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In the Staffordshire moorlands, near the popular Roaches, the Trent rises amongst peat and sphagnum. Meandering through a rich tapestry of life, provided by the moors, it then flows through Stoke-on-Trent, past Cannock Chase, across the lowlands of East Staffordshire, before it reaches its confluence with the Dove downstream of Burton-upon-Trent.
‘A healthy catchment starts with its headwaters’, this credo rings true for the Staffordshire Moors, where the Trent’s 271 km long journey begins. In the Staffordshire Trent Valley, large stretches of river and habitat remain intact, or simply need a helping hand in their recovery. Former open cast mines have made a spectacular recovery into attractive wetlands. Beyond the reserves, ancient woodlands, wetlands and peat are valuable habitats that support the wider health of the catchment.
Other parts of the river system have been modified more significantly. As the Trent meets Stoke-on-Trent soon after its moorland descent, urban and industrial pressures, as well as, modifications shape the river and affect its water quality. As it then flows through a predominantly agricultural landscape, irrigation, run-off and point-source pollution add an overwhelming amount of nutrients and pollutants to the Trent.
Beyond the main river, the Rivers Sow, Penk and Blithe mainly flow through Staffordshire’s rural landscape, briefly crossing Stafford on their journeys. At Blithfield Reservoir, the Blithe is impounded to supply water to the public in Staffordshire. While water supply is vital, the river coming to a grinding halt has a far-reaching impact on habitat connectivity and the flow of the river.
Overall, this catchment is one with potential. The catchment’s moorlands, wetlands, potential for reconnected floodplains, improved farming practice and Sustainable Drainage Schemes in cities play an important part in boosting the resilience of the Trent and its tributaries.
For the Trent, the pressure is on at source. The ecology in the catchment failing , as classified by the Water Framework Directive, only one water body is classed as ‘good’… No part of this catchment is in good chemical condition.
There are many reasons for the poor condition of the catchment. As the Trent weaves through urban areas early on, it is exposed to surface run-off, industrial pollution, litter, and sewage. Modifications and barriers throughout Stoke reduce the river’s capacity to restore itself through natural processes. This increases vulnerability, as modifications and barriers impede the flow and fragment habitat.
While improvements have been made in recent years, sewage remains a key issue. Ammonia and phosphate can overwhelm aquatic species and pollute further downstream. New development puts extra pressure on the existing surface water drainage arrangements, too. Often the system can get overwhelmed allowing poorly treated sewage to be released into the river.
Pesticides, sediments and phosphate enter the water course in rural areas. These can add to a toxic cocktail of chemicals that overwhelm river life. The pollution is carried further downstream adding to the problem.
In Newcastle and Stoke-on-Trent urban run-off introduces chemicals and microplastics to the watercourse. Stoke-on-Trent’s proximity to the Trent’s source make the need for improved urban water quality a priority.
In short, the habitat and the water quality of the upper reaches of the Trent are heavily impacted from the pressures from various sources. Through collaborative approaches that work with nature, implement catchment-sensitive farming practice we are implementing solutions and are sparking conversations at catchment-scale.
The Snipe is an Amber List species and has been under pressure in lowland wet grassland, such as the Staffordshire catchment. The bird, characterised by a long, straight beak, can still be found in small pockets of wetland, as it continues to benefit from restoration and conservation projects.
This ground-nesting bird is becoming increasingly rare, as habitat and human impact-intensifying farmland and curious dogs, pose a threat to this grassland-loving bird. In the Staffordshire catchment, the bird benefits from river buffers and floodplains.
Found in shoals, the chub is a common sight in the Trent catchment including the the Staffordshire Trent Valley. Its round, name-giving shape, silvery colour, blunt snout and big mouth, able to pick up on the odd slug makes the fish relatively easy to identify.
The partnership is coordinated by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. More information about the partnership can be found at www.catchmentbasedapproach.org.
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