Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s well used bird hide at the reserve, in Stafford, has suffered from problems such as damage, graffiti, drug use and littering in the past few years.

The charity wants the bird hide to be an enjoyable place to view wildlife at one its most popular sites.

Doxey Marshes is one of the Trust’s largest nature reserves and a designated Site of Special Interest. The 121-hectare wetland is a great place to spot an array of wildlife such as lapwing, snipe and redshank, as well as a whole host of other species.

The Trust is encouraging people to still use the hide, and to gain access they’ll now have to ask for a combination padlock code by emailing info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk ahead of their visit.

Jeff Sim, Senior Conservation Manager, said: “We want the bird hide to be a safe place for people to enjoy the wildlife on offer at the site, and for them not to worry about anti-social behaviour, damage or litter.

“We want to encourage people to enjoy wildlife at Doxey and for the site to remain an enjoyable place to be.”

The metal door is due to be installed towards the end of October.

For more information about Doxey Marshes visit https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/doxey-marshes