Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency recognised for 25 years of work in the Trent Valley
This week the two organisations were awarded the 2023 UK River Prize for their collaborative work over decades, restoring some of the counties rivers and waterways.
The award recognises projects such as SUNRISE, which saw the Trent at the old Victoria ground in Stoke re-routed, restored, and revitalised, benefitting local wildlife and local people.
Nick Mott, River Restoration Manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said: “It’s fantastic to receive national recognition for this work but most satisfying is knowing we’ve laid solid foundations for healthier rivers and streams in the county. The projects were only possible due to a strong collaborative approach and combined effort of many partners.
“It’s taken decades to begin to undo the damage that human intervention and hard engineering caused. For years, society tried to make our rivers fit around our towns, cities and farmland. However, we now know that we need to work with nature, not against it. Healthy natural systems will accommodate the ebb and flow of water levels far better than anything we can design or engineer.
The national award further recognises river restoration work across three areas: urban, headwater streams, and floodplain rivers. In total, over 20 kilometres of waterways have been restored for nature and people.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 21 April, 10am to 2pm - Health and Wellbeing Day at Biddulph Town Hall, hosted by Citizens Advice North Staffordshire, “come along and find out how community specialists can support you”. Health, debt, cost-of-living, bereavement, care, social prescribers, town council, more.
Friday 21 April - The Killing of Sister George opens at the New Vic theatre, “an iconic black comedy shot through with surprising moments of tenderness.”
Friday 21 & Saturday 22 April, afternoons - Earth Stories film festival, at Keele University and Mitchell Arts Centre. Free screenings of global short films to inspire climate action.
Saturday 22 April, 10am to 3pm - Climate Cafe at B arts in Stoke, free Earth Day and book related crafty activities in partnership with Stoke Reads.
Friday 28 April, 10am to noon - New Vic Theatre and Appetite are inviting local people to a ‘public conversation’ at Porthill Cricket Club, to tell them their stories as part of a project called Punjab to the Potteries, “inspire a new play about swapping South Asia for North Staffs.”
Friday 28 April, 10.30am to 4.30pm - Coronation of King Charles III Indoor Street Party at the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre, Burslem, “a fun-filled day, discover new designs, win Moorcroft pottery, enjoy a buffet lunch and more.” Ticketed.
Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May - City Nature Challenge. Can we get Staffordshire wildlife sightings trending on the global leader board? Get the app, get spotting, get recording.
Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 April - Lymelight Music Festival, Ironmarket and Guildhall stages, Newcastle town centre, “local up and coming artists provide a weekend of free, live music.” A Newcastle BID event.
Monday 8 May, 11am to 3pm - King’s Coronation Park Party, free event in Hanley Park. Live music, circus skills, magic shows, sports, crafts, entertainers.
Tuesday 9 May, 10.30am - Home Education Wildskills at Biddulph Grange, inviting children and parents to “connect with the outside world and learn a range of new skills.” A Staffordshire Wildlife Trust event, following the Forest School ethos. Booking essential.
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Photo of the Day
Overlooking the Trent and Mersey, a pleasant spot to while away an hour or two in the beautiful spring sunlight. Photo: Jerome Whittingham.
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