This summer's extreme weather has highlighted just how vulnerable landscapes can be to a changing climate. Across parts of the country, prolonged dry conditions have left rivers depleted, grasslands scorched and wildlife under increasing pressure.
Scientists have forecast the return of El Niño, a climate pattern associated with higher global temperatures and an increased risk of extreme weather events. While no single weather system can be blamed for individual droughts or flooding, experts agree that climate change is making these events more frequent and more severe.
In response, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is restoring wetlands including Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve in Stafford and two sites in Stoke-on-Trent. This work will create natural systems that can store water during dry periods and reduce flood risk when heavy rain returns.
Wetlands act like natural sponges, holding water within the landscape rather than allowing it to drain away quickly. This helps to maintain healthier habitats during drought and supports wildlife. It can also increase resilience to extreme weather, supporting communities and providing them with nature-rich greenspace on their doorstep.
At Doxey Marshes, one of Staffordshire's most important wetland sites, restoration work is helping improve the natural function of floodplain habitats and create better conditions for wildlife. In Stoke-on-Trent, projects are restoring habitats and reconnecting people with nature while helping the landscape adapt to a changing climate.
But the work is about more than improving individual sites.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is helping create a Nature Recovery Network across the county, connecting wetlands, rivers, grasslands, woodlands and other habitats so wildlife can move more freely through the landscape.
These connections are increasingly important as species respond to changing environmental conditions. A connected landscape is not only better for wildlife, it is also better able to store water, reduce flooding, improve water quality and withstand periods of drought.
Dave Cadman, Head of Nature Recovery Networks at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said:
"When we restore wetlands, we're not just helping wildlife. We're creating landscapes that are better able to cope with the challenges of a changing climate. Healthy wetlands act like natural sponges, holding water in the landscape for longer during dry periods while helping to slow and store water during heavy rainfall.
"Through our work in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, we're restoring natural processes, creating bigger, better and more connected habitats. This work forms part of a wider Nature Recovery Network, linking habitats across the landscape so wildlife can move, adapt and thrive, while building resilience for communities too.
To explore the range of solutions available, the Trust is encouraging people to attend a People’s Emergency Briefing (PEB) screening, an event bringing together local communities to hear leading voices on nature, climate and environmental action.
"The good news is there are solutions, and we see lots of incredible steps taken by those in Staffordshire who want to be part of them. You can help by being informed and asking your local councillors and MPs about what they are doing for nature. " Dave adds.
For more information, visit: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/trent-renew
To find your nearest screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, visit: https://www.nebriefing.org/screening-map
