A nature reserve will double in size due to a generous gift left in a will, a wildlife trust has said.

The donation has secured more land at Jackson’s Coppice and Marsh Nature Reserve near Eccleshall, Staffordshire.

An area of wet woodland and marsh has been acquired alongside pastureland south of the River Sow. Public footpaths and a scheme to slow the flow of the river in heavy rainfall are being planned.

“This is fantastic news for wildlife and a wonderful example of how gifts in wills can create lasting change for nature,” Jeff Sim of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said. The donation was made by trust supporter David Aldred.

Plans for the floodplain land include coppicing mature alder trees and managing willow growth to support a greater diversity of plants and wildlife.

Under the trust’s ownership, the floodplain will enable the river to flow slower during heavy rainfall and will alleviate flooding downstream.

The reserve’s expansion provides public footpaths over the new land, so visitors will be able to explore different trails, the trust said.

“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,” Sim added.

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