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Improving our rivers and brooks

We've been using exciting new techniques to improve the health of the Churnet Valley's rivers and create better habitats.

Don't be surprised if you see more fallen trees and wood debris in our rivers. We've been putting it there deliberately because it makes the water so much better for wildlife. It creates more sheltered places for fish and the insects they eat and better places for them to breed. That's good for our fisheries and the fishermen.

The fallen wood obstacles make the water flow more complex and slower, which makes flooding less likely.

We are working with all river users and the nearby businesses that can affect water quality to reduce pollution. Working together we have made a big difference.

Tirforing a tree into position at Cotton Dell

Cleaning up the rivers has obviously made this a safer place for people, especially children, to visit.

Hear more about


Hear Nick Mott from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, explain the value of this work

Hear about the Churnet Valley rivers

Hear about fish in the Churnet Valley rivers

Hear about where you can go to see this work in action