Two "major" river restoration projects have been completed in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has announced.

The projects aimed to create healthier rivers, better wetlands and opportunities for local people to enjoy nature at Bucknall Park and Ford Green Brook.

The work was delivered through the Trent ReNEW partnership by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Victoria Bunter, Living Floodplains Manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: "These projects show how much can be achieved when we give rivers more space to work naturally.

"The changes have created better homes for wildlife, but they will also make these parks even more enjoyable for local people, and more resilient in a changing climate.

"It's exciting to think about how these places will develop over the coming years. As plants grow and more wildlife moves in, visitors will be able to see the benefits of the work for themselves."

At Bucknall Park, the River Trent and its floodplain have been improved with new ponds, a wider river channel and habitat features for wildlife.

A new stretch of path has also been created, leading visitors to a sculptural bench, creating a loop in the path network.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says the changes have created more places for fish, birds, amphibians and insects to live, feed and breed, while also improving the park for local visitors.

At Ford Green Brook, parts of the brook were temporarily stopped and reshaped to give the water space to find its own route through the valley (a process called infilling).

The trust explained that this helps reconnect the brook with its floodplain and creates a more natural mix of pools, shallows and wetter habitats for wildlife.

Detailed flood modelling was carried out before the work took place to ensure that nearby homes and businesses would not be put at risk.

The finished site now includes new ponds, riffles and wetland habitats.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We are delighted to have supported these projects and to see work completed at both sites.

"Bucknall Park and Ford Green Brook are important green spaces for local communities, and these improvements will help them thrive for many years to come.

"The projects show how we can work with nature to improve the environment, support wildlife and create great places for people to visit."

Vicki Liu, Catchment Co-ordinator for Staffordshire Trent Valley at the Environment Agency added: "Healthy rivers are vital for both wildlife and local communities, which is why we're proud to fund projects like Trent ReNEW.

"The work at Bucknall Park and Ford Green Brook has helped create more natural river habitats, improve conditions for wildlife and strengthen the connection between rivers and their floodplains.

"Importantly, all of these improvements have been carefully designed and assessed to ensure they do not increase flood risk to nearby homes and businesses."

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