The River Trent in Staffordshire has been listed as one of 10 waterways in the country where wildlife is under threat because of pollution.

The Trent, which has its source on the southern edge of Biddulph Moor in Staffordshire and runs through Rugeley and Stone, forms part of the Our Rivers campaign by the RSPB, WWF, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association. It paints a different picture to that of the Environment Agency, which last month released a list of the 10 most improved rivers in England and Wales.

Conservationists have now criticised that report, saying it presented a rosy view of river health and ignored the fact many waterways are struggling with pollution. The agency has said a multi-billion pound improvement programme is under way.

Wildlife experts are worried about a section of the River Trent from Stoke-on-Trent to the confluence of the River Tame which is designated “poor” for all fish.

This is because urban pollution has resulted in unacceptable levels of ammonia and phosphate in the water.

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