This summer we’re doing environmental improvement works on the River Sow and its floodplain at Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve. This is part of our wider programme of habitat work across Stafford, and the county. The work is Funded by the Environment Agency.
Subject to weather conditions, and contractor availability, work is expected to start any time from 15 June. Once started, we expect the work to take about a month. The exact amount of time will depend on the contractor and the weather. All the work will be finished by the end of September.
Conservation on Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve Summer 2026
Living Floodplains Manager, Victoria Bunter, explains the conservation which is planned for Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve this summer
Golden-ringed dragonfly by Nick Mott/SWT
Rob Bendelow
Common frog (Rana temporaria) in garden pond in spring, Warwickshire, UK - Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Rob Bendelow
Amy Lewis
The work we do will increase the length of time water is held in the floodplain, without increasing flood risk to nearby neighbourhoods. Before we were given permission to do this work, we had to prove to the Environment Agency that the work would not make flooding worse.
We will remove artificial embankments along the river and make riffles (adding areas of gravel in the river) to help the water flow differently and make better habitat. This will also help fish and invertebrates (creatures that don’t have a spine, like dragonflies) by adding more oxygen into the water. In turn, this will help animals further up the food chain, like wading birds.
Some ditches will be expanded, to make more room to hold water on the nature reserve in shallow pools. This will keep it away from nearby homes during times of high water. It will also make better habitats for insects like dragonflies and frogs which need shallow waters. The spoil (or soil) that we remove from the ditches and embankments will be used within other existing pools to create more shallow areas for wading birds.
Lastly, we will repair the bund (embankment of earth) near the bird hide which has been worn away. This will help protect the bird hide from water when it is high.
During the works, there may be some disruption to footpaths on the reserve. We aim to minimise disruption where possible, as we know many people regularly walk through the nature reserve. Certain sections may be temporarily shut or re-directed while work is in progress. We are working with the Rights of Way officer and will also have a banksman on site. This is a person who works with the contractors and speaks to people who pass by to help them navigate the area safely. Information notices will be displayed showing a basic map of where the works will take place.
It’s very important while the work is taking place, that visitors follow any safety signage posted.
SWT
Have Questions?
We’re excited to make these improvements to Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve to help beloved wetland wildlife that calls this place home. If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQ below, or email our project team at: staffordbrooks@staffs-wildlife.org.uk
You can also call and leave a message with the reception team at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre: 01889 880100
FAQ
What work is planned at Doxey Marshes?
Environmental improvement works are planned on the River Sow and its floodplain at Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve. The project focuses on improving wetland habitats for wildlife while maintaining current flood protection for nearby communities. We will make banks to the river less steep and widen some ponds to make shallow wetland pools.
Why is this work being carried out?
The work will improve habitat for insects, fish, wading birds, and other wetland wildlife by helping water stay on the floodplain for longer and improving water quality. It is part of a wider programme of habitat improvements across Stafford and the county.
Who is funding the work?
The project is funded by the Environment Agency and delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
When will the work take place?
Subject to weather conditions and contractor availability, work may start at any time from 15 June. Once started, it is expected to last around one month, though it could be longer or shorter depending on weather and contractors’ equipment. All works will be completed by the end of September.
Will this increase flood risk to nearby homes?
No. The works are designed to not increase flood risk to nearby neighbourhoods. Before approval was given, it was demonstrated to the Environment Agency that flooding would not be made worse.
What changes will be made to the river?
Artificial embankments along the river will be removed, and gravel riffles will be added to certain areas of the channel. These changes will help water flow more naturally and improve conditions for fish and aquatic wildlife.
What are riffles?
Riffles are shallow areas of gravel placed within the river. Water flows gently over them, improving oxygen levels in the water and creating valuable habitat for fish and invertebrates, as well as feeding opportunities for birds.
What work will be done to ditches on the reserve?
Some ditches will be widened to hold more water during wetter periods. This helps keep water within the nature reserve and away from nearby homes when river levels are high.
What will happen to the soil removed during the works?
Soil excavated from ditches will be reused on site to create shallow areas within existing pools. These varied water depths are especially important for wetland and wading birds.
Will the bird hide be affected?
A small earth bund (embankment of earth) near the bird hide will be rebuilt where it has worn away. This will help protect the hide from high water levels in the future.
Will public access be affected?
There may be some temporary disruption to footpaths while work is taking place. Efforts will be made to keep disruption to a minimum. Information notices and maps will be displayed around the reserve to show where works are happening.
Will everything be flooded afterwards?
The water levels will go up and down with rainfall and seasonal weather, but we want to continue to allow people to connect with nature. We will install board walks in some areas where we expect there to be more water during the summer. The nature reserve is in a floodplain, so high levels of water are expected during winter months with no difference to typical levels seen during the winter period.
Will I be able to fish this summer?
There may be times when you cannot fish this summer. Because of the potential for disruption, we'll be freezing the cost of the annual fishing permits at £20 this year:
https://staffordshire-wildlife-trust-store.myshopify.com/products/fishing-permit-for-doxey-marshes
Is it safe to visit during the works?
Yes, but visitors are asked to follow all safety signage and instructions while the work is underway.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the project team:
- Email: staffordbrooks@staffs-wildlife.org.uk
- Phone: Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (Wolseley Centre) reception – 01889 880100