Brook revamp work aims to make wildlife thrive

Nature restoration work is set to start at a Staffordshire brook in a bid to boost wildlife and make the area more attractive.

Ford Green Brook, which flows through part of Stoke-on-Trent, would be improved during the project, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said, along with the surrounding floodplain.

The project would create a range of new habitats for plants and animals, turning it into a "better space for people to enjoy".

"We are so pleased to be able to bring real benefits to the wildlife that calls Ford Green Brook home," said Victoria Bunter, from the trust.

"By creating a range of natural habitats, we're making space for wildlife to thrive. It will also make the area a more interesting and enjoyable place for local people to visit and enjoy nature."

The work will begin on 24 August and is expected to take about five to six weeks, depending on the weather.

Contractors will begin by preparing the area and carrying out final checks, which include wildlife surveys and safely moving fish.

New ponds will be created while parts of the brook will be widened and some of the channels reshaped to allow the water to flow "in a more natural way", the trust said.

Some trees would need to be removed to allow access for machinery and the organisation said they would keep as many as possible, while those removed would be reused to create habitats for wildlife.

Ecologists will be on site to check for any protected species, including birds and bats, before any of the trees are cut down.

The project would begin in the northern part of the brook and move south, which the trust said would help teams manage water flow and protect wildlife.

"Careful planning and flood modelling have been carried out to make sure the work will not increase flood risk to nearby homes," a spokesperson added.

"The changes will help the brook function more naturally and support a healthier environment in the long term."

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