New Doxey Marshes boardwalk nears completion despite wet weather delays

Installation of the new boardwalk across Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve is in its final stages, with work expected to wrap up over the coming weeks.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust confirmed that while the majority of wider habitat restoration work across the reserve is now finished, recent heavy rainfall has slowed progress on the final phases of the boardwalk project. Contractors will remain on site to complete the build and restore surrounding ground.

Remaining tasks include regrading footpaths, smoothing machinery ruts, resolving areas where water has pooled, reinstating boundary fences, general litter picking, and removing cobbles from the Warren’s Lane entrance.

Bridge installation and sustainable materials

Built using durable recycled materials designed to last for decades, the raised walkway has been introduced to help visitors navigate the reserve safely while protecting delicate wetland grounds from footfall erosion.

Once external contractors finish the main boardwalk, the Trust’s in-house team will install an additional footbridge over the section known as the Old Dead Arm to further improve visitor access.

Wider wetland restoration carried out across the reserve has already begun attracting local wildlife. Conservation teams have observed wading birds exploring newly created islands, dragonflies laying eggs in fresh pools, and insects moving into restored river habitats along the River Sow corridor.

Designed for summer access and winter floodplain storage

The Trust has reminded visitors that the boardwalk is tailored specifically to accommodate seasonal ground changes.

Recent landscape works mean parts of the reserve now intentionally hold water through dry summer periods, providing essential refuge pools for wildlife during droughts while keeping public rights of way accessible via the raised timber walkway.

However, because Doxey Marshes sits directly within the natural floodplain of the River Sow, water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. During wet winter periods and storm surges, the boardwalk will sit submerged and become temporarily impassable.

Visitors heading to the reserve over the coming weeks are asked to follow all temporary diversions and posted safety signs while contractors finish the remaining works.