A project to restore nature at a Stoke-on-Trent park is set to take place next month.

The work at Bucknall Park, funded by the Environment Agency is due to begin on Monday 17 August, weather-dependent, with the project expected to take around three weeks.

The project aims to improve the river and surrounding floodplain to support more wildlife, while not increasing flood risk.

Victoria Bunter, Living Flood Plains Manager from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT), said: "This is an exciting project for Bucknall Park. It will help create better spaces for wildlife and make the park an even more interesting place for people to visit.

"By improving the river and floodplain, we are helping nature recover and thrive."

SWT said that specialist contractors will be on site to prepare the area before creating new habitats for plants and animals.

This work includes digging shallow ponds, widening parts of the river, and creating what's known as a chute - where land is dug so water can reconnect to an area of floodplain.

A short section of footpath will be removed to create new wetland habitats closer to the river. A new path of the same length will be created nearby.

The trust also said "every effort will be made to retain as many trees as possible" with trees that are removed reused to create natural habitats, and new native trees planted in their place.

Before work starts, ecologists will also check for nesting birds and bats and ensure appropriate protections are in place.

This project builds on earlier work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Environment Agency, including the removal of a weir, which has already helped fish move more freely upstream.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: "We're pleased to support this important project at Bucknall Park, 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 Bucknall Park an even better place to enjoy and connect with nature."

A spokesperson for SWT added: "Detailed checks and modelling were completed to make sure the work will not increase flood risk. The changes will help water flow into the park during high rainfall, which can help reduce pressure on nearby homes.

"Once finished, the project will give Bucknall Park a healthier river, more wildlife and a stronger natural environment for the future."

For more information, visit the SWT website here.