A nature reserve in Eccleshall will double in size due to a generous gift left in the will of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) supporter, David Aldred.

Jackson's Coppice and Marsh will soon be expanding as the donation has allowed SWT to purchase new land, creating more space for wildlife and habitat restoration work.

SWT said: "The newly acquired land extends the reserve south uphill of the floodplain and an area of wet woodland and marsh.

"The field beside the small car park has been purchased.

"This has been leased and managed by the Trust since the 1970s."

The newly acquired floodplain land is wet for much of the year and plans for the area include coppicing some mature alder trees and managing willow growth which will allow more sunlight into the marsh and create conditions which encourage a greater diversity of plants and wildlife.

Red-listed Yellowhammer birds will also benefit from the expansion, with the improved areas offering food and shelter.

Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves and Species Recovery at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: "This is fantastic news for wildlife and a wonderful example of how gifts in wills can create lasting change for nature.

"Thanks to David's generosity, we have been able to secure more land which will be protected for wildlife forever.

"The new land has got a lovely view at the top of a hill and a nice view down the valley of the River Sow.

"Over time, we'll create a richer mixture of habitats across the reserve.

"We'll help more wildflowers grow and increase scrub – areas of brambles and small trees.

"These will support pollinators, butterflies and farmland birds.

"It's an exciting future for this special place."

The floodplain is currently being investigated to assess if it would be suitable for future wild beaver releases.

Beavers were once widespread across the UK but were hunted into extinction in the 16th century for their meat, fur and castoreum (a secretion from beaver's scent glands that has been used in medicine, perfume and food since ancient times).

In 2025, the Government announced that beavers could be released into the wild under license.

Jeff said: "We are applying for a license to release beavers at certain points across Staffordshire and one of these points could be Jackson's Coppice and Marsh."

Sometimes known as 'nature's architects', beavers are extremely helpful to both humans and wildlife.

They can reduce flood risk by slowing and storing water which can also be useful during droughts.

Jeff continued: "The releases would be done in consultation with all of our neighbours, landowners and local people.

"It's very much at the planning stage at the moment but over the next few years, we could start to see Beavers being released into the wild in Staffordshire."

SWT said: "Visitors will also benefit from the reserve expansion.

"There are public footpaths over the new land, so visitors will be able to add more time to their walk after or before enjoying the existing nature reserve trails."

Jeff encourages people to leave money to SWT in their will and that no matter how much, "everything is absolutely valued" because of the positive impact it can have on the future of local wildlife.

People can also help by becoming members, volunteering and making donations.