects and Pollinators
Autumn is a crucial time for insects like bees and butterflies. Species such as the red admiral and peacock butterfly are still active, feeding on late-blooming flowers. Planting autumn-flowering plants like ivy and heather can help support these important pollinators.
How You Can Help
Create Wildlife Habitats: Leave areas of your garden wild, with log piles, leaf litter, and ponds.
Plant Native Species: Choose plants that are native to Staffordshire to support local wildlife.
Avoid Pesticide Use: Avoid using chemicals that can harm insects and other wildlife.
Participate in Local Conservation Efforts: Join local groups and initiatives to help protect and preserve natural habitats.
By taking these steps, we can all contribute to preserving the rich biodiversity of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Enjoy the wonders of autumn and take pride in protecting the natural world around us.
The LNRS team recently attended the Midlands Climate Change Expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse, where they had the opportunity to connect with residents, businesses, and community groups.
Throughout the day, the team engaged in meaningful conversations about the intricate links between climate change and nature. They emphasised the importance of collaboration in creating a sustainable future.
The event was a fantastic platform for sharing ideas, learning from others, and fostering a community dedicated to environmental stewardship.
The LNRS team is excited to continue these important discussions. If you would like to speak to the team, you can contact the LNRS Engagement Officers you can contact Tristan Allerton (tristan.allerton@staffordshire.gov.uk) or Richard Hollingsworth (richard.hollingsworth@staffordshire.gov.uk)
