New project to restore and improve popular Staffordshire woodland

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is set to launch an exciting new project to enhance one of the county’s most popular woodlands for both people and nature.

Thanks to this funding we can improve people’s access and enjoyment of the woods. We’re very grateful to the Veolia Environmental Trust for this opportunity and look forward to seeing people visiting and enjoying the numerous benefits of spending time in nature.

Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

The Trust has secured £126,988 from the Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund to carry out improvements. These will include planting new broadleaf trees, repairing well-used paths and creating new waymarked trails and information points at Hem Heath Woods near Barlaston.

The work is set to begin on Monday 24 November with pathway resurfacing and continue over the winter months. This will give newly planted trees the best chance to thrive and ensure path improvements cause minimal disturbance to wildlife.

The project will replenish the woodland following the necessary removal of ash trees in 2024 due to the devastating ash dieback disease, while also making the site more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

In addition, from spring 2026, volunteers will help regenerate and expand the woodland’s display of British bluebells. They’ll collect seed heads after flowering and plant them in suitable areas. While it will take several years for the new bluebells to establish, this long-term investment will ensure the woodland continues to flourish for future generations.

A pathway winds through a lush woodland with delicate blue/purple flowers growing beneath the trees

Hem Heath Woods by CN Harding

An area of woodland where the trees have been felled/cleared and debris covers the floor.

Hem Heath Woods by CN Harding

A young girl walks along a path through bluebells in a wood. She wears a bright red/pink waterproof suit.

Child at Hem Heath Woods by Adrian Clarke

Jeff Sim, Head of Reserves and Species Recovery for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says: “Hem Heath Woods is an oasis for people living in the surrounding urban area. It also provides a place of refuge for so much wildlife; birds, bugs and various creatures all need this space.

“Thanks to this funding we can improve people’s access and enjoyment of the woods. We’re very grateful to the Veolia Environmental Trust for this opportunity and look forward to seeing people visiting and enjoying the numerous benefits of spending time in nature.”

Andrew Brown from Veolia Environmental Trust said: "The Trust is delighted to have awarded £126,988 through the Landfill Communities Fund to improve accessibility at Hem Heath Woods. We know that the project will both improve community wellbeing and protect the local environment, and we look forward to seeing residents enjoying improved access to nature.”

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust expressed its gratitude to the Veolia Environmental Trust and the Landfill Communities Fund for supporting the project, which will secure the future of the woodland for people and wildlife alike.