Nature restoration work is set to begin at a Stoke-on-Trent brook next month, creating natural habitats and supporting wildlife.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has announced that work is due to begin at Ford Green Brook on Monday 24 August (weather-dependent), with the project expected to take around five to six weeks.

The work aims to improve the brook and surrounding floodplain to support more wildlife and create a "better space for people to enjoy", without increasing flood risk.

SWT Living Floodplains Manager, Victoria Bunter, said: "We are so pleased to be able to bring real benefits to the wildlife that calls Ford Green Brook home.

"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 trust, alongside specialist environmental contractors, will begin by preparing the area and carrying out final checks, including wildlife surveys and a fish rescue.

The project aims to create a range of new habitats by digging shallow ponds, widening sections of the brook, and reshaping parts of the channel to allow the water to flow in a more natural way.

A spokesperson for SWT said: "These changes will create slower-moving water in some areas and deeper, faster sections in others.

"This variety is important for wildlife, helping different species to feed, shelter and breed. Features called riffles, shallow areas with stones that create movement in the water, will also be added to increase oxygen levels and improve conditions for fish and insects. "

The work will begin in the north part of the brook and move south, helping teams manage water flow and protect wildlife as the project progresses.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson says: "We're pleased to support this important project covering Ford Green Brook, which will bring lasting benefits for both wildlife and local people.

"By creating new wetland habitats and improving the natural river environment, we're helping to make the park a richer, more resilient place for nature to thrive.

"We know local people care deeply about their green spaces, and once established, these improvements will make Ford Green Brook an even better place to enjoy and connect with nature."

The trust said some trees will need to be removed to allow access for machinery. This work is planned to take place any time from the week commencing 10 August.

A spokesperson for SWT said: "As many trees as possible will be kept, and any that are removed will be reused to create habitats for wildlife.

"New growth is expected in the coming years, and the area will continue to develop over time. Ecologists will be on site to check for protected species, including birds and bats, before work begins. "

The trust also explained that careful planning and flood modelling have been carried out to make sure the work will not increase flood risk to nearby homes.

SWT hopes that the changes will help the brook function more naturally and support a healthier environment in the long term.

Once complete, the project aims to leave Ford Green Brook with a richer mix of wetland habitats, more wildlife, and a stronger, more resilient natural space for the future.

For more information, visit the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust website here.