Plans to create 500 hectares of woodland across Staffordshire set for approval

Plans to restore wildlife habitats across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, including the creation of 500 hectares of woodland and 10 kilometres of hedgerow, are set to be considered by council chiefs.

Staffordshire County Council's cabinet will discuss the Local Nature Recovery Strategy on November 18, with the proposals aimed at protecting wildlife and tackling biodiversity loss across the county.

The strategy identifies areas where work to restore and improve habitats could have the greatest impact, helping to guide future environmental projects and local decision-making.

As well as creating new woodland and native hedgerows, the plans include restoring 20 neglected historic orchards or creating new traditional orchards, restoring or creating 30 hectares of heathland and re-wetting 50 hectares of habitats including bogs, peatland and fen.

A Local Habitat Map has also been developed to highlight existing wildlife sites and identify areas where habitats could be created or improved.

The proposals have been drawn up following an eight-week public consultation in June and July, which included engagement events and two webinars.

Feedback from residents, farmers, landowners and environmental organisations helped shape the final strategy, with landowners also given the opportunity to suggest changes to the habitat map.

The county council has led the work through the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Nature Recovery Partnership, which includes local councils, the Peak District National Park Authority, Natural England and representatives from wildlife, farming and community groups.

Patrick Allen, cabinet member for communities and culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Staffordshire’s countryside is home to a huge variety of wildlife, habitats and landscapes, and we have a responsibility to protect them.

"This strategy gives us a clear plan for restoring habitats, supporting wildlife and preventing biodiversity loss.

"It has been shaped by communities, farmers, landowners and environmental organisations, and I want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and helped us get to this point.

"Now we need to turn that plan into action so future generations can continue to enjoy nature just as we do."

The strategy has been developed in line with requirements under the Environment Act 2021.

If approved for publication, the nature recovery partnership will oversee its delivery and help coordinate projects aimed at improving wildlife habitats across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.