Jackson's Coppice and Marsh Nature Reserve near Eccleshall, Staffordshire, will expand to twice its current footprint following a substantial bequest, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has announced. The expansion, funded by a legacy from the late David Aldred, a long-standing supporter of the trust, secures additional land comprising wet woodland, marsh habitat, and pastureland situated south of the River Sow.
The 8-hectare reserve, which forms part of the Staffordshire Rivers Living Landscape, will undergo significant habitat management and infrastructure improvements as a result of the acquisition. The trust's 2025 annual accounts confirm that the land purchase was funded by Aldred's legacy, demonstrating the transformative potential of philanthropic support for conservation.
How will the expanded reserve benefit wildlife?
The newly acquired floodplain land will enable habitat restoration on a substantially larger scale than previously possible. Management plans include coppicing mature alder trees and regulating willow growth to foster greater plant and wildlife diversity across the site. These interventions will create conditions supporting a wider range of species dependent on wetland and woodland ecosystems.
We can restore habitats on a much bigger scale, making more of a difference to the wildlife that relies on these places to live, feed and breed, explained Jeff Sim of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, highlighting the conservation significance of the expansion.
What flood management benefits will result?
Under the trust's stewardship, the floodplain will function to reduce water velocity during periods of heavy rainfall, thereby mitigating flood risk in downstream communities. The slower flow of the River Sow across the expanded reserve will provide natural flood attenuation, protecting properties and infrastructure in lower-lying areas during extreme weather events.
How will public access be enhanced?
The reserve's expansion will introduce new public footpaths traversing the acquired land, enabling visitors to experience a broader range of habitats and walking routes. The trust has committed to developing trail infrastructure that allows exploration of the wet woodland and marsh environments, enriching recreational opportunities for local communities.
This is fantastic news for wildlife and a wonderful example of how gifts in wills can create lasting change for nature, Sim remarked, underscoring the role of testamentary giving in advancing conservation objectives.
What happens next?
The reserve remains open to visitors at all times, with the trust identifying April to May and July to September as optimal periods for visiting. According to a recent news update published on 18 September 2026, the expansion will introduce orchids, birds, and expanded walking routes as part of the reserve's major development. Visitors planning to explore the site should check the trust's website for updates on completed footpath installations and habitat management progress.
Key Facts:
- Jackson's Coppice and Marsh will double in size following a legacy gift from David Aldred
- The expansion includes wet woodland, marsh, and pastureland south of the River Sow
- Habitat management will involve coppicing alder trees and managing willow to increase biodiversity
- The floodplain will reduce river flow during heavy rainfall, alleviating downstream flooding
- New public footpaths will provide enhanced access to diverse habitats across the expanded reserve
