River restoration projects completed

Two "major" river restoration projects have been completed in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has announced.

The projects aimed to create healthier rivers, better wetlands and opportunities for local people to enjoy nature at Bucknall Park and Ford Green Brook.

The work was delivered through the Trent ReNEW partnership by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Victoria Bunter, Living Floodplains Manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: "These projects show how much can be achieved when we give rivers more space to work naturally.

"The changes have created better homes for wildlife, but they will also make these parks even more enjoyable for local people, and more resilient in a changing climate. 

"It's exciting to think about how these places will develop over the coming years. As plants grow and more wildlife moves in, visitors will be able to see the benefits of the work for themselves." 

At Bucknall Park, the River Trent and its floodplain have been improved with new ponds, a wider river channel and habitat features for wildlife.