Water is often taken for granted despite its profound significance. Whether it’s a refreshing sip to quench our thirst or a luxurious bath at the end of the day, water is always there for us but something we rarely truly appreciate. The river flowing by our feet during an outdoor ramble and the water gushing from our showers are all part of a larger cycle. And our interaction with water in our homes directly affects the breath-taking landscapes we all cherish and love to explore. Quite simply the more water we use, the less water there is for wetland habitats and reservoirs. So get thinking next time that tap is dripping!

To help establish a meaningful connection between individuals and the water they use, CCW has launched 'Walking with Water', an initiative to inspire people of all ages to explore and appreciate the places where water comes from, such as rivers, streams and reservoirs. We think this matches with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's mission to safeguard local wildlife and preserve the beauty of our natural surroundings perfectly.

To help get you in the adventuring mood, CCW recommends getting outdoors and exploring the ideal ‘Walking with Water’ beauty spot of Tucklesholme, a Staffordshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and important feature of the Trent Valley landscape. Please note the main footpath has a diversion in place while river restoration work is taking place.

Tucklesholme is a former gravel quarry that closed in 2018 and opened to the public in 2019. Since its closure, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has worked to create high-quality habitats for wading birds like the little ringed plover and snipe, as well as waterfowl such as tufted ducks and great crested grebes. The reserve also boasts sprawling grasslands where the songs of skylarks fill the air during spring and summer.

To ensure minimal disturbance to the diverse wildlife, the Trust has installed fences and screened viewing points, allowing visitors to observe creatures in their natural habitat. The site is easily accessible via excellent footpaths, and numerous benches are strategically placed along the way, if you want a shorter or more leisurely walk. For a more extensive excursion, a circular route is available, encompassing one side of the lake, the riverbank, and the opposite side of the lake leading back to the car park.

The longer circular walk starts by following the path alongside the lake. Proceeding ahead you will spot a viewing screen (1) where you can pause and attempt to spot the various bird species present, so keep your adventurer’s booklet handy! After passing through a gate, continue on the left side, walking alongside the river. Here, you may catch glimpses of goosanders, commonly found on rivers during the summer, as well as sand martins flying in and out of their nests in the sandy riverbanks (2).
Pass through small patches of woodland and cross a bridge, staying leftward until you reach a viewing platform (3). Take a moment to rest and relish the view from this vantage point. Resume your journey by re-joining the path, parallel to the railway line. As you continue, you will reach another viewing screen (4), which is a perfect place to observe the birdlife in the vicinity. Keep going until you arrive at the car park, concluding your exploration of the area. 

Enjoyed this walk? There are lots more available on the 'Walking with Water' hub: www.walkingwithwater.org.uk. This website provides a comprehensive directory of walking routes offered by water companies across England and Wales. We encourage you to explore the website and see what waterside walks are near.  

Complementing the website is a booklet designed specifically for younger explorers. This booklet aims to help children establish a connection between their water usage at home and its impact on the natural landscapes they explore. There is a fun checklist of things you might see on a water walk, a space to draw your route and a home pledge to encourage responsible water use from an early age. It’s available from nature centres across England and Wales, and it’s also free to download from www.walkingwithwater.org.uk/. This free resource is available at The Wolseley Centre (and other nature centres across England and Wales), and is also available to download below.