A family of beavers are set to be moved into a degraded peat bog near Newcastle-under-Lyme to help stop it from being lost forever. 

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) needs to raise £25,000 by Christmas to facilitate the release of the "master munchers" at Craddocks Moss so they can help restore the fragile habitat. 

The lowland bog is under threat as saplings and brambles have crept in, drying out the peat and releasing carbon into the atmosphere, and it's hoped the beavers will be able to clear them.

Jeff Sim, head of nature reserves and species recovery, at SWT said: "Beavers are master munchers – they'll quickly curb the spread of saplings and brambles which are threatening to engulf and dry out this bog. 

"We dream of making this place wetter and wilder, but we can't do it alone. 

"Beavers will naturally clear the plants as they build their dams and lodges, rewetting the peat and keeping the bog healthy. 

"This is vital because dry peat releases carbon – and we want to keep that locked safely in the ground." 

Craddocks Moss. (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust)

Peat bogs are a naturally occurring carbon sink, meaning restoring them is a way of tackling climate change. 

But before the beavers are introduced, SWT needs to create an enclosure the size of 26 football pitches, footpaths and a viewing platform for the public. 

This work, equipment and ongoing monitoring will cost £175,000, of which £25,000 is left to raise.

It's hoped the introduction of beavers will also mean more bats, dragonflies and birds will thrive there in the years to come. 

Jeff added: "We need to raise £25,000 by Christmas, so we can carry out all the work needed before we release the beavers next spring.

"Every donation – big or small – brings us one step closer to welcoming these amazing creatures to Craddocks Moss."

Find out more about the fundraiser here.